The spouse of St. Louis City SC soccer player Eduard Lowen has passed away following her fight against brain cancer, the team confirmed Monday. Ilona Lowen was 28 years old at the time of her death, local media outlets reported.
St. Louis City SC shared news of her passing through an official statement on their social media platforms.
“We grieve alongside Edu and all those impacted by this loss and ask the CITY community to keep them in your prayers during this difficult time. Ilona was a beautiful example of love, humility, and kindness and will be deeply missed,” the club statement said, in part.
Medical professionals discovered the brain cancer in 2024 following Ilona’s complaints of intense headaches. Following several surgical procedures, physicians informed the family that the disease had reached Stage 4 and was beyond treatment options. She had previously received a diagnosis for a non-cancerous brain tumor.
The 29-year-old midfielder has remained absent from competition this season, though he attended his team’s season opener where he discussed his obligations to his spouse and his commitment to supporting her.
“We get a lot of support from family, from friends, but sometimes there are just moments and things that only I can take care of and I want to take care of because, obviously, I’m the husband,” he said, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “There are just certain responsibilities that sometimes force me or also I want to step away and take care of her. Sometimes there are just unexpected things that happen.”
The German-born Eduard Lowen competed professionally in his home country before joining St. Louis City in 2022. Throughout 71 regular-season Major League Soccer appearances, including 62 as a starter, he has recorded 17 goals and contributed nine assists.
Delaware Department of Transportation maintenance teams are conducting litter removal operations along a stretch of Interstate 495 connecting Newport and Claymont today.
The cleanup work is taking place on both the northbound shoulder area and the southbound median strip, with crews scheduled to complete their efforts by 5 PM this afternoon.
Motorists traveling through this section of I-495 may encounter slower traffic or lane restrictions while the maintenance operation is underway.
A rare baseball card featuring New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge has shattered modern collecting records after selling for an unprecedented $5.2 million.
The sports memorabilia company Fanatics Collect revealed Thursday that it facilitated the private transaction involving a 2013 Judge Bowman Chrome Draft Superfractor card. This unique item bears the player’s signature and represents the only card of its kind ever produced. Both the purchaser and seller have chosen to keep their identities confidential.
“We’re incredibly honored to have brokered this record-breaking deal and to be part of such a momentous moment in hobby history,” Fanatics Collect said in a statement.
This sale surpasses the previous modern baseball card record of $3.936 million, which was paid in 2020 for a singular 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor card signed by Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout.
Another notable recent sale involved a Shohei Ohtani card featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star, which fetched $3 million this past December.
The Judge collectible has experienced explosive growth in value since its last transaction through a Fanatics Premier auction in 2022, when it sold for $324,000. This card was produced four years prior to Judge’s official rookie card releases, coinciding with the Yankees’ selection of Judge as their first-round pick (32nd overall) in the 2013 MLB Draft.
The 33-year-old Judge first appeared in the major leagues during August 2016. His impressive career achievements include earning 2017 American League Rookie of the Year honors, capturing three AL MVP awards (2022, 2024, 2025), and making seven All-Star appearances.
During his most recent season, Judge dominated offensive statistics across Major League Baseball, posting a .331 batting average, .457 on-base percentage, and .668 slugging percentage while leading the American League with 124 walks.
While this represents a record for modern baseball cards, it doesn’t claim the top spot among all sports collectibles. According to Card Ladder, the highest-priced card sale ever recorded was $12.9 million for a 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant dual NBA Logoman patch autograph card, sold through Heritage auction on August 23, 2025.
The most expensive baseball card remains a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle graded SGC 9.5, which commanded $12.6 million on August 28, 2022, ranking second among all card sales.
Judge’s card, currently tied for seventh place overall, may not maintain its modern-day record status for long. Fanatics Collect is presently conducting an auction for a 2025 Topps Chrome Dual MVP Ohtani & Judge Gold MLB Logoman Auto 1/1 card. The auction concludes March 19, with current bids already surpassing seven figures.
MOSCOW – The leader of the United Nations’ nuclear monitoring organization held talks Thursday with Russia’s top nuclear energy executive about preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, according to the Russian state corporation.
Rafael Grossi, who leads the International Atomic Energy Agency, traveled to Moscow for meetings with Russian officials and is scheduled to sit down with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday, according to the TASS news agency.
Russia’s state nuclear company Rosatom announced that its chief executive Alexei Likhachev met with Grossi to address key matters. “On the eve of the meeting, the head of the state corporation (Rosatom) Alexei Likhachev and the Director General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi discussed strategic issues concerning the enforcement of the non-proliferation regime and the development of nuclear energy in the world,” the company stated.
Rosatom did not provide additional information about what was discussed during their conversation.
Federal banking regulators working under President Trump are set to release revised capital requirements this month that will reshape how major financial institutions calculate risk and determine reserve funds for potential losses.
The updated “Basel Endgame” regulations have generated significant debate since their initial introduction in 2023 during the Biden administration, prompting fierce resistance from major Wall Street institutions who argued the rules would damage lending practices and economic growth.
However, opponents of the banking industry contend that financial institutions currently hold substantial cash reserves and that modifications to these regulations would undermine important protections established following the 2007-09 financial crisis, particularly as geopolitical tensions from Iran-related conflicts and declining private credit markets create market instability.
Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman announced Thursday that the revised proposal, when paired with adjustments to additional capital regulations, will moderately decrease capital requirements for numerous lending institutions.
Understanding the Basel Framework
The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision operates under the Bank for International Settlements in Basel, Switzerland, working to establish consistent global minimum capital standards that enable banks to withstand loan defaults during economic downturns.
Following the 2007-09 worldwide financial crisis, the committee developed the “Basel III” framework, incorporating multiple capital, leverage and liquidity mandates for banking institutions. International regulators have spent years implementing these standards, with the “endgame” version, finalized in 2017, representing the concluding phase.
The Federal Reserve spearheads this initiative in America, collaborating with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
Reasons for the New Proposal
The initial 2023 Basel proposal, developed under Bowman’s Democratic predecessor Michael Barr, suggested increasing capital by 16%. Major banks warned this could elevate their requirements by up to 20%. This surprised the financial sector, which anticipated the regulation would redistribute capital while maintaining relatively stable overall amounts.
Banking institutions responded with an extraordinary lobbying campaign and public relations effort, including attack advertisements during football broadcasts, claiming the regulations were unwarranted since banks already maintained adequate capital levels and would harm lending, small businesses and economic growth. Financial institutions also threatened legal action.
Barr committed to revising the regulation, but the three regulatory agencies failed to reach consensus on implementation, allowing the matter to transition to the Trump administration, which has typically supported industry positions.
Proposal Objectives and Expected Effects
The American proposal would restructure how large banks assess risk and subsequently determine appropriate capital reserves against potential losses. Primary focus areas include credit risk, market risk and operational risk.
Bowman stated Thursday that the new proposal would “right-size” requirements to better address risks while reducing redundancies. The modifications would also provide banks relief for activities regulators consider less risky and wish to encourage, including mortgage lending.
For smaller banking institutions, the plan would establish new standardized risk measurements that would “moderately reduce” their requirements and promote lending activities.
Overall, Basel regulations are still anticipated to slightly increase capital for the largest, highest-risk banks. However, when combined with changes to surcharges imposed on risky global or “GSIB” American banks, capital at major Wall Street institutions would decrease by “a small amount,” according to Bowman.
The GSIB Surcharge Explained
The GSIB surcharge mandates that eight major American banks considered globally risky maintain additional capital reserves. These large institutions have long advocated for updates to the surcharge calculation methodology.
Bowman announced Thursday that the Fed intends to update certain calculation components, which remained fixed since 2015, to account for economic growth and more accurately represent bank size relative to the global economy. The Fed had previously considered this modification, but efforts stalled during the broader Basel controversy.
The Fed also plans to adjust requirements for reserves related to short-term funding risks, as Bowman argued these had become more expensive than originally anticipated.
Opposition Perspectives
While regulatory specialists acknowledge the reasonableness of questioning capital allocation methods, many argue that current system-wide amounts are appropriate and that reducing capital and liquidity mechanisms will ultimately weaken financial system protections. Thursday, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, who helped develop regulations implemented after the 2007-09 crisis, stated the changes endanger the economy.
Research conducted by Stephen Cecchetti, a Brandeis International Business School professor who analyzed comprehensive Fed loan data spanning more than ten years, discovered no clear evidence that higher bank capital requirements resulted in reduced lending by American banks, Reuters reported in 2024. Cecchetti also contributed to post-crisis Basel rule development.
Future Steps
Bowman indicated the Fed will vote on the proposals shortly and public feedback will be accepted. Regulators have expressed intentions to proceed quickly, but the proposals are extensive and complex, potentially requiring many months to finalize drafts.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have temporarily shut down Exit 148 on southbound Route 1 following a vehicle collision.
The exit closure is currently in effect as emergency responders and cleanup crews work to clear the accident scene and ensure roadway safety.
Drivers traveling southbound on Route 1 should plan for delays and consider using alternative routes to reach their destinations while the exit remains blocked.
DelDOT has not yet provided an estimated timeline for when the exit will reopen to traffic.
PHILADELPHIA — When NBA players chase the legendary records of Wilt Chamberlain, his nephew Olin keeps his television tuned in and his phone close by, ready for the family group chat to explode with excitement.
Each time someone threatens to surpass one of “Uncle Dippy’s” achievements — that’s what family members called the late basketball icon — the relatives start buzzing with anticipation.
The next opportunity arrives Thursday evening as Oklahoma City’s reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander faces Boston, attempting to extend his consecutive games with 20 or more points to 127. This would eclipse Chamberlain’s record of 126 straight games set between 1961 and 1963, during which he never scored fewer than 20 points throughout the entire 1961-62 season while playing for the Philadelphia Warriors.
From his Philadelphia residence, 50-year-old Olin — whose father Oliver was Wilt’s brother — enthusiastically supports Gilgeous-Alexander’s pursuit while working to preserve Chamberlain’s memory through a memorial scholarship program. Breaking one record doesn’t concern him, Olin explains, since Chamberlain still owns approximately 60 NBA records.
“He has so many that one won’t affect it,” Olin Chamberlain said with a laugh. “He left such a legacy.”
Current NBA superstars continue generating headlines that feature Chamberlain’s name and accomplishments.
Since 1962, Chamberlain’s single-game scoring record of 100 points remains untouched.
Miami’s Bam Adebayo moved into second place Tuesday night against Washington with 83 points, while also establishing new league records for free throws made and attempted in one contest. This performance once again highlighted Chamberlain’s dominance 53 years after his final season. Kobe Bryant holds third place with 81 points.
“Wilt, me, then Kobe, which sounds crazy,” Adebayo said.
The Chamberlain family takes pride in everything Wilt accomplished both during games and in his community involvement.
Michelle Smith, another of Chamberlain’s nieces, emphasized how the former 76ers legend actively participated in community activities and always honored autograph requests. She believes her uncle would enthusiastically support Gilgeous-Alexander’s record attempt and encourage others to challenge the 100-point milestone, unlike some former players who prefer their records to stand forever.
“His name is there already. It’s a chance for somebody to come up and break a record and be known to break his records,” said Smith, whose 90-year-old mother Selena was Wilt’s sister. “They feel good about it, as well. They made him like a God in basketball, so when people break his records, they feel some kind of way. They feel great like, ‘Oh yeah, I’m up next to Wilt now.’”
Many of Chamberlain’s achievements remain virtually impossible to match in today’s NBA.
Several scoring records appear completely unreachable: highest points per game average in one season (50.4 during 1961-62); most 50-point performances in a single season (45 in 1961-62); most career regular-season games with 60 or more points (32); and most career regular-season 50-point games (118).
“When people begin to speak about Wilt, they just can’t believe all that he accomplished,” said Chamberlain’s friend and 76ers’ executive advisor to the CEO, Sonny Hill. “He never gets his just due. It’s almost like he just scored 100 points. Well, 100 points is not the greatest thing that he did. He had a season where he averaged 50.”
The 89-year-old Hill — who nicknamed his friend “Dip” — first encountered Chamberlain when both were 12 years old competing in Philadelphia’s Baptist Church league. Hill describes Chamberlain as resembling a Paul Bunyan-like figure in sports mythology, partly because limited video exists from his prime playing years. Similar to questioning the moon landing, some people have doubted Chamberlain’s 100-point game due to the era, despite existing radio coverage from that night in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Hill appreciates performances like Adebayo’s and streaks like Gilgeous-Alexander’s because they introduce Chamberlain to younger fans.
“It’s another way of saying, well there was a Wilt Chamberlain,” Hill said.
However, some of Chamberlain’s records have been surpassed. Most recently, Joel Embiid established the 76ers’ scoring record with 70 points in January 2024, breaking Chamberlain’s franchise mark of 68 points that had lasted since December 16, 1967.
“Wilt never did this?” Embiid said in astonishment after the game.
Next comes the record Gilgeous-Alexander has pursued since scoring 30 points against Portland on November 1, 2024.
“It keeps the Big Fella’s legacy alive when people get close to a record or even break a record,” Olin Chamberlain said. “I’m not one of those people that says, hey, I don’t want to see anything broken. Don’t get me wrong, that 100-point game, that’s a legacy record. But the game is changing, these guys want to see their peers in the record books.”
Smith monitors the family chat where she says with laughter her cousins “bust it up and take it to another level.” There, they cheer for Adebayo, Gilgeous-Alexander, and all others pursuing Chamberlain’s records and his treasure trove of incredible achievements.
“We are so proud to have that legacy because everyone doesn’t,” Smith said. “To continue to just have him not being forgotten is key. His legacy and who he was is and who he was is still out there. People are still talking about him and want to still talk about him and know about him. That’s the key.”
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The space agency announced Thursday that its massive lunar rocket has received approval for an April departure carrying four crew members, following the completion of essential maintenance work.
The towering 322-foot rocket is scheduled to emerge from its hangar and return to the launch platform next week at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, setting the stage for a potential liftoff as soon as April 1st. This mission will represent the first human voyage to the moon since the early 1970s.
The Artemis II mission was originally scheduled to send its crew on a lunar flyby mission earlier this year, but technical difficulties including fuel system leaks and other mechanical issues with the Space Launch System rocket caused significant delays.
While NASA successfully resolved hydrogen fuel leak problems at the launch site in February, a separate issue involving helium flow systems required engineers to transport the rocket back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for additional repairs, pushing the mission timeline into April.
The agency has a narrow window of just a few days in early April to proceed with launch before operations must pause until late April through early May.
Recently, NASA’s newly appointed administrator Jared Isaacman revealed significant changes to the Artemis program structure. Expressing concerns about the program’s sluggish progress and extended delays between lunar missions, he introduced an additional practice mission in Earth’s orbit scheduled for next year. This orbital flight will become the new Artemis III, while the planned moon landing mission involving two astronauts has been redesignated as Artemis IV. Isaacman has set ambitious goals for one or possibly two lunar surface missions by 2028.
This week, NASA’s Office of Inspector General issued a cautionary audit report emphasizing the need for comprehensive emergency response procedures for future lunar crews. The report highlighted increased risks associated with landing operations near the moon’s south pole compared to the Apollo missions’ equatorial landing sites, citing the challenging polar landscape.
SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, and Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, have both intensified their development efforts to meet NASA’s lunar lander requirements under the revised 2028 timeline. However, the inspector general’s assessment identified numerous technical hurdles that remain unresolved, particularly the complex process of refueling spacecraft while in Earth’s orbit before proceeding to lunar destinations.
Salisbury University’s track and field athletes have received major recognition following an outstanding indoor season performance.
The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association revealed yesterday that 16 Sea Gulls earned All-Region recognition for the 2026 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field campaign. The impressive showing placed these student-athletes on the Mid-Atlantic regional team.
The announcement from New Orleans highlights the strength of Salisbury University’s track and field program during the recently concluded indoor competition season. The USTFCCCA selections recognize top performers across various events throughout the region.
BEIRUT (AP) — Following evacuation warnings to civilians, Israeli forces launched airstrikes on a densely populated residential and commercial area in central Beirut, claiming they were targeting Hezbollah facilities. The military operation struck a structure in the Bashoura neighborhood on two occasions, representing the nearest assault to the city center since the conflict between Israel, the U.S., and Iran commenced.
This report features a collection of photographs selected by Associated Press photo editors.
JERUSALEM — The Israeli military announced Thursday it will not pursue charges against five soldiers who faced accusations of physically and sexually abusing a Palestinian prisoner, in an incident that was partially recorded on video.
The controversial ruling concluded a divisive case that has split Israeli society since the soldiers’ detention in 2024 at the Sde Teiman military facility. Their arrest sparked outrage among far-right government officials and extreme nationalist groups, who staged violent protests at the prison.
While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the military’s decision, human rights advocates condemned it as overlooking serious abuse within Israel’s wartime detention system.
“Israel’s military advocate general just gave his soldiers license to rape — so long as the victim is Palestinian,” declared Sari Bashi, who leads the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel, following the case dismissal. She characterized the ruling as “the latest in a long line of actions that whitewash abuses against detainees whose frequency and severity have worsened since Oct. 7, 2023.”
Netanyahu endorsed the outcome, stating that “the state of Israel must pursue its enemies, not its heroic fighters.”
The dropped criminal charges detailed allegations that the soldiers dragged a Palestinian detainee across the floor, trampled on him, used a taser, and committed sexual assault by penetrating his rectum with an object. Medical treatment at an Israeli hospital revealed the prisoner had suffered broken ribs and rectal injuries requiring surgical repair before his return to detention.
Public awareness of the abuse allegations intensified when Israeli media aired leaked surveillance footage of the incident in August 2024.
The recording depicted masked soldiers removing a handcuffed detainee from where he lay face-down with other Palestinians in an enclosed area, then moving him to a section they blocked from view with protective barriers.
Military legal officials justified Thursday’s dismissal by arguing the video evidence failed to demonstrate abuse severe enough for criminal prosecution and had been inappropriately disclosed to news outlets. They also cited the Palestinian victim’s release to Gaza as creating uncertainty about his availability to provide testimony during trial proceedings.
Following months of questions about the video’s leak, Military Advocate General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi — the military’s chief legal officer — revealed in November 2025 that she had authorized its public release. She explained her intention was to demonstrate the severity of the abuse and justify the military’s obligation to conduct an investigation.
After facing intense criticism from Netanyahu’s administration, she suddenly stepped down and vanished, prompting an urgent search that located her on a Tel Aviv beach without her phone. Authorities later retrieved the device, potentially containing evidence related to her case, from the ocean.
The Associated Press had previously examined claims of harsh treatment and abuse at Sde Teiman prior to the surveillance footage becoming public.
The detention center was established following the October 7, 2023 attacks to house Palestinians detained during Israel’s military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. The classified facility rapidly became controversial as staff members and former detainees reported instances of mistreatment and torture, leading Israeli civil rights organizations to petition the nation’s highest court for its closure.
Israel has faced ongoing criticism for allegedly failing to prosecute soldiers for offenses against Palestinians, with such accusations increasing during the Gaza conflict. Israeli officials maintain their forces operate within military and international legal frameworks and conduct thorough investigations of reported misconduct.
The Treasury Department announced Thursday that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will conduct trade discussions with China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng over the weekend in Paris, setting the stage for President Trump’s planned state visit to Beijing that begins March 31.
While Beijing has not yet publicly acknowledged these weekend negotiations between Bessent and He, they appear to serve as preliminary preparations for the state visit, which China also has not officially confirmed. The White House has indicated Trump plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with the visit widely viewed as an effort to maintain stability between the globe’s two biggest economies.
In a statement, Bessent said, “Thanks to the bonds of mutual respect between President Trump and President Xi, the trade and economic dialogue between the United States and China is moving forward. Under the guidance of President Trump, our team will continue to deliver results that put America’s farmers, workers, and businesses first.”
This will mark Trump’s first presidential trip to China since his 2017 visit during his initial term. The upcoming visit occurs five months following the leaders’ meeting in Busan, South Korea, where they established a one-year ceasefire in their trade dispute that had previously escalated tariffs to triple-digit levels before both nations stepped back.
Business leaders and policy experts plan to monitor the Bessent-He discussions closely for hints about potential deals when Trump and Xi convene in Beijing, particularly regarding whether China might increase purchases of American goods like soybeans and aircraft, and how both countries will address their trade deficit issues.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently described the coming period as a “big year” for U.S.-China relations. Though he stopped short of confirming the state visit, Wang noted that “the agenda of high-level exchange is already on the table.”
Wang added, “What the two sides need to do now is to make thorough preparations accordingly, create a suitable environment, manage the risks that do exist and remove unnecessary disruptions.”
Bessent and He have been spearheading trade discussions between both nations since the previous year, conducting meetings across multiple cities including Geneva, London, Stockholm, Madrid and Kuala Lumpur.
Security forces killed an armed individual Thursday after he crashed a vehicle into Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, according to a source speaking to The Associated Press.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard reported that the perpetrator deliberately drove through the synagogue’s entrance and continued down the hallway with clear intent, striking a security guard in the process.
“Security personnel opened fire on the vehicle,” Bouchard stated during a news conference.
The attacker was discovered deceased inside the vehicle, though Bouchard noted authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of death. The wounded security guard received medical treatment at a local hospital and is anticipated to recover fully.
According to an anonymous source familiar with the investigation, the vehicle ignited after the collision with the building. The individual, who carried a rifle during the assault, targeted what is considered the country’s largest Reform Jewish congregation.
Authorities continue efforts to establish the perpetrator’s identity and determine what motivated the attack. Officials emphasized the investigation remains in preliminary stages, with the source requesting anonymity due to the ongoing nature of the inquiry.
This incident occurs amid heightened security concerns at Jewish religious facilities worldwide, particularly following escalated tensions since the U.S. and Israel initiated military action against Iran with missile strikes on February 28.
Federal authorities have issued warnings about potential Iranian operative plans for drone strikes targeting California locations. Additionally, two individuals brought explosive devices to a far-right demonstration outside the New York mayor’s residence last Saturday, with investigators claiming Islamic State extremist ideology influenced their actions.
The Michigan attack mirrors a previous incident in Manchester, England, where an assailant used a vehicle to strike people near an Orthodox synagogue during Yom Kippur in October. That perpetrator killed two people with a knife before police fatally shot him.
Sheriff Bouchard confirmed that synagogue security engaged in armed confrontation with at least one individual, noting no suspects remained in custody following the incident.
WASHINGTON — As military action against Iran has driven fuel costs sharply higher, President Donald Trump has changed his messaging strategy, now portraying elevated oil prices as beneficial rather than focusing on keeping energy costs affordable for consumers.
This shift in approach occurs while Trump’s administration has yet to present a concrete strategy for reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz, leaving numerous oil and natural gas tankers unable to navigate the crucial waterway.
“The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money,” Trump posted Thursday on his social media platform.
This represents a dramatic change from just one month ago during his State of the Union speech, when Trump celebrated gasoline prices at $2.30 per gallon. That figure has now climbed over 50% to reach a nationwide average of $3.60 per gallon, based on AAA data.
This reversal highlights how Trump’s domestic political calculations now conflict with his international military objectives. The timing creates challenges for his party with November’s midterm elections approaching. While Trump previously credited elevated gas prices with helping him unseat former President Joe Biden, he expressed no concern Saturday about current rising costs potentially affecting voter sentiment or forcing an early end to the conflict.
Financial firm Goldman Sachs warned Thursday that their projections indicate higher oil prices will drive up inflation, slow economic growth, and increase unemployment rates by year’s end.
Oil prices on international markets have fluctuated dramatically in response to Trump’s changing statements and as shipping companies avoid the Strait of Hormuz. Thursday saw global crude oil benchmark prices reach $100 per barrel.
“The swings in Brent crude oil prices over the past several days are eye-catching and odds are volatility will remain because of the absence of a timeline for when the conflict will deescalate and when the Strait of Hormuz, which is effectively closed, will see traffic begin to recover,” analysts at the consultancy Oxford Economics concluded on Wednesday.
Trump has delivered conflicting statements regarding his plans to resolve the shipping crisis. During Monday’s press conference, he assured that the Strait of Hormuz “is going to remain safe” despite being designated a danger zone, asserting that U.S. Navy presence and tanker insurance would maintain security.
However, by Tuesday, he warned on Truth Social that Iran would face “Military consequences” at “a level never seen before” if mines were placed in the strait, later emphasizing that American forces were destroying Iran’s mine-laying vessels.
Wednesday brought another confusing development when Energy Secretary Chris Wright briefly posted that the U.S. Navy had successfully escorted a tanker through the waterway, only to delete the inaccurate statement shortly afterward.
Following initial reluctance to utilize strategic oil reserves, Trump announced Wednesday that America would coordinate with other nations to release oil supplies aimed at reducing prices. The administration later specified it would draw down 172 million barrels. However, experts suggest this coordinated international release will likely stabilize rather than significantly lower oil prices.
“Such a move will slow rather than stop rising oil prices and offer a temporary salve to the searing burn of rising gasoline prices,” said Joe Brusuelas, chief U.S. economist at the consultancy RSM.
The administration also indicated it might suspend Jones Act requirements mandating U.S.-flagged vessels for domestic port-to-port shipping. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described this temporary measure as ensuring “vital energy products and agricultural necessities are flowing freely to U.S. ports.”
Energy Secretary Wright appeared on television Thursday to acknowledge the conflict was creating “a significant disruption” in immediate gas prices, while attempting to highlight long-term advantages of neutralizing Iran’s threat to America and Middle Eastern allies.
Despite Trump’s Wednesday assertion that “the straits are in great shape” and his suggestion that oil companies should utilize them, Wright could not specify when the U.S. Navy might begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, the bottleneck responsible for current price increases.
“It’ll happen relatively soon, but it can’t happen now,” Wright told CNBC. “We’re simply not ready. All of our military assets right now are focused on destroying Iran’s offensive capabilities.”
Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States is conducting high-level discussions with Cuban officials, asserting that Cuba is anxious to negotiate an agreement that would reduce tensions between the neighboring countries amid the island nation’s worsening economic struggles.
While Cuba’s leadership has rejected claims that formal negotiations are taking place, they have not specifically refuted media reports suggesting that American officials have been meeting with Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of Cuba’s former leader Raul Castro, who remains highly influential at age 94.
Cuba’s chief diplomatic representative to America indicated his nation is “ready to engage with the U.S.” regarding bilateral relationships, provided that Cuba’s independence and self-governance rights are honored, according to Thursday’s Los Angeles Times coverage.
“We are sure that it is possible to find a solution,” stated Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera in her interview with the publication.
Should these discussions be occurring, they would coincide with America’s intensification of economic penalties against Cuba through an almost complete petroleum embargo, following the January 3 capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by US forces, which eliminated a vital Cuban partner from leadership.
DOES RAUL CASTRO STILL HOLD POWER?
Raul Castro participated in the revolutionary struggle with his elder sibling Fidel that overthrew an American-supported government in 1959 and remained his brother’s dedicated defense secretary for many years. He rose to the presidency initially as an interim leader when Fidel became sick in 2006, then permanently assumed control when Fidel stepped down in 2008. Following Fidel’s passing in 2016, Raul became the sole unifying figure among supporters of the Cuban revolution.
He continues to maintain power despite relinquishing the presidency in 2018 and Communist Party leadership in 2021, now holding the ceremonial position of army general.
During his 2018 inauguration, current President Miguel Diaz-Canel declared that Raul Castro “will lead the most important decisions for the present and future of the nation.”
This influence was demonstrated as recently as December 2025, when Cuba’s Communist Party was preparing to select Diaz-Canel’s replacement at a crucial party congress this year. Raul Castro suggested delaying the congress indefinitely due to Cuba’s economic difficulties, and the party’s Central Committee unanimously supported his recommendation.
WHO IS RAUL GUILLERMO RODRIGUEZ CASTRO?
Nicknamed “El Cangrejo” or “The Crab” due to his hand condition, Rodriguez Castro, age 41, is considered among his grandfather’s most trusted advisers. Having served as Raul Castro’s former security detail, he remained close to his grandfather during Raul Castro’s presidential term, often appearing in Interior Ministry military dress. Reports indicate he holds the military rank of lieutenant colonel.
Cuban authorities did not respond to inquiries regarding Rodriguez Castro’s background or potential involvement in diplomatic discussions.
Axios reported on February 18, citing three anonymous sources, that Rodriguez Castro was conducting confidential discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Miami Herald reported on February 26, based on unnamed sources, that officials connected to Rubio met with Rodriguez Castro during a regional Caribbean Community conference in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Trump administration has been conducting confidential, senior-level discussions with multiple individuals within Raul Castro’s close circle, US Representative Mario Díaz-Balart informed the Miami Herald.
Rodriguez Castro is the child of Raul’s daughter Deborah Castro Espin and the deceased General Luis Alberto Rodriguez Lopez-Calleja, who led the military business organization GAESA. Throughout Raul Castro’s presidency, GAESA gained control over the government’s most significant enterprises, including hospitality, finance, logistics, and retail sectors. Rodriguez Lopez-Calleja passed away from cardiac arrest in 2022 at 62. Media sources indicate Rodriguez Castro may have assumed responsibilities within his deceased father’s enterprise.
This family background positions Rodriguez Castro at the convergence of Cuba’s political authority and its most influential economic entity, potentially making him a valuable intermediary for Washington.
Rodriguez Castro has never made public statements or participated in media interviews.
WHAT ABOUT ALEJANDRO CASTRO ESPIN?
If “El Cangrejo” is serving as an unofficial communication channel between Havana and Washington, he would be fulfilling a comparable function to his uncle and Raul Castro’s son, Alejandro Castro Espin, who led previously confidential negotiations that represented a significant policy change by the United States regarding Cuba during Barack Obama’s administration.
Family connections seem crucial. Neither of the younger Castro family members held formal diplomatic positions. Raul Castro similarly served as a trusted advisor to his older brother Fidel.
Alejandro Castro Espin, 60, is thought to have been marginalized after his father stepped down from office, although the Interior Ministry colonel may have been promoted to brigadier general.
International divisions deepened Thursday as the United States and its Western partners faced off against Russia and China during a heated United Nations Security Council session focused on Iran’s nuclear activities.
During the meeting of the 15-nation council, which the U.S. currently leads, Moscow and Beijing attempted to prevent discussions regarding a committee responsible for monitoring and implementing UN sanctions against Iran. Their effort failed by a vote of 11-2 with two countries abstaining.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz criticized Russia and China for attempting to shield Iran from scrutiny by obstructing the work of what’s known as the 1737 Committee.
“All member states of the United Nations should be implementing an arms embargo against Iran, banning the transfer and trade of missile technology, and freezing relevant financial assets,” Waltz stated.
“The U.N. provisions to be re-imposed are not arbitrary, but instead, narrowly scoped to address the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear, missile and conventional arms programs and Iran’s ongoing support for terrorism,” he added.
Waltz alleged that both nations opposed an effective sanctions committee “because they want to protect their partner, Iran, and continue to maintain defense cooperation that is now once again prohibited.”
The American envoy highlighted that the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency recently confirmed Iran remains the sole non-nuclear weapon state globally to produce and stockpile uranium enriched to 60 percent levels, while denying IAEA inspectors access to these materials.
Russia’s UN representative Vasily Nebenzya countered that the United States and allies had “whipped up hysteria surrounding supposed plans Iran had to get a nuclear weapon” without IAEA verification.
“This was done in order to undertake yet another military venture against Tehran and to ensure great escalation of the situation in the Middle East and beyond,” he declared.
China’s delegate Fu Cong labeled Washington the “instigator” of the Iranian nuclear crisis, saying it had “resorted to blatant use of force against Iran during the negotiation process, which rendered the diplomatic efforts futile.”
President Donald Trump has pointed to Iran’s nuclear development as grounds for military action against the country. He claimed this month that Iran was just two weeks away from obtaining nuclear weapons before U.S. forces targeted three major nuclear facilities in June, though intelligence sources reportedly question this assessment.
Both Britain and France supported reinstating Iranian sanctions during the Security Council session, citing Tehran’s failure to address nuclear program concerns. France noted the IAEA could no longer verify the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities and stated Tehran possessed enough nuclear material for ten weapons.
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware women’s soccer program has elevated a key staff member to a higher position within the coaching ranks.
Head coach Kelly Lawrence announced Wednesday that Shannon Coley will take on the role of associate head coach, marking a significant step up for the longtime Blue Hens assistant.
Coley has served as an essential member of Delaware’s women’s soccer coaching staff for the past three seasons, helping guide the program through recent campaigns.
The promotion reflects Coley’s growing influence and contributions to the Blue Hens soccer program as Lawrence continues to build her coaching structure in Newark.
Unfortunately, the original article content appears to be incomplete or corrupted, showing only technical elements and attribution links rather than the full story details. The available information indicates that Sandy Ludeman, the inaugural chairman of the United Soybean Board, has been presented with the Tom Oswald Legacy Award for his contributions to the soybean industry.
Without access to the complete article content, specific details about the award ceremony, Ludeman’s accomplishments, or quotes from the recognition event cannot be provided at this time.
The Delaware State University women’s tennis squad put up a strong fight but ultimately fell to Towson University in a narrow 4-3 defeat on Saturday, March 7 in Towson, Maryland.
The Hornets showed resilience throughout the competitive match, managing to secure three victories against their opponents. Despite their determined effort, DSU was unable to overcome Towson’s slight edge in the closely contested battle.
The loss highlights the competitive nature of collegiate tennis, where matches can be decided by the smallest of margins. The Delaware State women’s tennis program continues to demonstrate their ability to compete at a high level against quality opposition.
Communities across America are launching initiatives to provide no-cost childcare services as officials recognize the urgent need for family support. This nationwide movement extends far beyond New York City’s recent efforts to expand childcare access.
Local governments are examining this emerging pattern and exploring different methods to finance these programs. Officials are investigating various funding strategies to make childcare accessible to working families in their communities.
The trend reflects growing recognition among municipal and state leaders that affordable childcare represents a critical need for families and economic development in their regions.
Property owners in Virginia’s Northampton County now have access to a new tool designed to combat real estate fraud through an innovative alert system launched by the Circuit Court Clerk’s office.
The newly implemented VADeed Alert service provides free notifications to residents whenever official documents involving their property are filed with the court system. This proactive approach aims to help homeowners quickly identify and respond to potentially fraudulent activity targeting their real estate assets.
Deed fraud has become an increasingly concerning issue for property owners, as criminals attempt to illegally transfer ownership or use properties as collateral without the legitimate owner’s knowledge. The alert system serves as an early warning mechanism, notifying property owners immediately when any paperwork affecting their land or buildings is officially recorded.
Residents interested in enrolling in this protective service can sign up at no cost. The system represents part of ongoing efforts by local government officials to leverage technology in protecting citizens from sophisticated fraud schemes that target one of most people’s most valuable assets – their homes and property.
The Circuit Court Clerk’s office encourages all property owners in the county to take advantage of this preventive measure to safeguard their real estate investments and maintain awareness of all official activity involving their properties.
A forgotten backpack outside the Dover Division of Motor Vehicles office led to a temporary evacuation Tuesday morning while authorities investigated the suspicious item.
Delaware Capitol Police launched their investigation after a DMV worker spotted the unattended package outside the Dover facility. Law enforcement officers arrived on scene and confirmed the presence of the suspicious item, leading to the precautionary evacuation of staff and customers from the building.
The Delaware State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was called in to examine the package. After determining it posed no threat, officials gave the all-clear for people to return inside.
Police investigators were able to track down the person responsible for leaving the backpack. Their investigation revealed the individual had visited the DMV location the day before to conduct routine business and accidentally left the bag behind.
Authorities now believe the backpack was simply forgotten and found no indication of malicious intent or any attempt to disrupt DMV operations.
The incident began around 11:45 a.m. when police first responded to the scene. The DMV office was able to resume normal operations by approximately 1:30 p.m.
Crude oil experienced its steepest single-day decline since 2022 on Tuesday, dropping more than 10% as investors grew optimistic about potential de-escalation of Middle East conflicts. While stock markets in Asia and Europe posted significant gains, American markets moved in the opposite direction with U.S. equities closing slightly lower.
Market analysts are drawing comparisons between current stresses in private credit markets and the subprime mortgage crisis of 2007. Though this doesn’t necessarily signal an impending global financial crash, experts warn investors should remain vigilant about underlying market risks.
The trading day showcased unusual market dynamics, with timing proving especially critical for oil traders who faced record-breaking intraday price swings. Crude oil fluctuated within a $36 range on Monday, creating conditions where leveraged positions could generate or destroy significant wealth within minutes.
Market sensitivity to news headlines became apparent when oil prices extended their decline after U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright posted on social media about navy escorts through the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting supply constraints might be easing. However, the post was removed shortly after, causing oil to rebound approximately $10, with additional support from CBS reports indicating U.S. intelligence detected potential Iranian plans to deploy mines in the strategic waterway.
Key market movements included solid Asian gains, particularly South Korea’s 6% surge, and European benchmark indices rising as much as 3%. Conversely, the S&P 500 declined 0.2% while the Nasdaq and Dow ended flat. In U.S. sectors, only communications services and technology posted gains, while energy dropped 1.3%. Top Dow performers included 3M, Cisco, and Caterpillar, while Boeing, Salesforce, and Chevron led declines. Oracle jumped 8% in after-hours trading.
Currency markets saw the dollar weaken as safety demand diminished, with the Australian dollar leading G10 performers and Chile’s peso topping global gains at 2%. Bond markets experienced yield reversals, ending slightly higher at the long end with curve steepening of up to 4 basis points, though the three-year auction showed weakness.
Commodity markets reflected the day’s volatility, with oil tumbling 11% in choppy trading while gold declined 2%.
Meanwhile, China’s export engine accelerated dramatically, with shipments surging 22% in the first two months of 2024, more than tripling December’s growth rate and exceeding Reuters forecasts. The January-February trade surplus reached $213 billion. As tariffs reduce U.S.-bound shipments, Chinese trade with other regions is flourishing, potentially breaking last year’s record $1.2 trillion trade surplus. This contrasts sharply with German export data showing January’s fastest decline since May 2024.
Looking ahead, market watchers will monitor Middle East developments, energy market movements, Japanese wholesale inflation data, German CPI figures, European Central Bank officials’ speeches, U.S. Treasury’s $39 billion 10-year note auction, U.S. CPI inflation data, and Federal Reserve Vice Chair Michelle Bowman’s remarks on supervision and regulation.
Database software giant Oracle Corporation experienced a significant stock price boost Tuesday evening, with shares climbing 8% in after-hours trading following the company’s optimistic projections about artificial intelligence revenue lasting through 2027.
The technology firm announced that surging demand for AI data center services will drive revenues well past what Wall Street analysts had predicted, helping to ease investor worries about whether Oracle’s expensive multi-billion dollar investment in AI infrastructure would deliver returns fast enough.
A crucial metric called remaining performance obligations, which indicates future contracted revenue, skyrocketed 325% compared to the previous year, reaching $553 billion and surpassing the $540.37 billion projection from four Visible Alpha analysts.
According to a company statement, the majority of this quarter’s RPO growth stems from major AI contracts where Oracle “does not expect to have to raise any incremental funds.”
Oracle also boosted its revenue projection for fiscal 2027 to $90 billion, exceeding analyst predictions of $86.6 billion based on LSEG data.
eMarketer analyst Jacob Bourne commented on the results, saying “Oracle’s quarter is a beat and a stress test result for the AI trade.” He added, “As the most debt-exposed major player in AI infrastructure, Oracle is the canary in the coal mine and this report suggests there’s underlying health in AI spending beyond the hype.”
The company, traditionally recognized for database software and business applications for financial services, has been transforming itself into a cloud computing infrastructure rival in recent years by hiring top executives from competing firms.
Oracle’s aggressive data center expansion strategy has allowed it to secure a portion of the rapidly growing artificial intelligence market. The firm has been investing heavily to expand its cloud infrastructure capabilities for generative AI applications, challenging major competitors like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.
The company also revealed it has been reorganizing its product development divisions, as emerging AI code generation tools allow it to create more software products faster with smaller teams.
Oracle posted total quarterly revenue of $17.19 billion, beating analysts’ average projection of $16.91 billion according to LSEG data.
Looking ahead to its current fiscal fourth quarter, Oracle forecasts adjusted earnings between $1.96 and $2.00 per share, above analysts’ expectations of $1.94 per share.
The company anticipates fourth-quarter revenue growth of 19% to 21%, matching analysts’ estimates of 20.2% growth to $19.12 billion. Oracle also projected cloud revenue growth of 46% to 50%, aligning with estimates of 48% growth to $9.98 billion, according to LSEG information.
Aerospace manufacturer Boeing has secured a substantial $289 million agreement with Israel to supply up to 5,000 precision-guided bombs, according to a source who spoke with Reuters on Tuesday.
The agreement is separate from current U.S.-Israeli military operations targeting Iran, with weapon deliveries not expected to commence for another 36 months, Bloomberg News previously reported, citing an individual with knowledge of the deal.
When approached for comment by Reuters, Boeing representatives declined to provide any statement.
The aircraft manufacturer’s Small Diameter Bomb represents a precision-guided weapon system that Israeli aircraft can deploy against targets located more than 40 miles away.
WASHINGTON – The Atlanta Federal Reserve will cast a wide net in its search for a new president, according to board Chair Gregory Haile, who confirmed the selection process will consider candidates from across the country rather than focusing solely on the southeastern region.
Haile emphasized the importance of finding qualified applicants during a recent interview, stating the search committee’s priority is expanding their candidate pool. “We want the pool to be wide. We want to make sure that we embrace candidates who fit the mold to support the 6th District,” Haile explained as the selection process moves forward, with application reviews continuing and candidate interviews scheduled to start within approximately one month.
The Federal Reserve’s 6th District encompasses a diverse economic landscape, stretching from affluent Florida coastal communities to Atlanta’s corporate headquarters and Alabama’s agricultural areas.
According to Haile, previous connections to the district aren’t mandatory for potential candidates. “What we did want to make sure we created room for was ‘what’s it look like to have someone who we can be assured will engage in understanding the district?’ … that means not hesitating to go whether it’s Miami, whether it’s Red Bay, Alabama, whether it’s somewhere in Tennessee, to have a willingness to engage face to face,” he said.
Former President Raphael Bostic, originally from New Jersey and working as an academic in California before joining the Atlanta Fed, made extensive regional visits during his leadership and frequently addressed rural development and community concerns.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced in early December his intention to support requiring future regional bank presidents to have resided in their respective districts for three years, warning “we’re going to veto them” if they haven’t met this criterion. The December 15 announcement regarding Bostic’s successor search mentioned hopes to “identify a large pool of candidates who have meaningful ties to the Sixth Federal Reserve District.”
However, Haile indicated no such restrictions have been imposed on their current search efforts. While regional bank boards select presidents, the Washington-based Federal Reserve Board of Governors must approve these appointments.
“We haven’t had any engagement along those lines,” Haile noted. “That has actually not needed to be a consideration for us … the search has been going incredibly well. I haven’t felt the sense of any negative intrusion at all.”
This selection process occurs during a particularly complex period for the Federal Reserve system.
Bostic made history as both the first Black president and first openly gay leader among the Fed’s 12 regional banks, frequently advocating for addressing economic inequality while recognizing monetary policy’s limitations in directly tackling such issues.
The new appointment will take place amid criticism of diversity initiatives under the Trump administration and concerns about Federal Reserve independence, with Kevin Warsh expected to be confirmed as the new Fed chair this spring and President Trump pursuing greater influence over the central bank through additional appointments.
“I don’t think there’s a scenario where we don’t view this as one of the most important jobs in America,” Haile emphasized. “So there is a focus on getting the best candidate to service this district … and that is unwavering.”
Winter weather conditions are impacting New Castle County as snowfall with different levels of intensity has been reported throughout the area.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials are urging drivers to exercise extra caution while traveling on county roads during the ongoing snow event.
The varying degrees of snowfall intensity across different parts of New Castle County may create unpredictable driving conditions for motorists.
Residents are encouraged to allow additional travel time and maintain safe following distances while the winter weather persists in the region.
An individual who launched an assault on a Michigan synagogue by driving a vehicle into the building has died, according to federal ATF officials.
The incident unfolded at Temple Israel, where security personnel successfully confronted the attacker after the assault began with the vehicle collision into the synagogue structure.
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard confirmed that security officers at the religious facility had “engaged the threat” following what appeared to begin as a vehicular attack on the building.
The confrontation between temple security and the assailant resulted in the attacker’s death, though additional details about the circumstances remain under investigation by federal and local authorities.
Two major international energy corporations, Chevron and Shell, are reportedly on the verge of finalizing substantial oil production agreements with Venezuela, marking the first significant petroleum contracts since U.S. forces captured President Nicolas Maduro in January, according to five sources familiar with the negotiations.
These agreements would enable both energy companies to increase production in highly sought-after oil regions within the South American nation, representing the most significant progress toward what U.S. President Donald Trump has described as a $100 billion initiative to reconstruct Venezuela’s petroleum industry following years of poor management and insufficient investment under both Maduro and former leader Hugo Chavez.
In late January, Venezuela’s National Assembly passed comprehensive changes to the nation’s primary oil legislation. The updated law provides foreign corporations with independence to operate, export, and market Venezuelan petroleum even when serving as minority partners alongside state-owned oil company PDVSA.
Sources indicate that Chevron and Venezuelan energy officials have reached preliminary agreement on terms to expand Chevron’s most significant oil operation, Petropiar, located in the extensive Orinoco Belt region.
Neither Venezuela’s oil ministry, PDVSA, nor Chevron responded to requests for comment.
The agreement would grant Chevron production rights in the Ayacucho 8 region, situated south of the existing Petropiar operation area, sources revealed. This substantial block contains confirmed oil reserves and would enable Chevron to significantly increase its extra-heavy oil production and exports.
According to sources, Chevron seeks to obtain reduced royalty rates for the new territory along with additional tax and trade benefits available to companies under recent legislation designed to develop new oil and gas regions. While PDVSA finished exploration and assessment work in Ayacucho approximately twenty years ago, the area remains mostly undeveloped.
Sources added that Chevron and PDVSA could expand their existing well-cluster production infrastructure from Petropiar into Ayacucho 8, enabling relatively rapid output increases. This project would become Chevron’s fifth oil region in Venezuela.
The development could establish Chevron as the largest private producer in the Orinoco region, which contains more than three-quarters of the country’s total crude reserves. Previously, rival American company ConocoPhillips held the position of top foreign producer in that area before departing Venezuela twenty years ago during widespread nationalizations.
According to a PDVSA document reviewed by Reuters, Chevron and PDVSA produced approximately 90,000 barrels per day of upgraded Hamaca crude and 20,000 barrels per day of vacuum gasoil at Petropiar last month. Venezuela’s overall production stands at roughly 1.05 million barrels per day.
Shell finalized preliminary oil and gas agreements with Venezuela last week during U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s visit to Caracas. Venezuelan officials did not publicly release specifics about these deals or identify the included fields.
Reuters obtained an official summary document revealing that Shell plans to develop the Carito and Pirital fields in the highly desirable Monagas North region in eastern Venezuela. These locations are among the limited areas in the country capable of producing light and medium crude oil plus natural gas, which oil companies value for blending to facilitate exports of Venezuela’s heavy oil.
Shell confirmed via email that it signed multiple agreements with the government, engineering firms Vepica and KBR, and oil-service company Baker Hughes. These agreements “formally articulate Shell’s intent to progress a variety of opportunities with Venezuela,” including offshore gas, onshore oil and gas, exploration, local content and workforce development. The company declined to provide field details or additional information to Reuters.
Monagas North aligns with Shell’s broader natural gas strategy due to its proximity to the country’s onshore gas infrastructure and areas with the highest gas flaring in Venezuela. Shell, M&P, and other companies have previously developed plans to reduce gas flaring by constructing necessary infrastructure to capture, process, and transport gas for export, potentially through Trinidad.
The Punta de Mata area, encompassing Pirital, Carito, and the nearby El Furrial field, generated approximately 94,000 barrels per day of crude and about 1.03 billion cubic feet per day of gas last month, according to independent data. Of that gas production, roughly 350 million cubic feet per day was flared.
Prior to this preliminary agreement, Shell’s sole Venezuelan project was the flagship Dragon offshore development near Trinidad. The company faced challenges advancing this project after the U.S. imposed sanctions on Venezuela’s energy sector in 2019. Shell had previously sold its interest in the flagship Urdaneta Oeste oilfield to French company Maurel & Prom in 2018.
PDVSA and the oil ministry are conducting discussions with approximately twelve joint venture partners interested in expanding operations to adjacent fields, established areas, or blocks designated as greenfields requiring infrastructure development.
Other companies seeking to expand their project areas to increase oil and gas production include Spain’s Repsol and M&P, sources reported. Repsol represents the foreign partner with the largest outstanding debt in Venezuela, totaling over $5 billion accumulated during sanctions, the company stated last month.
Chevron and Venezuela’s government are also negotiating the U.S. company’s return of two undeveloped offshore natural gas areas to Venezuela at the Plataforma Deltana project on the maritime boundary with Trinidad and Tobago, which could be reopened for private investment.
The terms for Chevron to relinquish those stakes remain unclear. Chevron prioritizes oil rather than gas production in Venezuela.
Venezuela initiated a comprehensive review of all oil and gas projects in February, beginning with production sharing contracts signed by Maduro’s administration with lesser-known companies, and recently extending to joint ventures with larger partners. The government is requesting project documentation from participating companies, sources indicated.
PDVSA has assumed control of administration and oil sales for many production sharing contracts during the review, temporarily suspending them. Oil ministry officials have informed oil executives they expect to complete the review by the end of March, sources said.
Oil ministry officials have informed oil executives that inactive projects or those failing to meet investment targets could face contract revocation under the review.
The U.S. government is also thoroughly examining company credentials and sanctions compliance before approving any existing or new partners, separate sources reported.
WASHINGTON — Cybersecurity professionals are sounding alarms as Iranian-supported hacking organizations expand their digital assault on American companies and infrastructure amid ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts.
Iranian-backed cyber groups took credit for a major digital assault on Wednesday targeting Stryker, a Michigan-based medical technology corporation. Since late February when hostilities began, these digital attackers have attempted to compromise surveillance cameras across Middle Eastern nations to enhance Iran’s missile guidance systems. Their targets have included regional data facilities, Israeli industrial sites, a Saudi Arabian educational institution, and a Kuwaiti airport.
Tehran has made substantial investments in developing offensive digital warfare capabilities while building relationships with various hacking organizations. Over recent years, Iranian-aligned groups have breached former President Donald Trump’s campaign email servers, attempted to compromise American water treatment facilities, and sought to infiltrate military and defense contractor networks.
Their strategy focuses on weakening American military operations, increasing energy costs, overwhelming cybersecurity resources, and inflicting maximum damage on companies supporting the defense sector.
“Something is going to happen because the gloves are off,” stated Kevin Mandia, who founded cybersecurity firms Mandiant and Armadin.
A collective calling itself Handala, which supports Iranian and Palestinian causes, claimed responsibility for disrupting Stryker’s operations. The group justified their attack as revenge for alleged American strikes that reportedly killed Iranian students.
Unlike financially motivated cybercriminals, Handala operates from ideological convictions, explained Ismael Valenzuela, who serves as vice president of threat intelligence at Arctic Wolf cybersecurity company.
“What distinguishes this group is its clear focus on data destruction rather than financial extortion,” Valenzuela noted in written comments.
Polish investigators are examining a recent cyber incident targeting a nuclear research center that may connect to Iran, though officials acknowledge other groups might be responsible and using current conflicts to hide their true identity.
Moving forward, American defense contractors, government suppliers, and Israeli business partners face heightened risk, along with essential infrastructure including medical centers, shipping ports, water treatment plants, electrical grids, and transportation systems.
Iranian-affiliated hackers openly share their strategies through Telegram and similar online platforms.
“The datacenters need to be taken out,” one user posted, according to research from the SITE Intelligence Group. “They host the brains of USAs military communication and targeting systems.”
These digital operations also serve intelligence gathering purposes — such as Iran’s attempts to access neighboring countries’ camera systems to improve missile accuracy. Breaking into American networks would provide insight into military strategies and supply chain operations.
Recent military strikes against Iran and internet disruptions may have temporarily reduced Tehran’s cyber capabilities. However, security experts predict Iranian hackers and their supporters will pursue quick wins by exploiting America’s most vulnerable cybersecurity weaknesses.
Frequently, municipal water systems and healthcare organizations lack sufficient funding and expertise to implement current software updates or other protective measures. This makes them attractive targets due to both their accessibility and the public alarm such disruptions create.
Attack methods may include denial-of-service campaigns that overwhelm networks to block legitimate users, website alterations that prevent customer communication, and hack-and-leak schemes threatening to publish stolen confidential information.
The techniques aren’t particularly advanced, according to Shaun Williams, a former FBI and CIA operative now serving as senior director at SentinelOne cybersecurity firm. However, organizations that have neglected their digital security could face severe consequences, he warned.
“Patch your systems. Ensure your firewalls and security solutions are up to date,” Williams advised. “Remove your stale accounts. All the cyber hygiene that you should be doing, it’s more critical now than ever. Prepare for disruption.”
While Russia and China pose the most significant cyber risks to America, with North Korea emerging as an increasing threat, Iran compensates for limited resources through creative approaches, specialists note.
Recently, Tehran’s digital operatives have masqueraded as American activists online to secretly promote anti-Israel demonstrations on university campuses. They’ve established fraudulent news sites and social media profiles designed to spread misleading information before major elections.
During 2024, Iranian hackers penetrated Trump’s campaign email system and subsequently attempted to distribute files they claimed to have stolen. Iran-connected hackers also tried accessing WhatsApp accounts belonging to both Trump and his Democratic rival, President Joe Biden.
This activity led the Department of Homeland Security to release a public alert about Iranian cyber dangers.
“Iran and especially the proxies don’t care how big or smart you are. This is about making an impact, about creating chaos,” said James Turgal, a cybersecurity specialist with 22 years of FBI experience who now works as vice president at Denver-based Optiv security firm.
Analysts are monitoring whether Russia, China, or their allied hacking groups will assist Iran with digital attacks designed to undermine American operations and complicate sustained military engagement.
Although China has maintained a cautious stance, evidence suggests pro-Iranian hackers in Russia are already active. CrowdStrike cybersecurity researchers identified increased activity from Russian hackers supporting Tehran since conflicts began.
A group called Z-Pentest claimed responsibility for disrupting multiple American networks, including closed-circuit camera systems.
The attack timing indicates hackers were targeting American interests due to Iranian conflicts, according to Adam Meyers, who leads counter adversary operations at CrowdStrike.
“Western organizations should continue to remain on high-alert,” Meyers stated.
Officials in Eswatini confirmed Thursday that four additional African migrants have been deported to their country by the United States.
The deportees represent the third shipment of migrants that the Trump administration has transferred to the small African kingdom. These individuals are among more than 40 people who have been sent to various African countries through largely confidential agreements with at least seven nations, drawing criticism from human rights organizations.
The Trump administration has established similar third-country deportation arrangements with Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and South Sudan.
According to a government statement, the most recent arrivals to the landlocked nation of Eswatini consisted of one person from Tanzania, one from Sudan, and two from Somalia, all of whom will eventually be returned to their home countries. Officials did not release their identities or specify their current location.
Beginning last July, the United States has transferred at least 19 individuals across three separate groups to Eswatini as part of its strict immigration enforcement policies. U.S. officials described the initial five-person group sent in July as convicted criminals subject to deportation orders. One Jamaican citizen from that original group was successfully returned to Jamaica in September.
Eswatini’s government announced Thursday that another foreign national has obtained the necessary travel documentation and “will be departing the country shortly.” Officials added that negotiations with other home countries continue for the remaining individuals.
Following the arrival of this latest group, Eswatini’s government stated it “reiterates its commitment to ensuring that the rights and dignity of the third-country nationals are upheld while they remain in the country.”
The deportation program involving Eswatini, a small monarchy adjacent to South Africa where the king maintains absolute authority and faces accusations of suppressing democratic movements, has generated opposition from local civil society organizations.
According to a report published last month by Democratic staff members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Trump administration has allocated at least $40 million to deport approximately 300 migrants to nations other than their countries of origin across Africa, Central America and other regions.
Oregon may soon add a stunning natural landmark to its public holdings after legislators intervened to purchase a beloved waterfall that appeared on the real estate market.
Abiqua Falls, featuring a dramatic 92-foot plunge down a columnar basalt cliff face, has remained in private hands for more than 100 years while staying open for public visits. Earlier this year, The Abbey Foundation of Oregon, a nonprofit supporting a Benedictine monk community, decided to sell the property.
When the natural wonder appeared on Redfin, concerned nature enthusiasts feared losing access to the site. However, lawmakers from both parties came together during the final days of the legislative session to authorize $2.1 million for the purchase.
“It’s not every day where you see a waterfall come up for sale on Redfin or Realtor.com with no price,” said Travis Williams, president of the Willamette River Preservation Trust, a conservation nonprofit. “The public was really confused and fearful that the site would be closed off.”
Located approximately 30 miles east of Salem and about 50 miles south of Portland, the waterfall requires visitors to navigate a rugged dirt road followed by a challenging downhill trek. The path is so demanding that previous hikers have installed ropes at certain points to help others navigate the terrain.
Republican state Sen. Fred Girod, who represents the area containing the waterfall, issued a statement saying “Oregon is pledging that Abiqua Falls will continue to be protected and accessible for generations to come.”
Mount Angel Abbey originally obtained the waterfall property in 1908, later transferring ownership to The Abbey Foundation of Oregon in 2002, according to foundation communications director Amanda Staggenborg.
“We just realized that it was time,” she said. “There were a lot of people that were hiking on the property, and while we welcome that, we wanted to ensure that the proper stewardship was overseeing it.”
The foundation launched an open auction for the property in early February without setting minimum or maximum bid requirements, Staggenborg explained. They accepted the state’s proposal submitted through the approved legislation.
Before finalizing the transaction, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department must conduct thorough due diligence, including environmental and archaeological assessments, according to spokesperson Katie Gauthier.
The site won’t automatically become a state park, which would require additional funding, Gauthier noted. Management could fall to local governments, tribal authorities, or other state departments.
“Abiqua Falls is a beautiful but very remote and difficult-to-access site, and we are concerned about the impact managing a property like this could have on an already stretched state park system and our current budget shortfall,” Gauthier said.
Public reaction on the Willamette River Preservation Trust’s social media channels showed support for state ownership, though some expressed concerns about potential entrance fees and increased visitor traffic.
The trust, which submitted its own bid shortly after the listing went live, endorsed the state’s acquisition effort, Williams said.
“It has a sense of spirituality about it,” he said. “It’s just gorgeous.”
WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. — An individual who launched an attack on a Michigan synagogue has died, according to a source with knowledge of the incident who spoke with The Associated Press following reports that security personnel exchanged gunfire at what’s considered America’s largest Reform synagogue.
The source verified the death occurred at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township but declined to share further details. Speaking anonymously due to the active nature of the investigation, the source indicated no additional injuries were reported.
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard had previously stated during a press briefing that synagogue security personnel had exchanged shots with at least one individual, noting that nobody was in police custody at that time.
Local television station WDIV reported that a vehicle had collided with the synagogue structure. Video from the location showed smoke rising from the building’s rooftop, with numerous law enforcement vehicles encircling the property.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal agents had responded to what he described as “an apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation” at the religious facility.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s department stated that officials were conducting a thorough search of the premises. Approximately twelve parents rushed to retrieve their children from the synagogue’s early childhood learning facility after receiving police clearance. The West Bloomfield School District implemented lockdown procedures.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement indicating she was monitoring the situation’s developments.
“This is heartbreaking,” the governor said. “Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace.”
Temple Israel identifies itself as America’s largest Reform synagogue, serving 12,000 members according to its online presence. The facility houses an early childhood education program and provides various educational opportunities for families and adults.
The synagogue’s website describes the organization as “passionate about helping Jewish communities across the globe” with a mission to “create a community building through the lens of Reform Judaism.”
The Jewish Federation of Detroit issued guidance for all area Jewish institutions “to go into lockout protocol — nobody in or out of your building.”
A major Brazilian pharmaceutical company is setting its sights on global expansion after completing a massive acquisition deal worth more than half a billion dollars.
EMS, owned by Grupo NC holding, completed the purchase of Medley, Sanofi’s Brazilian generic drug manufacturing division, for over $500 million last week. The transaction solidifies EMS’s position as a leading generic medication producer in Latin America’s biggest economy.
As the company works to integrate its new Medley acquisition, leadership is already considering additional purchases throughout its current operational territories including Brazil, Mexico, and Eastern Europe, according to Thiago Tavares, who serves as CEO of parent company Grupo NC holding. Tavares shared these plans during a Tuesday interview.
“We should also look beyond Brazil to expand our operations and truly become a more global company,” Tavares explained, noting that EMS used its own funds to finance the Medley purchase.
The executive expressed optimism about future acquisition opportunities, particularly in international markets. “I see us with major possibilities for acquisitions, especially abroad,” Tavares stated, outlining intentions to grow the company’s presence in the United States, where it currently maintains a preoperational facility, sometime after 2030.
If Brazilian antitrust authority CADE approves the Medley transaction, EMS could control approximately 30% of Brazil’s generic drug market, Tavares projected. He anticipates regulatory approval will proceed smoothly given the presence of strong market competitors including Cimed and Eurofarma.
Beyond the Medley acquisition, EMS has additional growth strategies in development. The company is preparing to introduce its own semaglutide-based injection devices pending approval from Brazilian health regulator Anvisa, Tavares revealed.
Brazil’s patent protection for semaglutide, the key component in Novo Nordisk’s popular diabetes and weight management medication Ozempic, is nearing expiration. This will allow Brazilian manufacturers to develop their own generic alternatives.
Competitor Hypera previously announced plans to release its semaglutide generic version during the current year.
While Tavares expects to finalize decisions regarding the semaglutide product launch soon, he couldn’t provide a specific timeline. “I think the product has already been more than sufficiently tested, so once the approval comes through, we’ll launch it,” he said. “It’s very feasible to launch it this year.”
Cleveland made significant roster moves Thursday, cutting ties with veteran offensive tackle Jack Conklin while bringing back their record-breaking punter Corey Bojorquez.
The Browns parted ways with the 31-year-old Conklin, a two-time All-Pro selection whose recent seasons have been marred by persistent injuries. Last season proved particularly challenging for the lineman, who appeared in only eight contests before missing the final two games due to back-to-back concussions.
Conklin’s injury struggles have been ongoing since joining Cleveland as a free agent in 2020. Over his four-year tenure with the Browns, he was unavailable for 44 out of 101 possible games. Despite these setbacks, the team had committed to him with a four-year, $60 million contract extension in December 2020, later restructured to run through the 2025 season.
The Michigan State product entered the NFL as Tennessee’s first-round draft pick in 2016, selected eighth overall. During his rookie campaign, he earned both first-team All-Pro honors and a spot on the All-Rookie team. He repeated his All-Pro achievement in 2020. Throughout his career, Conklin maintained perfect availability when healthy, starting every regular season game he played – 114 total – plus seven playoff contests.
Meanwhile, the Browns secured their special teams standout by re-signing Bojorquez, whose 2024 performance dominated NFL punting statistics. The 29-year-old specialist topped the league with 91 punts covering 4,165 yards, producing a 45.8-yard average per kick.
Bojorquez has established himself as one of Cleveland’s most consistent performers, setting multiple franchise punting records. His 49.4-yard average and 42.5-yard net average, both achieved in 2023, represent team single-season bests. This past season, he added another Browns record with 36 punts landing inside the 20-yard line.
The veteran punter brings extensive experience from stops with Buffalo (2018-20) and Green Bay (2021) before joining Cleveland. Across his seven-year career spanning 124 games, he has averaged 47.1 yards per punt on 546 attempts totaling 25,695 yards, with 205 punts downed inside the 20-yard line.
President Donald Trump expressed concerns Thursday about Iran’s men’s soccer team participating in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, citing safety worries amid escalating regional tensions.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated: “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
The comments follow Wednesday’s announcement from Iran’s sports minister, who indicated his country’s athletes may not be able to compete following recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Tehran. These attacks have sparked a broader regional conflict that continues to intensify.
The upcoming tournament, featuring 48 teams, is set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 through July 19. Iran’s team has games scheduled in both Los Angeles and Seattle.
Should Iran formally withdraw from the tournament—which hasn’t occurred yet—it would mark the first such decision in modern World Cup history. FIFA would then face the challenging task of securing a replacement team on short notice.
Notably absent from last week’s FIFA planning conference in Atlanta, Iran was the sole qualifying nation that didn’t attend the World Cup preparation meeting.
FIFA has yet to respond to requests for comment. The organization notably presented Trump with its first-ever peace prize late last year, as the former president continues his campaign for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The situation has also affected Iranian women’s soccer. This week, Australia provided humanitarian visas to five female Iranian players who requested asylum, expressing fears of persecution if they returned home after refusing to sing their national anthem during an Asia Cup game.
Trump had previously encouraged Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to offer sanctuary to the Iranian women’s team members, indicating the United States would step in if Australia declined to help.
Italian regulators have imposed a hefty 17.6 million euro penalty on the country’s largest financial institution, Intesa Sanpaolo, following violations involving unauthorized use of customer information affecting approximately 2.4 million account holders.
The banking giant transferred customers to its digital banking platform Isybank without obtaining proper authorization, according to Italy’s data protection regulatory body announced Thursday.
Officials determined that the financial institution created customer profiles based on specific criteria including age (those younger than 65), how often clients used online banking services, and details about their investment portfolios and assets.
These profiling practices resulted in significant impacts on customers, including potential account transfers to different data management systems and one-sided modifications to their banking agreements.
Regulators criticized the bank’s customer communication strategy during the transition process, noting that notifications were frequently distributed during summer months and buried in the mobile application’s archive area without sending alerts to users.
When determining the penalty amount, officials considered both the substantial number of affected customers and the bank’s unintentional violations, while also factoring in the institution’s willingness to assist throughout the regulatory review.
Intesa Sanpaolo has not yet provided a response to the fine.
The Walt Disney Company announced Thursday that it has promoted Paul Roeder, a quarter-century company employee, to the position of senior executive vice president and chief communications officer, with the role beginning March 19.
This leadership adjustment represents another shift in Disney’s executive structure following last month’s appointment of Josh D’Amaro as the entertainment company’s new chief executive officer, replacing long-serving CEO Bob Iger.
Prior to his promotion, Roeder held the position of executive vice president of communications overseeing Disney Entertainment Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and International divisions.
In his new capacity, Roeder will answer directly to incoming CEO D’Amaro while managing global communications operations and functioning as the company’s primary public spokesperson.
“He has a passion for Disney and a deep understanding of what it stands for, and I know he’ll do an outstanding job leading our exceptional Communications teams worldwide,” D’Amaro said.
Roeder began his Disney career in 2001 with the company’s ABC communications division and has overseen studio communications since 2010, guiding messaging through major corporate purchases including Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox.
Applied Materials announced Tuesday that it has formed a strategic alliance with SK Hynix to fast-track the creation of sophisticated memory technologies needed for artificial intelligence and powerful computing systems.
The collaboration will focus on advancing DRAM technology and high-bandwidth memory solutions that are essential components for AI applications and high-performance computing environments. The partnership aims to accelerate innovation in these critical memory technologies as demand continues to grow in the rapidly expanding AI sector.
Good evening, Delmarva! We’re wrapping up Tuesday with some pleasant conditions across the peninsula tonight. Expect mostly clear skies with temperatures settling around a comfortable 53 degrees. Light south winds at about 5 mph will keep things calm and peaceful.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, we’ll see a nice start to the day with mostly sunny skies and temperatures climbing to a beautiful 77 degrees – perfect spring weather! However, don’t let that sunshine fool you completely. We’re tracking changes moving in as we head into Wednesday evening, with a slight chance of rain showers developing.
The weather pattern shifts more significantly Wednesday night into Thursday. Those shower chances increase, and we could see some thunderstorms rolling through the area. Temperatures will drop back to around 53 degrees Wednesday night, then rise to 59 Thursday as rain showers become likely.
Bottom line: enjoy that gorgeous Wednesday weather, but keep the umbrella handy for later in the week. Stay weather-aware, Delmarva, and have a wonderful evening!
Drivers traveling on Interstate 95 northbound are experiencing significant delays after a vehicle accident forced the closure of two right lanes at the Southern Split location.
According to Delaware Department of Transportation officials, the crash has blocked traffic in the right lanes, creating a bottleneck for commuters during what is typically a busy travel corridor.
Authorities are working to clear the scene and restore normal traffic flow. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and consider using alternative routes when possible.
No additional details about the nature of the accident or any potential injuries have been released at this time.
Motorists traveling eastbound on Harmons Hill Road, also known as Route 302, are encountering traffic delays due to a construction-related lane closure today.
The affected stretch runs between Indian Mission Road (Routes 5/23) and Hollyville Road, with the lane restriction scheduled to remain in place until 4:30 PM this afternoon.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes if possible to avoid potential delays in the area.
Traffic is at a standstill on northbound Route 1 near Exit 114 after a vehicle caught fire, prompting authorities to shut down both lanes of the highway.
The Delaware Department of Transportation is monitoring the situation and has issued alerts about the closure through their traffic incident reporting system.
Motorists traveling north on Route 1 should expect significant delays and are advised to seek alternate routes while emergency crews work to clear the scene and extinguish the vehicle fire.
No additional details about the cause of the fire or potential injuries have been released at this time.
A decorated Vietnam War veteran who broke barriers as one of the first African American officers to command Green Beret units has finally received recognition that was long overdue. Paris Davis earned the nation’s highest military honor through his courageous service during the Vietnam conflict, but it took nearly six decades before he was properly acknowledged with the Medal of Honor.
Davis made history as a trailblazing leader among the elite Special Forces, serving with distinction during one of America’s most challenging military engagements. His extraordinary valor and leadership in combat merited the Medal of Honor, yet bureaucratic delays and systemic issues prevented him from receiving this recognition for almost 60 years.
A federal judge in Manhattan pressed more than two dozen states on Tuesday to resolve their antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation Entertainment by week’s end, following the Justice Department’s separate settlement that removed federal prosecutors from the ongoing trial.
During a court hearing, Dan Wall, an attorney representing Live Nation Entertainment, informed Judge Arun Subramanian that the likelihood of all remaining states agreeing to settle their claims by Friday was essentially nonexistent.
Wall explained his pessimistic outlook stemmed from recent negotiations between the entertainment conglomerate and state officials over the previous week. He noted that different states are seeking varying forms of relief in their cases.
“There are too many parties,” Wall explained to the court. “We want to stick the landing here. Get it down. And we won’t stick the landing by Friday.”
Wall later emphasized his position, stating: “There is zero chance we get this done by Friday.”
Judge Subramanian responded with humor, remarking: “Not with that attitude.”
Despite the pessimistic forecast, the judge convinced attorneys from both sides to conduct negotiations within the Manhattan federal courthouse throughout the week. He wants to assess their progress before determining whether to approve the states’ mistrial motion and schedule a new trial, or continue with proceedings that began last week.
“Right now you should be focused on can we make a deal,” the judge instructed, offering conference rooms throughout the building for their discussions. He even volunteered his personal robing room as workspace, adding: “I want to see if we can get a deal done here.”
Live Nation’s president and CEO Michael Rapino was present for Tuesday’s courthouse discussions.
The Justice Department announced Monday that it had resolved its antitrust case against Ticketmaster, characterizing the agreement as a consumer victory that would dismantle an unlawful monopoly controlling live entertainment across America.
During the trial proceedings, government attorneys and representatives from 39 states plus the District of Columbia argued that Live Nation and Ticketmaster were eliminating competition and inflating ticket prices for consumers. They alleged the companies used intimidation, retaliation and other aggressive strategies to “suffocate the competition” by dominating nearly every sector of the entertainment industry, from concert promotion to ticket sales. The defendants maintained that performers, sports organizations and venues determine pricing and sales methods.
State officials immediately criticized the Justice Department’s settlement announcement. North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson characterized it as “a terrible deal.”
Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat who serves on the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law, said Monday the new agreement resembled previous Justice Department deals that failed to stop Live Nation’s monopolistic behavior.
Klobuchar commended states for rejecting the deal and expressed concern that it was revealed one month after the Justice Department’s antitrust division leader was removed from office.
Court filings show Live Nation committed to allowing up to half of all tickets at amphitheaters under its ownership, operation or control to be distributed through alternative ticketing platforms.
The company also agreed to limit service charges at those venues to 15% and sell its ownership or relinquish control of 13 amphitheaters, including facilities in Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Syracuse, New York, and Austin, Texas. Live Nation will establish a $280 million settlement fund to resolve claims or cover civil penalties for participating states.
However, no funds will be distributed unless states agree to settle. A Justice Department spokesperson said Monday that at least 10 states had committed to joining the federal settlement.
State attorneys indicate that more than two dozen states remain opposed to the proposed agreement.
MEXICO CITY — Standing 16 feet tall with the features of an infant, an enormous Baby Jesus statue has made its way to one of Mexico City’s most challenging neighborhoods this week, carrying a powerful message of hope and unity.
The massive religious figure arrived in Tepito, a district famous for its vibrant street markets and deep community ties, but also notorious for persistent criminal activity. Local residents welcomed the statue with prayers, offerings, and a special Mass ceremony.
“The Baby Jesus means everything to me and my family because we are very Catholic,” explained Guillermo Ramírez, a neighborhood resident who organized the logistics for bringing the statue to Tepito. “By bringing it here, I want to show that there are good people in Tepito.”
The 49-year-old musician first encountered the enormous Baby Jesus figure in 2024 while visiting a neighboring area. Witnessing the deep devotion it inspired among worshippers, he believed his own community would benefit from such a visit. He contacted the family who owns the statue, leading to its inaugural appearance in Tepito later that same year.
“Since it represents peace, we hope for peace in our neighborhood, in our family,” shared Ramírez’s wife, Alma Cravioto.
Brothers Abraham and his sibling created this remarkable Baby Jesus sculpture in 2013. Abraham Gómez, the lead artist, described the inspiration behind their work.
“This began as a project called ‘Walk for Peace and Good,’ intended to promote and spread values in families, towns and neighborhoods through sacred art,” Gómez explained.
The traveling statue has visited communities throughout the Mexican states of Puebla, Tlaxcala and Jalisco, particularly targeting areas where drug-related violence impacts local residents.
“Insecurity has complicated our visits lately,” Gómez acknowledged. “But that’s why we think these activities are more necessary than ever.”
Constructed with a steel framework and layers of polyurethane foam and resin strengthened with fiberglass, the sculpture weighs approximately half a ton. Gómez drew inspiration from the smaller Baby Jesus figurines beloved by Mexican Catholics, who traditionally dress these images before Candlemas on February 2nd.
The brothers transport their creation in an enormous basket secured to a flatbed truck. Each journey includes a procession leading to a local church or gathering place, where believers can present offerings and a priest conducts Mass.
Following Monday evening’s arrival in Tepito, dozens of neighbors surrounded the towering figure as music and prayers echoed through the streets. Community members also shared “atole,” a traditional warm beverage made from corn.
“For us, the important thing is not just bringing the statue so visitors can take photos,” Gómez emphasized. “It’s that they leave with a message that stays in their hearts.”
On Tuesday, the giant Baby Jesus was repositioned from lying down to sitting upright. Following Mexican tradition of dressing such figures, local residents adorned the statue with traditional fabrics featuring Huichol art patterns, representing the colorful Indigenous culture from western Mexico.
“We want to reclaim the traditions of our ancestral communities,” Gómez stated. “To show that Mexico is a blend of cultures, shaped by both Spanish heritage and Indigenous roots.”
Tepito resident María Concepción Franco expressed her excitement about having the figure visit her neighborhood, having encountered it previously elsewhere.
“This is a blessing for me,” she declared. “He has granted me miracles and I have asked much of him.”
Throughout the years, friends and family members have gifted Franco various Baby Jesus images. She displays some in her home while carrying one in her purse.
“He helps me stay strong despite all difficulties,” Franco said. “I don’t have any children, but I am really devoted to him.”
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, delivered his inaugural public remarks regarding the ongoing conflict on Thursday, though he remained off-camera while a television presenter read his statement.
The religious leader provided no details about his health status or current whereabouts during the address. Intelligence reports from Israel suggest he sustained injuries during the initial stages of the war.
Khamenei is believed to be hiding in an undisclosed, heavily protected facility to evade Israeli assassination attempts. His predecessor and father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died in a coordinated Israeli-American strike that marked the beginning of hostilities.
Several significant statements emerged from his address:
Regarding regional military installations, he declared: “These countries must clarify their position regarding those who have attacked our beloved homeland and killed members of our people. I recommend that they shut down those bases as soon as possible, because by now they must have realized that the United States’ claims of providing security and peace have been nothing more than a lie.”
On strategic military options, he stated: “The lever of closing the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used as well. Studies have also been conducted on opening other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and would be highly vulnerable. Their activation will take place, if the wartime situation continues and in accordance with considerations of expediency.”
Describing his father’s death, he shared: “I had the honor of seeing his body after his martyrdom. What I saw was a mountain of steadfastness, and I was told that the fist of his intact hand had been clenched.”
Promising vengeance, Khamenei declared: “I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs. The retaliation we have in mind is not limited only to the martyrdom of the great leader of the Revolution; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes a separate case in the file of revenge.”
He elaborated on planned retribution: “A limited portion of this retaliation has already taken tangible form, but until it is fully achieved, this file will remain open above other cases. We will be especially sensitive regarding the blood of our children. Therefore, the crime the enemy deliberately committed against the Shajareh-Tayyebeh school in Minab, and some similar cases, holds a special status in this process of accountability.”
Concluding his message, he expressed gratitude to Iranian forces: “Our sincere thanks go to our brave fighters who, at a time when our nation and beloved homeland have been unjustly attacked by the leaders of the front of arrogance, have blocked the enemy’s path with their powerful blows and dispelled their illusion of being able to dominate our beloved country or possibly divide it.”
A Chicago-based librarian has transformed a real-world controversy over banned books into a compelling graphic novel that explores censorship in schools.
Jarrett Dapier, who works as a librarian, has authored a graphic novel that recreates the 2013 incident when Chicago Public Schools limited student access to “Persepolis,” the acclaimed memoir by Marjane Satrapi.
The book presents a fictional retelling of the actual events that unfolded more than a decade ago, when school officials placed restrictions on Satrapi’s autobiographical work about growing up during the Islamic Revolution in Iran.
Dapier’s graphic novel offers readers insight into the complexities surrounding book challenges in educational environments, drawing directly from the real experiences that occurred within the Chicago school system.
The work represents a creative approach to documenting and discussing the ongoing debates about which materials should be available to students in school libraries and classrooms.
POMPEII, Italy (AP) — A haunting new permanent display opened Thursday at the ancient ruins of Pompeii, featuring more than 20 plaster reproductions of people who perished during the devastating Mount Vesuvius eruption nearly 2,000 years ago.
These remarkable casts, described by researchers as “imprints of pain,” preserve the final moments of Pompeii residents who died in 79 AD. The replicas were formed by filling the hollow spaces left behind by decomposed bodies with liquid plaster, creating detailed impressions in the solidified volcanic ash.
“We wanted to give dignity to these people who are like us — women, children, men — who died during the eruption, but at the same time make it understandable, inclusive, and somehow joyful to understand what really happened in Pompeii,” explained Gabriel Zuchtriegel, who directs the Archaeological Park of Pompeii.
This casting method, developed by Giuseppe Fiorelli in 1863, accurately captures each victim’s final position, facial expressions of anguish, and even clothing details, creating unparalleled historical records. Modern researchers at the archaeological site continue using this same approach today.
Pompeii stands alone worldwide in offering this type of archaeological evidence, allowing visitors to witness recreations of both destroyed objects and the people who experienced that tragic day firsthand.
Mount Vesuvius claimed approximately 2,000 lives within Pompeii itself, while regional death tolls may have reached 16,000. The ancient city was buried beneath ash that later hardened due to pyroclastic flows.
Archaeological work has uncovered remains of more than 1,000 eruption victims throughout the site. These individuals were discovered trapped inside buildings or shelters, crushed by falling pumice and volcanic rocks, or killed when structures collapsed under roughly 10 feet of accumulated volcanic material.
The 22 featured casts represent the finest preserved specimens found throughout the city, from central districts to entrance gates and escape routes where residents attempted to flee to safety.
“They have a strong emotional impact on visitors and can be very moving,” noted Silvia Martina Bertesago, an archaeologist working at the Pompeii Archaeological Park.
“Through the analyses we can carry out today with increasingly advanced techniques, we can also understand their age and sex, but also whether they had particular diseases or particular types of diet,” she added.
The new exhibition occupies the Palestra Grande porticoes, situated across from the Amphitheatre. Beyond the human remains section, the display includes preserved plants and food items that remained buried for centuries under layers of ash and hardened lava.
MEXICO CITY — Following her administration’s first significant legislative failure, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum minimized the impact of Congress rejecting her constitutional reform package on Thursday, announcing she has a backup strategy to modify the nation’s electoral framework.
The Morena party leader fell short of the required supermajority in the Chamber of Deputies during Wednesday night’s vote after losing support from lawmakers within the allied Green and Workers parties. The rejected measures, which Sheinbaum’s administration characterized as cost-cutting initiatives, were criticized for potentially weakening smaller political parties’ influence.
Since assuming the presidency in 2024, Sheinbaum issued a warning Thursday that the electorate would evaluate whether opposition politicians honored their commitments to back her administration’s legislative priorities.
A central point of contention involved eliminating the proportional representation system that allows political parties to secure congressional seats based on their share of the national vote. This mechanism was established to ensure smaller parties could gain legislative representation even when unable to win specific district contests.
The president had advocated for a system where all congressional members would be chosen directly through voter elections.
The failed legislation also sought to cut election expenses by 25%, affecting both the National Electoral Institute’s budget and funding distributed to political parties. Political analysts warned these modifications could jeopardize Mexico’s electoral operations while strengthening the ruling party’s position.
According to Georgina de la Fuente, who teaches political science at Tecnológico de Monterrey University, the voting outcome demonstrates that “the small parties are not going to give their unconditional support (to Morena), they are not going to put their survival at risk.”
While Sheinbaum indicated she would reveal specifics about her alternative approach on Monday, she emphasized her objective remains unchanged: “to continue reducing privileges.”
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Election results released Thursday by Nepal’s electoral commission reveal that a newly-formed political movement headed by a former rapper has achieved a decisive victory in the nation’s parliamentary elections.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), under the leadership of rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, claimed victory in the nation’s inaugural election following last year’s youth-driven uprising.
Shah’s RSP secured 125 direct election victories and an additional 57 seats through proportional representation voting, totaling 182 seats in the 275-seat House of Representatives, parliament’s influential lower house. The established Nepali Congress party finished as runner-up with just 38 seats.
Nepal’s electoral system allows voters to directly choose 165 House of Representatives members, while the remaining 110 positions are distributed via proportional representation, where parties receive seats corresponding to their vote percentage.
Electoral officials will request party lists for proportional representation seats before reporting to the president, who will convene the new parliament to select a prime minister requiring majority support. The RSP now controls nearly two-thirds of all seats.
Establishing a new government will likely require several days to complete the process.
Shah, serving as the RSP’s candidate for prime minister, previously captured Kathmandu’s mayoral position in 2022. He became a prominent leader during the 2025 uprising that removed former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli from power.
Founded in 2022, the RSP attracted massive electoral support, mounting a serious threat to Nepal’s two traditionally powerful parties — the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist).
Last year’s demonstrations against government corruption and ineffective leadership began with opposition to social media restrictions before expanding into widespread anti-government protests. The violence resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries as demonstrators targeted government facilities and police responded with gunfire.
WASHINGTON — In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly approved comprehensive housing legislation Thursday, targeting the nation’s growing affordability crisis with an 89-10 vote.
The sweeping measure aims to cut regulatory red tape, place restrictions on corporate home purchases, and broaden the use of federal housing funds for affordable construction projects. The legislation now returns to the House of Representatives, which previously approved similar measures earlier this year.
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who collaborated with Republican colleagues to secure broad cross-party support, emphasized the urgency of the nation’s housing shortage. “We have a housing shortage all across America,” Warren stated. “We need more housing of every kind. More housing for first-time home buyers, more housing for renters, more housing for seniors, more housing for people with disabilities, more rural housing, more urban housing, more, more, and more.”
Warren added that the legislation “will help drive down prices.”
Republican Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, who chairs the Senate Banking Committee and spearheaded the effort alongside Warren, highlighted the historic nature of the achievement. Speaking before the vote, Scott said the Senate could “do what so many people failed to do in this legislative body for the last few decades, and that is pass consequential legislation that makes it easier to become a homeowner.”
However, the bill’s future remains uncertain despite the decisive Senate approval. Questions persist about whether the House will approve the legislation again and if President Donald Trump will ultimately sign it into law.
While Trump previously supported the measure throughout bipartisan negotiations, he recently complicated its progress by declaring he would not sign new legislation unless Congress first passes voter identification requirements and restrictions on mail-in voting. The Senate is expected to consider that separate bill next week, though it faces likely defeat due to unified Democratic opposition.
House leadership has also signaled reluctance to accept the Senate version as written, suggesting they may initiate formal conference negotiations between the chambers — a process that could extend for months.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged Thursday that conference negotiations remain possible, “but obviously the quickest way to do this would be to pick up the Senate bill and pass it.” If the White House wants swift action, Thune noted, “they’ll probably have to make that argument to House leadership.”
The legislation would empower local governments with greater housing authority, enable banks to increase affordable housing investments, and remove caps on public housing units eligible for private Section 8 financing for property rehabilitation.
Peter Carroll from Cotality, a housing data tracking company, praised the local approach. “You’ve got many provisions in this bill that stop treating the U.S. like one single housing market and start giving local leaders the tools they need to fix their unique regional puzzle,” Carroll explained.
The measure seeks to simplify homebuilding by reducing regulatory hurdles that mandate environmental assessments and inspections. It also removes funding limits for emergency shelter beds and homeless outreach programs.
Recognizing the growing reliance on manufactured and modular housing for areas needing quick housing solutions, the bill eliminates requirements for permanent chassis construction, facilitating easier building and design processes.
Housing advocacy organizations acknowledge the bill’s limitations, wishing for more direct investment in housing construction and renter assistance programs.
Urban Institute researcher Yonah Freemark noted the inherent constraints of bipartisan compromise. “This legislation is the product of essentially senators and House members wanting to come up with something that could pass with both Democratic and Republican votes, which means it’s inherently less ambitious,” Freemark observed.
Among the bill’s most controversial elements is a provision restricting institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes — a key Trump administration priority.
The measure defines institutional investors as entities owning 350 or more single-family properties, directly or indirectly. Current investors wouldn’t need to sell existing properties purchased before the law’s enactment.
These investors could still purchase or construct single-family homes for rental purposes but would face mandatory sales to individual buyers after seven years, with required “price concessions” and 30-day “first-look” periods for current tenants.
The U.S. housing market has struggled since 2022, when mortgage rates began climbing from pandemic-era historic lows.
Previously owned home sales have hovered near 4 million annually since 2023 — significantly below the typical 5.2 million annual rate. Sales reached a 30-year low last year and continue declining, with January and February showing year-over-year decreases.
Dramatic price increases in recent years, combined with chronic housing shortages worsened by years of insufficient construction, have pushed many potential buyers out of the market.
While median monthly rent has declined for over two years, January rates remained 15.2% higher than early 2020 levels, according to Realtor.com data.
These trends have intensified pressure on lawmakers this year, with November midterm elections approaching, to demonstrate concrete action on homeownership and rental affordability challenges.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Before spring officially arrives next week, residents across Southern California are experiencing summer-like conditions as meteorologists forecast extraordinarily high temperatures, with some areas expected to reach the mid-90s near Los Angeles.
Thursday and Friday will bring temperatures approximately 20 degrees above typical mid-March levels, according to the National Weather Service. Health officials are warning residents about increased risks of heat-related illnesses and recommending people stay well-hydrated while limiting outdoor activities during peak daylight hours.
This unusual winter heat surge results from a high-pressure system combined with an absence of the typical cooling ocean breezes from the Pacific, explained Bryan Lewis, a National Weather Service meteorologist stationed in Los Angeles.
“The nation’s air conditioner, as we like to call it, is essentially shut off right now,” Lewis said Thursday. “We’ll likely tie or break several temperature records all across LA County.”
Thursday is anticipated to be the most intense day of heat in the Los Angeles area, with thermometers potentially reaching 93 degrees in the downtown core and climbing to 95 degrees throughout the San Fernando Valley. Normal temperatures for this time of year hover around 70 degrees.
Construction crews working outdoors are being provided with ample drinking water and electrolyte supplements to prevent dehydration. Companies are mandating regular rest periods, according to Junior Pineda, who represents a local chapter of the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers.
“And there’s always shade structures, if guys start feeling a little light-headed and need to take a few minutes,” he said Wednesday.
Both Los Angeles city and county authorities have arranged to open cooling centers to assist residents who lack air conditioning in their homes.
Zack Marquez, a wheelchair user, was completing his errands Wednesday in LA’s Koreatown district before the temperature climbed too high.
“Gotta stay hydrated and stay in the shade,” he said.
Coastal areas may experience some relief Friday when ocean breezes return, though interior regions will continue experiencing sweltering conditions, weather forecasters predict.
Hollywood celebrities are arriving in Los Angeles for Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony, with numerous events scheduled throughout the week to capitalize on the gathering of entertainment industry stars. However, the extreme heat should subside before the awards show takes place.
Other parts of California will also experience above-average temperatures beginning next week. The San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento region could see temperatures exceeding 90 degrees by Monday.
GENEVA (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded Tuesday evening in Switzerland when a postal bus became completely consumed by flames, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries in the town of Kerzers.
Officials from the Fribourg region released a statement indicating that an intentional action may have triggered the deadly blaze that occurred approximately 25 kilometers west of Switzerland’s capital city, Bern. The statement noted that an unspecified “voluntary act could be the cause” of the devastating fire.
Emergency responders who arrived at the scene discovered the postal vehicle completely destroyed by flames. “After rushing to the scene, rescue teams noted that the vehicle was totally engulfed in flames,” regional government officials stated.
Medical teams utilized both ground ambulances and helicopter transport to rush three victims to area hospitals for treatment. Two additional individuals received medical care at the scene of the incident.
While authorities have confirmed that multiple fatalities occurred in the blaze, officials have not yet released the precise death toll. An active investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire is currently in progress.
Team USA has made significant changes to its pitching staff ahead of the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals, replacing three hurlers including starter Tarik Skubal with a trio of relief specialists.
The roster adjustments see Skubal, Michael Wacha, and Ryan Yarbrough departing the squad as manager Mark DeRosa shifts focus to bolstering his bullpen options. Skubal’s departure follows his predetermined plan to return to Detroit Tigers spring training after limited tournament action.
Taking their places are three seasoned relievers: Detroit’s Will Vest, Toronto’s Tyler Rogers, and New York Yankees’ Tim Hill. The additions provide DeRosa with enhanced flexibility for late-inning situations as Team USA potentially faces three games starting with Friday’s quarterfinal matchup against Canada.
Skubal contributed three innings during his sole WBC outing, helping secure a win against Great Britain before following through on his pre-tournament commitment to rejoin Tigers camp.
The incoming relievers bring substantial experience to the roster. Vest, a 30-year-old Houston native who will compete on home soil, recorded 23 saves last season while posting a 3.20 ERA across 250 1/3 career innings with Detroit.
Rogers, 35, was a workhorse for Toronto last year with 81 appearances, compiling an impressive 1.98 ERA and 48 strikeouts over 77 1/3 innings pitched.
Hill, 36, contributed a solid 3.09 ERA during his campaign with the Yankees last season.
The operator of Canada’s primary stock exchange is working with national regulators to establish new regulations that would permit all publicly traded companies to issue earnings reports twice annually rather than every three months, following a comparable initiative taking place in the United States.
TMX Group, which runs the Toronto Stock Exchange, is pursuing this change as Canada works to revitalize its initial public offering market and halt the ongoing decline in publicly traded companies caused by delistings and corporate acquisitions.
Late last year, the Canadian Securities Administrators, the nation’s primary securities regulatory body, released a proposal allowing smaller companies with annual revenues under $10 million to substitute quarterly earnings reports with semi-annual filings.
According to CEO John McKenzie, who spoke during an interview at the Futures Industry Association’s annual conference in Florida, TMX believes these proposed regulations should extend to larger publicly traded companies as well.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump advocated last year for eliminating quarterly reporting requirements and transitioning to semi-annual earnings schedules. The Securities and Exchange Commission indicated it would prioritize Trump’s recommendation.
Companies across Europe, Asia, and Australia have been issuing earnings reports every six months for multiple years.
“We have recommended that (CSA) should actually take it all the way, and we should actually consider making it optional for all public companies,” McKenzie stated. “Then the companies will decide with their shareholders. If the shareholders need more information, they will tell them or they won’t provide capital.”
To attract more companies to list on stock exchanges, Canada has recently lowered tax obligations for smaller businesses while reducing burdensome financial disclosure requirements for companies seeking public market access.
“Last year, at one point, Trump said (getting rid of quarterly reporting) was a good idea. If it gets traction in the U.S., we’ve already had engagement with the Canadian regulators who said we have to follow it immediately, like there could be zero lag time,” McKenzie explained.
TMX anticipates significant growth in IPO activity this year, fueled by mining industry recovery that has helped counterbalance market instability from conflicts in Iran and recent technology sector declines.
Multiple companies, including AGT Food and Ingredients and pharmaceutical company Apotex, plan to enter public markets this year.
McKenzie said the Toronto Stock Exchange is positioned to reclaim its position as the global leader in mining listings, following recent sector revival driven by increasing worldwide demand for essential minerals over the past year.
Approximately 1,100 mining companies currently trade on Canadian stock exchanges.
“With what the U.S. administration is actually doing in terms of kind of onshoring or creating mineral relationships to counter the Chinese market, which is actually also trying to do the same thing, you’re creating more and more opportunities for prospectors and developers to build out these mines. So it’s a very pro-mining economy,” McKenzie noted.
The Detroit Red Wings will be without team captain Dylan Larkin and forward Andrew Copp for a minimum of two weeks after both players suffered leg injuries, coach Todd McLellan revealed on Thursday.
Larkin hasn’t played since last Friday’s 3-1 defeat against the Florida Panthers, where he contributed one assist while logging 17 minutes and 28 seconds of playing time. The Olympic team member for the United States was observed clutching his knee following an awkward tumble during the game’s final period.
Copp sustained his injury when teammate Tomas Nosek collapsed onto his left leg in the second period of Tuesday’s 4-3 defeat to Florida.
The 29-year-old Larkin has accumulated 55 points this season through 63 games, scoring 28 goals while adding 27 assists.
Meanwhile, the 31-year-old Copp has tallied 37 points across 65 games in the 2025-26 campaign, netting eight goals and recording 29 assists.
WASHINGTON – The White House disclosed Thursday that a recent FBI warning about potential Iranian drone strikes on California stemmed from a single unconfirmed tip, with officials emphasizing no genuine threat exists.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that the law enforcement bulletin, which became public Wednesday, originated from just one unverified email sent to California authorities last month.
The classified warning had been distributed through the Los Angeles Joint Regional Intelligence Center, alerting agencies about Tehran’s possible retaliatory plans. The bulletin emerged as ongoing military actions that started February 28 with extensive U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran continue.
According to the FBI intelligence, Iran reportedly hoped to execute a surprise assault using drones launched from maritime vessels targeting California locations if America conducted military operations against Iranian territory, as of early February.
Taking to social media platform X Thursday, Leavitt clarified the warning’s origins, stating it came from a single email containing one unconfirmed tip sent to California law enforcement.
“TO BE CLEAR: No such threat from Iran to our homeland exists, and it never did,” Leavitt wrote.
ABC News initially reported on the FBI security alert.
President Donald Trump has dismissed concerns about Iranian-sponsored attacks within American borders. When reporters asked Wednesday whether he feared Iran might escalate retaliation to include strikes on U.S. territory, Trump responded, “No, I’m not.”
WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced Tuesday that lawmakers will vote on legislation requiring stringent citizenship verification for elections, while rejecting President Donald Trump’s call for an extended filibuster strategy to force passage.
The president has declared he won’t approve any other legislation until Congress passes the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, commonly called the SAVE America Act. However, Democrats unanimously oppose the measure, leaving Republicans without the necessary votes unless they eliminate Senate filibuster rules.
Thune indicated his caucus lacks sufficient support for rule changes or implementing a marathon filibuster that would require Democrats to continuously occupy the Senate floor to block the legislation.
“That is just a function of math,” Thune explained to reporters Tuesday, delivering his most definitive remarks following weeks of Republican discussions. “For better or worse, I’m the one who has to be a clear-eyed realist about what we can achieve here.”
Instead of Trump’s preferred approach, Republican leadership plans to bring the bill up for a standard vote as early as next week, which will likely result in defeat. Thune stated Republicans will “have a fight on the floor” and compel Democrats to take a position on “whether they think noncitizens should vote in American elections.”
The president’s aggressive attempts to control Senate procedures have created challenges for Thune, who must balance appeasing Trump with managing increasingly frustrated conservative voters demanding action before midterm elections. However, most Republican senators appear to support Thune’s strategy.
“There’s been enough dithering,” stated Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana. “It’s time to go and let the chips fall where they may.”
Trump has prioritized the SAVE America Act ahead of midterm elections, claiming Republicans need it to secure victories despite winning both the presidency and congressional control in 2024 without such legislation. Current federal law already mandates U.S. citizenship for national election participation.
“It’ll guarantee the midterms,” Trump told House Republicans Monday during their annual retreat at his Florida resort. “If you don’t get it, big trouble.”
However, Trump’s demands face Senate procedural realities, where minority Democrats can block legislation through filibuster, forcing Republicans to secure 60 votes while holding only 53 seats. Democrats consistently oppose the bill, arguing it would prevent approximately 20 million American citizens lacking readily available birth certificates or documentation from voting.
While Republicans could eliminate filibuster rules or attempt extended floor debates, Thune maintains insufficient GOP conference support exists for either option.
Even with adequate support, marathon filibuster tactics wouldn’t guarantee success. Proponents suggest Democrats would eventually exhaust themselves speaking or allow passage, but Democrats could introduce unlimited amendments on any topic, forcing Republicans into difficult election-year votes while further delaying proceedings.
“We can’t find a piece of legislation in history that’s been passed that way,” Thune remarked this week.
Utah Senator Mike Lee, who has championed the extended filibuster approach alongside Trump, posted on social media Tuesday that the “Senate should do everything it can in an effort to pass” the legislation.
“While passage isn’t guaranteed, we can be certain that failure will be the outcome if we don’t try,” Lee wrote.
Following Tuesday’s GOP conference meeting, multiple senators expressed readiness to proceed with the legislation despite inability to accommodate presidential procedural demands.
“I think we just go ahead and try to get on the bill,” said Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas.
Wisconsin’s Ron Johnson suggested extended floor debate time, opposing a “one and done vote” approach.
“Our base would scream about that and that wouldn’t be smart,” Johnson explained.
Little anger toward Thune emerged, as many Republican colleagues agree that eliminating filibuster rules would be unwise and extended filibuster tactics risky. Republicans have historically opposed efforts to “nuke” the filibuster, arguing minority legislative rights require protection.
“There’s a right way to do it, there’s a wrong way to do it,” said North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis. “Nuking the filibuster doesn’t work. The talking filibuster would be a goat rodeo.”
Tillis praised Thune, saying he “has the toughest job in Washington, D.C. He’s doing just fine. And he, quite honestly, has taken on a lot for the members.”
Trump announced over the weekend his desire to expand the legislation, including mail-in ballot restrictions he has promoted since his 2020 election loss. He also wants two unrelated transgender rights provisions: banning biological males from women’s sports and blocking certain minor sex reassignment procedures.
“Let’s go for the gold,” Trump urged House Republicans.
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated Tuesday at the Florida retreat they are “looking at mechanisms” for additions, despite the House already passing and sending the bill to the Senate. However, mail-in ballot restrictions face uncertain House support given their popularity in numerous states.
Thune suggested the House would need to pass revised legislation incorporating these additions.
“It would probably make sense for them to send over another version,” he concluded.
A California religious leader has stepped down from his position after facing serious criminal charges for allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from his church community.
Bishop Emanuel Shaleta of the Chaldean Catholic Church submitted his resignation this week following his arrest on charges of taking more than $270,000 from parish funds. Pope Leo XIV officially accepted and announced the resignation on Tuesday.
Law enforcement officials apprehended the 69-year-old Shaleta at San Diego International Airport last week as he attempted to depart the United States, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.
District Attorney Joel Madero stated that the allegations center around financial misconduct at St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral located in El Cajon, just east of San Diego. However, Shaleta’s legal representative maintains that the accusations are without merit.
The religious leader’s background spans continents and decades of service. Born in Faysh Kahbur, a small Iraqi town near the Tigris River and Syrian border, Shaleta began his religious education at just 15 years old. He completed his seminary training at St. John Minor Seminary near Mosul and later at Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, where Pope John Paul II ordained him in 1984.
Following his doctoral studies in biblical theology, church officials transferred him to America, where he ministered in Illinois, Michigan, and California. Pope Francis elevated him to bishop of the Canadian Eparchy of Mar Addai of Toronto in 2015, then appointed him to lead the Bishop of Saint Peter Apostle of San Diego position in 2017.
According to prosecutor Madero, the criminal allegations involve monthly rental payments exceeding $30,000 from a church social hall tenant, with investigators discovering irregularities in the parish’s financial records.
While court documents containing specific details remain sealed, the San Diego District Attorney’s office has filed 16 felony charges against Shaleta – eight for embezzlement and eight for money laundering.
The bishop has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.
Speaking during a recent church service, Shaleta declared he has never “abused any penny of the church money.”
If found guilty on all counts, Shaleta could receive up to 15 years in prison, prosecutors said. Court proceedings will continue with a preliminary hearing set for April 27.
The Chaldean Church issued an official response stating that Vatican officials are conducting their own investigation and that “all perspectives are being taken seriously and require careful review, proper documentation, and time so that the truth may be fully and fairly discerned.”
Local clergy from the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle have publicly supported Shaleta and requested prayers for their religious community during this difficult time.
The Chaldean Catholic Church represents one of 23 Eastern branches of Catholicism that maintain communion with the Pope while preserving distinct customs and traditions. Unlike the more familiar Roman Catholic Church, these Eastern branches follow their own liturgical practices while adhering to core Catholic doctrine.
This particular branch serves over one million Aramaic-speaking Christians worldwide and traces its origins to the Apostle Thomas in what is now modern-day Iraq. The church’s main headquarters continues to operate from Baghdad.
Within the United States, the Chaldean Community Foundation estimates approximately half a million members of Chaldean and Assyrian Catholic communities, with major populations concentrated in Arizona, California, and Illinois.
Vatican officials revealed Tuesday that Pope Leo XIV had actually approved Shaleta’s resignation back in February but delayed the public announcement to avoid interfering with the ongoing criminal investigation. The Pope has appointed Bishop Saad Hanna Sirop to serve as interim administrator.
In a notable coincidence, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, the head of the global Chaldean church, announced his retirement on March 9, with the Pope making both departures public simultaneously.
Church officials have not indicated whether the two resignations are related.
The 76-year-old Sako explained that he initially discussed retirement with Pope Francis in 2024, but Francis urged him to continue serving. Sako said he renewed his retirement request with Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday, and this time it was accepted.
Sako emphasized that he was stepping down “of my own will” to focus on prayer, writing, and simple service. His tenure had been marked by occasional conflicts with Iraqi political leaders, and his departure comes amid escalating regional tensions as the U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran has affected Iraq and surrounding nations.
Prior to his retirement, Sako penned a message to San Diego area parishioners, encouraging them to maintain unity and approach this “exceptionally painful situation” with “a compassionate, faithful heart, far from the spirit of revenge.”
“Let the legal procedures take their course in revealing the truth and upholding justice,” Sako advised in his letter.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey made the rare decision Tuesday to spare the life of a death row prisoner who was set to be executed this Thursday, even though the man never directly killed anyone.
The governor changed Charles “Sonny” Burton’s death sentence to life imprisonment without any chance of parole. The 75-year-old Burton had been found guilty of capital murder in connection with Doug Battle’s shooting death during a 1991 robbery. However, it was another individual, Derrick DeBruce, who actually fired the fatal shot after Burton had already exited the store.
The fatal incident took place on August 16, 1991, at an AutoZone auto parts store in Talladega during an armed robbery. Doug Battle, a 34-year-old military veteran with four children, was gunned down after walking into the store while the crime was in progress.
According to court testimony, Burton had declared before entering the store that he would “take care of it” if anyone caused problems during the robbery.
When Battle walked into the store as the crime was wrapping up, he threw down his wallet and got on the ground, then had words with DeBruce. LaJuan McCants, who was 16 years old at the time, gave testimony that Burton and the others had already left the premises when DeBruce shot Battle in the back.
Both DeBruce and Burton received capital murder convictions and death sentences from a jury. During final arguments, prosecutors claimed Burton bore equal responsibility to Derrick DeBruce “because he’s there to aid and assist him.” The prosecution used Burton’s earlier statement about handling trouble as proof he led the robbery, though Burton’s legal team challenged this characterization.
DeBruce successfully appealed his death sentence when a court determined his legal representation was inadequate. He received a new sentence of life in prison and eventually died while incarcerated.
Ivey explained she “cannot proceed in good conscience with the execution of Mr. Burton” given that the actual shooter had his sentence reduced to life imprisonment.
“I believe it would be unjust for one participant in this crime to be executed while the participant who pulled the trigger was not,” Ivey stated. “To be clear, Mr. Burton will not be eligible for parole and will rightfully spend the remainder of his life behind bars for his role in the robbery that led to the murder of Doug Battle. He will now receive the same punishment as the triggerman.”
This marks just the second instance the Republican governor has shown mercy to a death row prisoner during her tenure, which has overseen 25 executions.
“The murder of Doug Battle was a senseless and tragic crime, and this decision does not diminish the profound loss felt by the Battle family. I pray that they may find peace and closure,” Ivey stated.
The governor’s choice sparked both support and opposition from various officials.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall expressed being “deeply disappointed” with the decision and argued Burton’s execution should have proceeded as planned. Marshall maintained that Burton orchestrated the armed robbery that resulted in Battle’s death, noting that “longstanding Alabama law recognizes accomplice liability, as has every judge that has touched this case over three decades.”
“There has never been any doubt that Sonny Burton has Douglas Battle’s blood on his hands,” Marshall declared.
Alice Marie Johnson, who former President Donald Trump appointed as his “pardon czar” last year, commended Ivey’s decision. She said the governor “showed what courageous and common sense leadership looks like.”
“By commuting the death sentence of Charles ‘Sonny’ Burton, she ensured that justice — not technicalities — guides the most serious decision a state can make,” Johnson posted on social media.
Similar clemency decisions have been made by other Republican governors when concerns arose about executing the less responsible party. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt commuted Tremane Wood’s sentence to life last year, matching his brother’s punishment after the brother admitted to the killing.
Burton will be relocated from Alabama’s death row, where he has been held since 1992, though the timing of this transfer remains uncertain. The Alabama Department of Corrections spokesperson did not respond immediately to requests for information.
Burton will remain imprisoned for life with no possibility of release on parole.
The New York Jets have completed a trade to bring back quarterback Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders, according to a source familiar with the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Smith, who the Jets originally selected in the second round of the 2013 draft, is returning to New York along with a seventh-round draft pick. In exchange, the Jets are sending a sixth-round selection to Las Vegas. The transaction cannot become official until the new league year begins Wednesday.
The move gives the Jets their new starting quarterback as they look to improve after finishing 3-14 in head coach Aaron Glenn’s first season. ESPN has reported that Smith and the Jets have agreed to restructure his contract, which previously had two years and $66 million remaining.
For Las Vegas, the trade allows them to receive compensation for a player they likely would have released anyway. The Raiders are expected to target Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is widely projected to be selected first overall in the upcoming NFL draft. The additional draft pick gives Las Vegas 11 total selections in this year’s draft.
Smith’s departure from Las Vegas comes after a difficult season where he was sacked 55 times and threw 17 interceptions, both league-high totals. The struggles came despite reuniting with former Seattle coach Pete Carroll, who had brought Smith to the Raiders but was subsequently fired after the season.
The 35-year-old quarterback will now work under offensive coordinator Frank Reich, whom Glenn hired in January. Smith will have talented weapons at his disposal, including wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who is recovering from a knee injury, and running back Breece Hall, who recently received the franchise tag after surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his four-year career.
With Smith’s arrival, Justin Fields, who started nine games for the Jets last season, will likely move to a backup role or potentially be released. The team’s quarterback room currently includes Brady Cook, who struggled in four starts as a rookie to end the season, and Bailey Zappe, with Tyrod Taylor set to become a free agent.
This represents another chapter in Smith’s lengthy NFL journey. He originally became the Jets’ starter as a rookie when Mark Sanchez suffered a preseason shoulder injury. His initial tenure in New York ended dramatically in 2015 when teammate IK Enemkpali broke his jaw during a locker room altercation in training camp.
Following his Jets departure, Smith played for the Giants, where he made headlines by ending Eli Manning’s 210-game consecutive starts streak when coach Ben McAdoo chose him as the starter against the Raiders. After tearing his ACL in 2016, Smith spent time with the Chargers before finding success in Seattle.
Under Carroll’s guidance with the Seahawks, Smith revitalized his career, initially backing up Russell Wilson before taking over as the starter in 2022. That season, he earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors after throwing a career-high 30 touchdown passes and leading Seattle to three straight winning seasons.
Throughout his career, the two-time Pro Bowl selection has accumulated 22,168 passing yards with 124 touchdowns and 89 interceptions, including 28 touchdown passes during his original stint with the Jets.
Smith becomes the second former Jets player to return to the organization this week. The team also agreed to terms with linebacker Demario Davis on a two-year, $22 million contract with $15 million guaranteed. Davis, originally a Jets third-round pick in 2012, spent the past eight seasons with the New Orleans Saints.
Prior to acquiring Smith, the Jets had concentrated on defensive improvements during the early free agency period. They completed a trade for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from Miami and added linebacker Davis, defensive tackle David Onyemata, and edge rushers Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare.
Salisbury officials have announced that the pedestrian bridge connecting to the Pohanka Riverwalk Amphitheater has reopened, restoring an important walkway link for community members and tourists visiting the area.
The bridge’s return comes at an ideal time as spring weather approaches and the city prepares for its busy season of outdoor events and activities. The walkway now provides uninterrupted access between The Ross, the Pohanka Riverwalk Amphitheater, and the recently renovated DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel along with Savour restaurant located at 300 S. Salisbury Blvd.
Several beloved community events are scheduled to return this spring, including the annual Hops on the River celebration on April 25 and the launch of this year’s 3rd Friday festivities, which will begin with a special tribute to Salisbury University’s centennial anniversary. The United Way will once again organize the Over the Edge for ALICE event at The Ross on May 8.
City officials plan to present an impressive roster of musical acts at the Pohanka Riverwalk Amphitheater during the summer months as part of the Friday Night Live concert series. Now that the pedestrian bridge has reopened, getting to parking areas for amphitheater shows and private events will be much easier.
“We’re excited to welcome the community back to this beautiful space,” Mayor Randy Taylor said. “The amphitheater is an affordable, rentable venue that brings people together. We hope residents and organizations will take advantage of this unique setting for their events.”
Community groups can still reserve the amphitheater for their own gatherings. Additional details can be found at Salisbury.md/citizen-services.
Two public events are already scheduled at the Pohanka Riverwalk Amphitheater:
Flying Ivories: Dueling Pianos featuring VIP options available on May 9 from 6 to 9 p.m.
The Great Train Robbery a complimentary event set for May 22 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the entire Riverwalk area during their visit. With spring approaching, the season for outdoor events is officially beginning, and more announcements are expected soon.
PHILADELPHIA — A federal judge heard arguments Tuesday on whether the University of Pennsylvania should be compelled to turn over employee membership information for Jewish organizations as part of a federal investigation into alleged workplace antisemitism.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is investigating whether antisemitic incidents at the Philadelphia Ivy League institution have created a hostile work environment for staff members. The probe has documented multiple troubling events, including someone screaming antisemitic slurs and vandalizing a Jewish student life center, a Nazi swastika being painted on a campus building, and hateful graffiti appearing outside a fraternity house.
Federal investigators are also examining the university’s handling of protests related to the Gaza conflict and its response to various antisemitic incidents on campus.
During Tuesday’s four-hour hearing before U.S. District Judge Gerald Pappert, attorneys debated the EEOC’s November petition against Penn’s Board of Trustees to enforce an administrative subpoena. The subpoena seeks information as part of the agency’s investigation into allegations that the school has created an illegal hostile workplace for Jewish faculty and staff based on their national origin, religion, or race.
Judge Pappert did not indicate when he might issue his ruling following the lengthy hearing.
The controversy started in December 2023 when the EEOC formally accused Penn of exhibiting a pattern of antisemitic conduct. In court filings last fall, the agency stated it was taking action “in light of the probable reluctance of Jewish faculty and staff to complain of a harassing environment due to fear of hostility and potential violence directed against them.”
In November filings, the EEOC declared that Penn’s “workplace is replete with antisemitism,” and informed the court that investigators believe “identification of those who have witnessed and/or been subjected to the environment is essential for determining whether the work environment was both objectively and subjectively hostile.”
University attorneys countered in January that Penn has been cooperative throughout the more than two-year investigation, providing approximately 900 pages of documentation to federal investigators.
The university maintains that the only remaining disagreement involves what it characterizes as the EEOC’s “extraordinary and unconstitutional demand” for compiled lists of employees that would reveal their Jewish faith or heritage, connections to Jewish organizations, participation in Penn’s Jewish studies programs, and other sensitive information — including personal home addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses.
Vic Walczak, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, explained that five organizations his group represents in the matter have serious concerns about gathering and potentially misusing the information demanded by federal officials.
These organizations — including some with specific Jewish connections and others representing broader faculty groups — support examining antisemitism but believe “this is not the way to do it,” according to Walczak.
“We’re on the same side as Penn — we’re not opposing an investigation, what we’re opposing is the court forcing Penn to create, essentially, lists of participants in Jewish organizations and turning over confidential information, including home addresses,” Walczak explained.
A Penn representative stated via email that the institution will wait for Judge Pappert’s decision.
The university proposed an alternative approach last fall, offering to inform all employees about the federal investigation and provide them with contact information for the agency. However, the EEOC rejected this suggestion. Penn argued this method would “not invade employees’ privacy, sense of safety, and constitutional rights or echo terrifying periods of history for Jewish communities.”
Attempts to reach EEOC regional attorney Debra Lawrence and the agency’s Philadelphia office for comment were unsuccessful Tuesday.
ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay — The Paraguayan Chamber of Deputies gave final legislative approval Tuesday to a military cooperation pact that will permit temporary deployment of American forces and civilian personnel on Paraguayan soil, marking a significant win for the Trump administration’s efforts to bolster U.S. influence throughout Latin America.
The Status of Forces Agreement received overwhelming support from legislators, passing with 53 votes in favor, 8 opposed, and 4 abstentions among the 80-member chamber. Fifteen lawmakers were absent during the vote. The measure now heads to President Santiago Peña, a strong Trump ally in the region, who is anticipated to sign the legislation into law within days.
Originally signed by both nations in Washington this past December, the pact creates a legal structure for American security personnel to operate in Paraguay for training missions, joint military exercises, and humanitarian operations. The agreement also grants the United States criminal jurisdiction over its personnel stationed in the country.
Both the U.S. State Department and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano have characterized the treaty as “historic.” The Paraguayan Senate had already given its approval last week, though that chamber saw more heated debate over potential sovereignty concerns.
Opposition lawmakers raised objections to a controversial clause providing foreign military personnel with immunity from prosecution similar to diplomatic staff protections.
“We believe in international cooperation, but we also believe in strong states, respected institutions and real democratic sovereignty,” stated independent congressman Raúl Benítez.
Paraguay’s foreign minister has defended the agreement, stating in December that its primary goal is enhancing U.S.-Paraguay collaboration in combating transnational organized crime and “terrorism.” He emphasized that “there is no possibility of the installation of U.S. military bases” in Paraguay.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also endorsed the SOFA arrangement, describing it as a “historic agreement” that will enhance bilateral and multinational training, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and other mutual security objectives.
The SOFA approval aligns with Washington’s strategy to expand American influence across Latin America under the Trump administration’s national security framework, even as segments of Paraguayan civil society continue voicing opposition.
“The security of a country is not built by importing troops or shielding foreign agents with diplomatic immunities,” declared Peace and Justice Service, a civil organization with operations throughout Latin America, in a statement issued before the final vote. The organization added that the treaty “does not represent progress in security, but rather the formalization of a geopolitics of impunity that undermines the pillars of our national dignity.”
The Minnesota Vikings are meeting with quarterback Kyler Murray as they explore their options at the position, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Arizona released Murray on Wednesday when the new league year started, even though they still owed him $36.8 million in guaranteed money for the upcoming season.
The Thursday meeting comes as Minnesota searches for solutions at quarterback, with current starter J.J. McCarthy facing questions about his development after a rookie season marred by injuries and inconsistent play. Coach Kevin O’Connell appears to view Murray as a legitimate option to either compete with or potentially replace their 2024 first-round selection.
Despite recent injury setbacks and concerns about his dedication to the game, Murray brings impressive credentials including two Pro Bowl appearances, a 67% completion rate throughout his career, and substantial mobility with 3,193 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns on the ground.
Murray’s professional journey began promisingly after capturing the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma. He earned AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and seemed to elevate Arizona’s prospects early in his tenure. His highlight reel includes memorable moments like the “Hail Murray” in 2020, when he found DeAndre Hopkins for a dramatic game-winning score against Buffalo as time expired. In 2021, Murray threw for 400 yards in a Week 2 victory over Minnesota, helping Arizona jump to a 10-2 start before ending the season 11-6.
The Cardinals rewarded Murray with a massive five-year, $230.5 million extension in 2022, guaranteeing $160 million. However, the relationship soured quickly after the deal was finalized. Arizona initially included an unusual provision requiring four hours of “independent study” during game weeks, which they later removed amid controversy. The incident raised doubts about Murray’s work habits and damaged his standing with the organization.
A torn ACL in his right knee ended Murray’s 2022 season prematurely, forcing him to miss significant time in 2023 as Jonathan Gannon took over coaching duties from Kliff Kingsbury. The 2024 season showed improvement with Murray and Gannon working together, as Arizona went 8-9 and remained in playoff contention until late in the year.
This past season unraveled quickly for both Murray and the Cardinals. A right foot injury limited him to just five games, though doctors initially expected only a brief recovery period. Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett stepped in effectively during Murray’s absence, who was eventually placed on injured reserve. Arizona finished with the league’s worst record at 3-14, leading to Gannon’s dismissal.
Following news of his release last week, Murray posted on social media expressing disappointment that he guided the team to just one playoff appearance across seven seasons – a wild-card loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams in 2021.
“I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it,” Murray wrote.
McCarthy’s development has been hampered by a series of setbacks after missing his entire rookie year recovering from knee surgery. In 2025, he dealt with an ankle sprain, concussion, and broken hand that restricted him to 10 starts and only eight completed games. Even when healthy, accuracy issues were significant enough to prompt Minnesota to explore other options despite McCarthy showing flashes of potential.
After relying on Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer as backups last season, O’Connell and the Vikings recognized they need better depth behind McCarthy heading into 2026. McCarthy himself appears to understand his starting position may be in jeopardy.
Worcester County has announced that the Mystic Harbour Water & Wastewater Advisory Board will convene for a scheduled meeting this Friday, March 6th, beginning at 2:00 PM.
County officials have made the meeting agenda available to the public through their official website. The agenda document, dated March 6, 2026, can be accessed as a PDF file for residents who wish to review the topics that will be discussed during the session.
The advisory board meeting was posted to the county’s event calendar on Thursday, March 12th at 12:47 PM by county staff member ctunnell. Community members interested in attending or following the proceedings can find additional information through Worcester County’s online events calendar.
The Ocean Pines Water and Wastewater Advisory Board has announced an upcoming meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM.
Meeting minutes from the session will be made available following the conclusion of the board’s proceedings. The advisory board regularly convenes to discuss water and wastewater infrastructure matters affecting the Ocean Pines community.
Residents interested in the board’s activities can access meeting information through Worcester County’s official events calendar.
Homebuyers face higher borrowing costs this week as mortgage rates climbed due to bond market uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict.
Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year fixed mortgage rates increased to 6.11% from the previous week’s 6%, marking a return to levels seen five weeks earlier. This represents a decrease from last year’s 6.65% average.
The current rate matches where it stood over a month ago, after hitting a three-and-a-half-year low just two weeks prior. Rates have remained near the 6% mark throughout this year, providing a relatively stable environment for qualified buyers entering the spring housing market.
Fifteen-year fixed mortgages, commonly chosen by homeowners seeking to refinance, also saw increases this week. These rates climbed to 5.5% from 5.43% the week before, though they remain below last year’s 5.8% level, according to Freddie Mac data.
Multiple elements drive mortgage rate fluctuations, including Federal Reserve policy choices and investor sentiment regarding economic growth and inflation expectations. Home loan pricing typically mirrors the 10-year Treasury yield movement, which serves as a benchmark for lenders.
Thursday’s midday trading showed the 10-year Treasury yield at 4.25%, rising from approximately 4.13% seven days earlier.
Recent Treasury yield increases reflect inflation concerns triggered by climbing oil prices. These worries have overshadowed last month’s disappointing employment data and relatively steady consumer inflation figures recorded before the Iran conflict began.
“Under normal circumstances, these soft economic readings would put downward pressure on mortgage rates, however, the news out of the Middle East is overriding those signals,” Hannah Jones, senior economist research analyst at Realtor.com said in an email.
Rising oil costs can fuel inflation, potentially preventing Federal Reserve interest rate reductions.
While the Federal Reserve doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, its short-term rate adjustments significantly influence bond investor behavior and ultimately impact 10-year Treasury yields that guide home loan pricing.
America’s housing sector continues struggling through a downturn that began in 2022 when mortgage rates started climbing from pandemic-era record lows.
Existing home sales have maintained roughly a 4-million annual pace since 2023, falling well below the historically normal 5.2-million yearly rate. Sales dropped to a three-decade low last year and remain sluggish in 2024, trailing previous year levels in January and February despite lower rates compared to twelve months ago.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court announced Thursday they are closing their probe into whether American sanctions imposed on Venezuela amounted to crimes against humanity.
The case began in 2020 when Venezuelan officials petitioned the ICC to examine what they termed “unlawful coercive measures.” The country argued that financial asset freezes and travel restrictions targeting Venezuelan leaders — initially put in place during Barack Obama’s presidency — had created “widespread suffering” among citizens.
After conducting a preliminary review, prosecutors determined there was insufficient evidence to proceed with formal charges.
The prosecutor’s office acknowledged in their announcement that while it was “generally accepted” that the sanctions “may have exacerbated an existing dire humanitarian situation,” investigators could not establish the “necessary intent” required for criminal prosecution.
Officials emphasized that ending this particular investigation has no connection to “the January 2026 events in Venezuela.”
Those events included a rapid military operation by U.S. forces that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, who were subsequently removed from the country. American forces have also conducted multiple operations targeting vessels allegedly transporting narcotics from Venezuelan waters.
This sanctions investigation operates independently from the ICC’s continuing examination of potential crimes by Venezuelan security personnel under Maduro’s administration during their 2017 response to anti-government demonstrations.
The court’s chief prosecutor Karim Khan faced complications last year when appeals judges required him to remove himself from the Venezuela case due to conflicts of interest. Khan’s family connection to international criminal attorney Venkateswari Alagendra, who represents Maduro’s administration, created the conflict.
Khan has temporarily stepped away from his position while facing an internal investigation regarding sexual misconduct allegations.
In a separate development Thursday, prosecutors announced they would proceed with examining potential crimes against humanity in Belarus.
Lithuania requested the investigation in 2024, focusing on its neighboring country’s harsh treatment of opposition movements.
Lithuanian officials contend that Belarus’s authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko has forcibly relocated political dissidents across international borders, establishing the court’s authority to investigate. While Lithuania participates in the ICC, Belarus does not.
This decision creates the possibility that Lukashenko and other Belarusian government officials could face ICC charges.
Exiled Belarusian opposition figure Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed the announcement. “This decision restores hope — that justice will prevail, that those responsible will be held accountable, and that the victims will finally receive truth and justice,” she told The Associated Press.
Two individuals working on behalf of Russian interests deliberately torched a train and railway infrastructure in Latvia during August, according to an announcement Wednesday from Latvia’s State Security Service. This incident represents the most recent example in a growing pattern of attacks on critical European infrastructure that Western officials attribute to Russia.
According to the security service, the perpetrators ignited both the train and several railway relay cabinets — control boxes containing equipment that manages train operations — while recording their destructive actions. The footage was subsequently transmitted to those who ordered the arson, who then exploited it for propaganda by falsely claiming the fires occurred in Ukraine, officials stated.
This August arson attack joins at least 151 documented cases of sabotage and hostile activities throughout Europe that The Associated Press has tracked and Western officials have connected to Russia following Moscow’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. According to officials, these attacks aim to weaken European support for Ukraine, create fear and division within European communities, and exhaust investigative resources. Russia frequently employs intermediaries for such operations, with some perpetrators claiming ignorance about their connection to Moscow.
Polish officials reported in November that Russian intelligence services orchestrated multiple sabotage incidents targeting a railway line used for delivering assistance to Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced in January that hackers “directly linked to the Russian services” attacked two combined heat and power facilities serving nearly half a million customers, along with numerous wind and solar energy installations.
Danish authorities disclosed in December that Russian cyberattacks during 2024 on a water utility resulted in some residences losing water service, while Norwegian police reported in August that pro-Russian hackers remotely activated a dam valve, causing water to flow out.
These cyber incidents highlight European critical infrastructure’s susceptibility and represent part of a troubling pattern indicating Moscow is taking a “more aggressive posture” toward European nations it considers opponents, according to Ciaran Martin, former director of the U.K.’s National Cyber Security Centre.
This approach includes “cyber-kinetic” operations where Russian-affiliated hackers modify system parameters to create physical consequences — such as changing water flows, Martin explained to AP.
Italian authorities are also examining the sabotage of several high-speed rail lines on the opening day of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February. The ANSA news agency reported that infrastructure was burned or severed, affecting thousands of travelers. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that cyberattacks originating from Russia also targeted the Winter Olympics, including Games-related websites, Cortina hotels, and foreign ministry platforms.
France’s high-speed rail network also suffered sabotage in 2024 on the summer Olympic Games’ opening day. Neither Italy nor France has formally blamed Russia for the railway sabotage. The Kremlin has previously denied to the AP any participation in a sabotage campaign.
Two people were hospitalized with injuries following a deadly shooting incident at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia on Thursday, according to university officials.
The shooting took place inside the university’s business school facility, where the gunman fired shots before dying at the scene. University officials have not yet disclosed the circumstances surrounding the shooter’s death.
In response to the incident, ODU officials immediately shut down all classes and campus activities for the remainder of Thursday. The university advised students, faculty and community members to stay away from the vicinity of Constant Hall while emergency responders continued their work at the scene.
Federal law enforcement agencies responded to assist with the emergency situation, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirming on social media platform X that their agents were actively supporting the response efforts.
WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump has raised questions about whether Iran’s national soccer team should participate in the upcoming World Cup, expressing safety concerns while the two nations remain engaged in conflict.
Writing on his social media platform Thursday, Trump stated: “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
Trump’s comments appear to contradict his earlier stance delivered to FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a Tuesday White House meeting, where he reportedly assured the soccer official that Iranian players and coaching staff would be welcomed to the tournament.
An unnamed White House source had previously confirmed that Trump conveyed welcoming messages regarding Iran’s World Cup participation during his conversation with Infantino.
The White House has not yet provided clarification on what specific dangers Trump was referencing when he mentioned concerns about “their own life and safety,” particularly following recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran that commenced on February 28.
Iranian officials announced earlier this week that participating in this year’s World Cup would be “not possible” for their country.
Iran is among the 48 nations scheduled to compete in the tournament and has matches planned in Inglewood, California against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, followed by a group stage finale against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The World Cup will run from June 11 through July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
While Iran remains under U.S. travel restrictions implemented as part of the Trump administration’s immigration policies since June, athletic teams and their coaching staff are granted exemptions, meaning the Iranian squad would legally be permitted entry into the United States.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore basketball standout Zion Obanla has earned recognition as a member of the All-MEAC Second Team, the conference announced.
The honor recognizes Obanla’s exceptional contributions to the Hawks basketball program throughout the season. The All-MEAC teams celebrate the top performers across the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
Obanla’s selection to the second team represents a significant achievement for both the player and the UMES basketball program. The recognition comes as the conference acknowledges the season’s most outstanding student-athletes.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks compete in the MEAC, where Obanla has established himself as one of the conference’s top talents during his collegiate career.
Educators from Delaware State University’s College of Education recently traveled to Arlington, Virginia to participate in a pair of prominent national academic conferences.
The DSU faculty members shared their research findings and educational expertise with peers from universities nationwide during the Virginia events. The conferences provided opportunities for the professors to present their work and engage with other education professionals on current trends and developments in the field.
The participation of Delaware State University’s education faculty at these national gatherings demonstrates the institution’s commitment to scholarly research and professional development within the academic community.
Delaware Department of Transportation crews are currently conducting litter removal activities along the median area of Interstate 95 southbound near Exit 4A.
The cleanup operation began earlier today and is expected to wrap up by 4:30 PM this afternoon.
Motorists traveling through the area should expect to see DelDOT vehicles and workers along the roadway during the cleanup efforts.
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey faces a minimum three-week absence after sustaining a tendon injury to his right pinky finger, the team confirmed on Tuesday.
The injury happened during Saturday’s 126-116 defeat against Atlanta when Maxey collided with teammate Adem Bona with just 16 seconds left on the clock. Currently averaging 29.0 points and 6.7 assists per game, Maxey’s absence comes at a challenging time for Philadelphia, which holds the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 34-30 record. The team has struggled recently, dropping four of their past five contests.
Team officials confirmed that Maxey sought opinions from several hand specialists before the decision was made. Medical staff will reassess his condition in three weeks to determine his readiness to return.
Philadelphia’s injury woes extend beyond Maxey, as the team faced Memphis on Tuesday without several key players. Center Joel Embiid remains out with a right oblique strain, marking his fifth straight missed game. Coach Nick Nurse indicated Embiid would undergo another evaluation later this week. Additionally, Paul George continues serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, with approximately two weeks remaining before his potential return.
The First State is ramping up efforts to improve early reading education with a substantial financial commitment exceeding $8 million aimed at enhancing literacy instruction in schools statewide.
State education officials revealed today that Delaware has secured significant funding through two major sources to support this educational initiative. The funding package includes a $1.9 million State Implementation Fund grant provided by Accelerate, along with an additional $6.1 million in competitive Bridge funding.
This comprehensive investment represents Delaware’s commitment to strengthening foundational reading skills among young students through improved classroom instruction methods and resources.
The Delaware Department of Education emphasized that these coordinated investments will work together to advance the state’s comprehensive approach to early literacy education across all participating schools.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented reduced speed limits on Interstate 495, bringing the maximum allowable speed down to 55 miles per hour due to adverse weather conditions affecting the area.
The temporary speed reduction has been put in place as a safety measure for motorists traveling along the highway during current weather patterns impacting the region.
Drivers are advised to exercise caution and follow the posted speed limits while traveling on I-495 until conditions improve and normal speed limits are restored.
LONDON — British officials are weighing new military deployment strategies in the Gulf region as Iranian forces intensify their assault on maritime vessels, Defense Minister John Healey announced Thursday.
The announcement comes after the Royal Navy’s final minehunter vessel, HMS Middleton, completed its journey back to Britain on March 1st following its Gulf assignment based in Bahrain. The aging ship, which had served for more than four decades, was no longer deemed seaworthy for continued operations.
“We do have some autonomous mine hunting systems already in the region,” Healey stated. “There are additional options we’re starting to consider that we could deploy alongside allies.”
Intelligence sources revealed to Reuters that Iranian forces have positioned approximately twelve mines throughout the Strait of Hormuz, creating significant obstacles for any potential reopening of this crucial shipping corridor that handles substantial oil and liquefied natural gas transport.
American military forces report successful strikes against Iranian mine-deployment vessels, destroying sixteen of these craft on Tuesday alone.
The volatile situation escalated further Thursday when two oil tankers caught fire at an Iraqi port following what officials suspect were Iranian explosive boat attacks. This incident occurred just hours after three additional vessels sustained damage elsewhere in the Gulf waters.
Healey characterized these developments as a “major escalation from Iran.”
“It is a breach of international law,” the defense minister emphasized. “It’s a very serious situation that is having an impact on oil prices and the cost of living for everyone.”
WASHINGTON – Major financial institutions will see a modest reduction in their capital requirements following revisions to comprehensive banking regulations, Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman announced Thursday. The announcement marks a significant win for large banks that had successfully opposed more stringent capital increases proposed in previous versions.
During remarks delivered at the Cato Institute in Washington, Bowman detailed modifications to what are known as Basel rules and the “GSIB surcharge” – regulations that dictate the amount of money financial institutions must reserve to cover potential losses. She described the changes as creating an overall decrease in capital requirements for major banks through what she termed a “sensible recalibration” of current regulations.
Bowman, who received her appointment to the position last year under Republican President Donald Trump, explained that the revisions would remove duplicate standards and adjust requirements to better reflect the actual risk levels faced by banks. She criticized the ongoing trend of requiring banks to maintain increasingly higher reserves against possible losses.
“When capital requirements become excessive, they impair the banking system’s fundamental function of providing credit to the real economy,” she stated in her prepared speech.
A coalition of Caribbean nations is working to secure $200 million in funding for a collaborative environmental conservation effort, according to Grenada’s climate ambassador Safiya Sawney.
The ambitious project, known as the 30X30 initiative, involves the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and its dozen member countries. This effort supports international goals established in 2022 to safeguard 30% of global land and ocean areas within the next six years.
Sawney explained that this collaborative approach, with government leadership from the beginning, should prove more successful by combining various funding sources including multilateral organizations, bilateral agreements, charitable foundations, and private investors, along with innovative financing mechanisms like debt-for-nature exchanges.
Despite receiving approximately $650 million for conservation work across member nations over the past two decades ending in 2024, governments frequently found themselves prioritizing donor preferences over their own environmental needs. Poor coordination also led to duplicated efforts among different funding organizations.
“From the outside looking in, you say, ‘Well, that’s a lot of money. Why do you need more?’. The issue … is that we’re not seeing that in the impact,” Sawney explained during a recent interview.
Research from the Back to Blue initiative, which concentrates on ocean sustainability policies, indicates that regional strategies like “OECS 30X30” could significantly help address massive funding shortfalls.
According to the Global Center on Adaptation, Small Island Developing States globally require roughly $12 billion annually to address climate change impacts but receive only $2 billion. These nations face the greatest threat from rising ocean levels.
“There’s a huge disconnect between what the governments have invested time and effort into planning for themselves, based on their own indigenous circumstances, and what the donor is funding,” Sawney noted.
“We’re challenging them to say ‘No, you have to do a better job if you really want to ensure that your money stretches. You have to trust us, trust that we know what would we need to do for ourselves’,” she added.
With wealthier nations reducing development assistance budgets, Sawney emphasized the importance of expanding projects regionally and drawing more private sector investment.
“For us, the programme is really, really important because it’s really on us to be able to show investors, particularly non-traditional investors, that we’re a good bet,” she concluded.
KYIV – Ukrainian officials announced Thursday they will share combat information with partner countries to help develop artificial intelligence technology for military drones, leveraging knowledge gained from nearly four years of defending against Russia’s invasion.
The announcement reflects a growing global trend of armed forces incorporating automated systems capable of directing unmanned aircraft to targets independently or rapidly processing enormous amounts of intelligence data.
International partners and defense contractors have been requesting access to Ukraine’s combat information, which is essential for teaching computer models to identify patterns, formations, and movement of personnel and equipment during warfare.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the creation of a secure system that allows AI development while protecting classified information, yet still provides continuously updated datasets along with extensive photo and video collections.
“Today, Ukraine has a unique array of battlefield data that is unmatched anywhere else in the world,” he wrote on Telegram.
“This includes millions of annotated images collected during tens of thousands of combat flights.”
Fedorov, known for his technology expertise and close ties to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, explained that Ukraine would benefit from accelerated AI development that could then be deployed against Russian forces.
“We are ready to work with partners on joint analytics, model training, and the creation of new technological solutions,” he stated, emphasizing Ukraine’s goal to expand the use of autonomous military systems.
Following his appointment in January, Fedorov outlined ambitious plans for a comprehensive technology-focused transformation of Ukraine’s extensive defense apparatus.
Ukrainian leadership aims to capitalize on knowledge acquired from what represents Europe’s most significant military conflict since World War II, working to maintain international support and financial assistance as the war enters its fifth year.
This week, Ukraine deployed counter-drone experts to four Middle Eastern countries following requests for assistance in neutralizing Iran’s extensive Shahed drone attacks.
Success in free agency doesn’t always translate to championship glory.
However, it certainly provides a solid foundation.
Across the league, NFL franchises have invested billions during the free agency period, banking on their new signings to enhance their Super Bowl aspirations.
Several more aggressive organizations — including the Raiders and Titans — would welcome any improvement in competitiveness following disappointing campaigns.
The period has featured multiple unexpected developments, notably a canceled major trade that would have moved star pass rusher Maxx Crosby away from the Raiders.
Here are the early standouts and disappointments:
The NFC South champions bolstered their roster by securing pass rusher Jaelan Phillips ($120 million) and linebacker Devin Lloyd ($45 million), landing two premier talents at crucial defensive positions. These additions complement interior defender Derrick Brown and cornerback Jaycee Horn, creating a formidable defensive unit with elite players at every level for Carolina.
However, the Panthers saw departures including defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson, running back Rico Dowdle, and center Cade Mays.
San Francisco made a major splash by landing six-time Pro Bowl receiver Mike Evans from Tampa Bay through a three-year contract potentially worth $60.4 million, though only $16.3 million is guaranteed for the first year, according to an anonymous source familiar with the deal since details weren’t publicly released. The organization also brought in defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa via trade with Dallas for a third-round selection, while adding versatile tackle Vederian Lowe and center Brett Toth, plus retaining tight end Jake Tonges and kicker Eddy Piniero.
At 32 years old, Evans remains capable of elite performance within coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme, providing Brock Purdy with a premier receiving option.
San Francisco did lose receiver Kendrick Bourne in the process.
Following last year’s outstanding offseason that helped New England improve by 10 victories and reach the Super Bowl, the organization continued their aggressive approach by acquiring receiver Romeo Doubs ($70 million), guard Alijah Vera-Tucker ($42 million), Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard ($9 million), pass rusher Dre’Mont Jones ($39.5 million), fullback Reggie Gilliam, tight end Julian Hill, safety Mike Brown, and linebacker K.J. Britt.
The Patriots moved center Garrett Bradbury via trade while losing defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga, tight end Austin Hooper, and safety Jaylinn Hawkins.
With Geno Smith returning to New York, the organization focused on defensive improvements by acquiring veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat through separate trades, while signing two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Demario Davis and pass rusher Joseph Ossai ($34.5 million).
Additional signings included defensive tackle David Onyemata, edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare, safety Dane Belton, and cornerback Nashon Wright, providing Aaron Glenn with multiple new defensive pieces. Left guard Dylan Parham addresses an offensive line need while backup tackle Max Mitchell returns.
New York lost linebacker Quincy Williams, guards Vera-Tucker and John Simpson, plus kicker Nick Folk.
Following their trade for cornerback Trent McDuffie, Los Angeles added cornerback Jaylen Watson and retained safety Kam Curl to strengthen their secondary further.
Tight end Tyler Higbee returns for additional depth while long snapper Joe Cardona joins to contribute on special teams.
Tampa Bay lost Evans not due to financial reasons but because he sought a fresh opportunity and believes San Francisco offers a better championship path. Their defense also lost starting cornerback Jamel Dean and defensive lineman Logan Hall.
The Buccaneers responded by signing Robinson to strengthen their defensive front, plus linebacker Alex Anzalone, running back Kenneth Gainwell, and backup quarterback Jake Browning.
The consecutive NFC East champions appear on this list due to losing three defensive starters: Phillips, linebacker Nakobe Dean, and safety Reed Blankenship.
Philadelphia countered by signing cornerback Riq Woolen and tight end Johnny Mundt while retaining tight end Grant Calcaterra.
The organization extended defensive tackle Jordan Davis and faces decisions on several young defensive stars who helped dominate Kansas City in the Super Bowl two seasons ago. Philadelphia cannot retain everyone, though general manager Howie Roseman consistently finds ways to replace departing talent.
The AFC South champions lost Lloyd, running back Travis Etienne, and cornerback Greg Newsome.
Their additions include backup running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. while retaining cornerback Montaric Brown and linebacker Dennis Gardeck.
Jacksonville faces additional offseason work ahead.
BALTIMORE — Defense attorneys for the alleged leader of a group linked to six fatalities across multiple states requested a mental competency assessment Thursday, telling a federal judge their client may be unfit for trial proceedings.
Jack LaSota, who identifies as a transgender woman and uses the name “Ziz,” was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court for a two-day suppression hearing regarding evidence gathered during her February arrest in Frostburg, Maryland. However, Judge James Bredar instead considered a competency motion filed by defense counsel the previous evening.
Defense attorney Gary Proctor stated in court documents that he has “reasonable cause to believe that the defendant is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering her mentally incompetent to the extent that she is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings.”
During Thursday’s proceedings, Proctor explained that LaSota has shown difficulty comprehending court processes, making connections between her fugitive status and transgender identity, and making unfounded accusations against judicial officials. LaSota expressed her desire to handle her own legal representation.
Law enforcement officials have identified LaSota as the presumed head of what observers term the “Zizians” — a collection of young, intellectually gifted technology professionals who reportedly hold extreme views on plant-based diets, animal welfare, gender issues, and artificial intelligence. Beginning in 2022, group members have been connected to multiple violent incidents: a member’s death during an assault on a California property owner, the subsequent murder of that landlord, the fatal shootings of a member’s parents in Pennsylvania, and a deadly gun battle on a Vermont interstate that claimed the lives of a border patrol agent and another group member.
LaSota, along with Michelle Zajko and Daniel Blank, were taken into custody last February after a property owner discovered them residing in box trucks on a remote, snow-covered access road. While none face direct charges in the six fatalities, investigators immediately linked them to the homicide cases spanning California, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
Maryland State Trooper Brandon Jeffries documented following their February 16, 2025 arrests that all “suspects involved are to be questioned regarding other crimes that have occurred across the country and have ties with the Zizians Cult.”
The trio faces state-level charges including trespassing and unlawful possession of firearms and controlled substances. LaSota additionally confronts a federal charge for illegal weapon possession as a fugitive, plus obstruction charges related to the investigation into Zajko’s parents’ deaths. Officials have designated Zajko as a person of interest in that case while investigating Blank’s potential involvement.
According to recent defense filings, “Ms. LaSota eschews the term Zizian and denies any and all allegations that she and her friends have formed a cult.”
Defense attorneys Proctor and Jennifer Smith contend that law enforcement violated LaSota’s Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, arguing she wasn’t trespassing since the landowner had granted them additional time to depart. They further claim officers conducted illegal warrantless searches of the box trucks, making any recovered evidence inadmissible at trial.
Federal prosecutors responded that officers had sufficient grounds to arrest LaSota and her companions for trespassing, regardless of extended permission that couldn’t apply retroactively. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Beim maintained that officers were justified in conducting protective sweeps for weapons and hidden individuals based on officer safety concerns and reasonable suspicions about the group’s potential for violence, drawn from media coverage.
A growing movement toward downsized dining is sweeping through America’s restaurant industry.
Eateries across the country are introducing specialized menus featuring reduced portions at lower prices, spanning from national chains such as Olive Garden and The Cheesecake Factory to upscale local establishments and farm-fresh dining venues.
Restaurant owners believe these downsized offerings beyond traditional children’s menus will satisfy diverse customer demands. Many diners seek more affordable dining experiences, while others pursue healthier choices or weight management goals. Today’s younger consumers frequently prefer grazing throughout the day rather than consuming large meals, according to Maeve Webster, president of Menu Matters, a culinary consulting company.
“These are really driven by, I think, changes in the way people are thinking about their relationship with food, the way they spend money on food, what is a good value and what’s not,” Webster said.
At Daniel Girls Farmhouse Restaurant in Connersville, Indiana, co-owner Beth Tipton launched an eight-option Mini Meals selection this past autumn following customer requests for reduced servings. The offerings, featuring daily selections such as half a meatloaf portion accompanied by green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy for $8, now represent approximately 20% of total restaurant sales, according to Tipton.
Senior diners comprise roughly half the establishment’s customer base, Tipton noted, with some patrons expressing that standard menu pricing strained their finances. Having undergone weight-loss surgery herself, she understood firsthand that many establishments prohibit adults from ordering children’s menu items.
“We wanted it to be available to all without the word ‘kids meals’ attached,” Tipton said. “With the rising costs all around us we wanted to help in any way we can, and this is a great option.”
Certain establishments are developing specialized menus targeting customers using GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes medications such as Zepbound, Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro.
This past fall, restaurateur Barry Gutin encountered two separate acquaintances who shared their experiences taking GLP-1 medications and facing challenges finding suitable restaurant options for their reduced appetites and dietary requirements. Individuals using GLP-1 drugs typically consume smaller quantities, requiring nutrient-rich foods that are low-fat while containing high protein and fiber levels.
Gutin, who co-owns Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar locations in Philadelphia, Washington, Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida, consulted with a weight-loss specialist physician and the chain’s culinary director, Angel Roque. Within a month, they created the restaurant’s GLP-Wonderful menu, offered during dinner service.
The selection features five traditional Cuban dishes. Roque explained that Cuba Libre’s standard pollo asado contains nearly 1,000 calories, while the GLP-1 version reduces this to 400 calories while maintaining high protein and fiber content. He emphasized the importance of keeping these specialized meals both flavorful and visually appealing to stimulate appetite.
“Many times when people are on those kind of regimes, they feel that they can’t do the same as everybody else. So we wanted to show them, yes, at Cuba Libre, you can,” Roque said.
Gutin reports the menu has boosted business, estimating that 10 to 20 dining parties at each location weekly include at least one person ordering from the GLP-Wonderful selection.
“People say, ‘Thank you for serving us’,” Gutin said.
Olive Garden launched its seven-item “Lighter Portions” menu nationally in January, with GLP-1 users among the target demographics. The Italian-style chain also aimed to attract customers seeking healthier options or more economical meals, explained Rick Cardenas, president and CEO of parent company Darden Restaurants.
“There is a consumer group out there that believes in abundance, but abundance is different for everybody,” Cardenas said in September during a conference call with investors. “So consumers can choose. We’re not changing our entire menu to make it a smaller portion.”
Asian fusion restaurant P.F. Chang’s introduced medium-sized portions last autumn. The Cheesecake Factory incorporated smaller, budget-friendly Bites and Bowls options last summer, while TGI Fridays recently began testing an “Eat Like A Kid” menu featuring reduced portions.
Reduced serving sizes aren’t entirely novel. Two decades ago, small-plate tapas establishments experienced tremendous popularity, for example.
However, Webster, the menu consultant, views current scaled-down offerings as representing a more permanent transformation. The trend transcends specific cuisine types, she notes. Webster believes modern consumers are increasingly conscious of food waste, and smaller portions help address these environmental concerns.
“I think it is a core need that consumers have, and a demand that has been lingering under the surface for a long time because restaurant meals, particularly at chains, have become so large,” she said. “Sure, it sounds great to take leftovers home, but they never taste as good.”
During a recent trip to Shelburne, Vermont, from his North Carolina residence, Jack Pless was pleased to discover the Teeny Tuesday menu at Barkeaters Restaurant, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients. Pless, in his 60s and a former restaurant owner, explained he cannot consume as much food during meals as previously.
“So many times you go out to restaurants, especially me or my wife, and we’ll take home a box and it’ll sit in the refrigerator for two, three days and start to grow a beard,” he said.
Julie Finestone, Barkeaters co-owner, introduced the Teeny Tuesday menu last month to increase weekday winter traffic. Despite initial concerns about offering lower-priced options like $12 reuben sliders, the program has generated more business than anticipated.
Finestone expressed confidence that Teeny Tuesday will become a permanent year-round feature.
“Some people, it’s dietary. Some have smaller appetites. Some people don’t like to overindulge in the middle of the week,” Finestone said. “I think that it just spoke to people.”
Iran’s parliamentary leader issued stark warnings Thursday about potential strikes on strategic Persian Gulf islands that serve as the nation’s southern maritime border, emphasizing their vital role in Iran’s economic and security framework.
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf declared through social media that Iran “will abandon all restraint” should these islands face assault, holding U.S. President Donald Trump accountable for “the blood of American soldiers.”
Despite representing a minimal portion of Iran’s landmass, these islands hold disproportionate significance due to their petroleum infrastructure and tactical positioning.
The motivation behind Qalibaf’s statements remained unclear, though he joins others who have discussed potential island strikes since the Iran conflict commenced February 28.
Both American and Israeli officials have indicated interest in broadening target lists beyond nuclear and military installations. While Israeli government representatives haven’t openly mentioned the islands, opposition figure Yair Lapid has advocated for attacking Kharg Island’s energy facilities.
“That is what will cripple Iran’s economy and topple the regime,” Lapid posted on X last Sunday.
The compact coral formation sits approximately 21 miles from Iran’s mainland and functions as the central hub handling virtually all Iranian petroleum exports.
Oil revenues constitute a major portion of Iran’s income, with deliveries reaching nations including China. Targeting Kharg would damage not only current leadership but potentially weaken any future replacement government.
Southern sections house massive storage facilities alongside residential areas for thousands of employees. Wildlife including gazelles wander near refineries and storage areas that establish Kharg as among Iran’s most precious and vulnerable resources.
Investment analysts at JPMorgan’s commodity research division cautioned this week about significant economic ramifications from striking the facility.
“The island has often been viewed as a critical vulnerability, yet it has rarely been directly targeted,” their analysis stated. “A direct strike would immediately halt the bulk of Iran’s crude exports, likely triggering severe retaliation in the Strait of Hormuz or against regional energy infrastructure.”
Three diminutive islands have remained central to ongoing disputes between Iran and U.S.-allied Gulf nations.
Iranian military took control of these territories in November 1971, shortly after Britain’s Gulf withdrawal and preceding the formation of the United Arab Emirates from local sheikhdoms. Iran continues maintaining armed forces and military installations across the islands.
This territorial disagreement persists as one of the region’s most enduring conflict zones.
The Persian Gulf’s most substantial island lies adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz, housing roughly 150,000 inhabitants. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed American forces damaged a desalination facility there March 8 — an allegation Washington hasn’t confirmed.
“Attacking Iran’s infrastructure is a dangerous move with grave consequences,” Araghchi stated in a March 7 social media post. “The U.S. set this precedent, not Iran.”
The water treatment plant serves approximately 30 rural communities.
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry, located in the nation hosting America’s 5th Fleet headquarters, reported an Iranian drone “caused material damage” to their desalination infrastructure the following day, though water distribution remained unaffected.
LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer finds himself in deepening political trouble after government documents revealed he disregarded senior advisers’ concerns when selecting Peter Mandelson, who had connections to Jeffrey Epstein, as Britain’s U.S. ambassador.
The embattled leader continues facing criticism over Mandelson’s selection and subsequent dismissal, with Wednesday’s release of nearly 150 pages of government records representing just a small portion of thousands more documents yet to be disclosed.
“It’s hard to believe that later releases are going to persuade anybody to see the PM’s decision in a better light,” said Tim Bale, politics professor at Queen Mary University of London. “It’s damning stuff and, if the country weren’t preoccupied with rather more important Middle Eastern matters at the moment, it might even have hastened Starmer’s departure.”
The released materials verified what had been previously reported: Starmer selected the experienced political operative despite his tarnished reputation from past controversies and connections to Epstein.
Mandelson’s background check documentation highlighted in bold text the warning signs Starmer overlooked, detailing how his association with Epstein could create “reputational risk” for the government.
The paperwork also outlined separate reputation concerns regarding Mandelson’s service in a former Labour administration — where he resigned twice due to financial controversies — and his role at Global Counsel, a lobbying company he helped establish.
One document cautioned Starmer that selecting a political figure for the position carried greater risks than appointing a career diplomat, which is Britain’s usual practice.
“If anything goes wrong, you could be more exposed as the individual is more connected to you personally,” then-Cabinet Secretary Simon Case advised.
Starmer dismissed Mandelson in September following revelations that he stayed in touch with Epstein — whom he previously described as his “best pal” — even after the financier’s 2008 conviction on sexual offenses involving a minor.
Starmer maintains Mandelson deceived him regarding the scope and nature of his relationship with the convicted sex offender. He expressed regret about appointing him to the diplomatic position.
“It was me that made a mistake, and it’s me that makes the apology to the victims of Epstein, and I do that,” Starmer said Thursday.
The documents disclosed thus far haven’t provided proof supporting Starmer’s assertion that he was deceived, partly because investigators examining Mandelson requested that communications between the prime minister and Mandelson remain sealed to preserve the investigation’s integrity.
Mandelson faced a brief arrest last month on accusations he shared classified government details with Epstein fifteen years ago. He has rejected any wrongdoing and faces no charges. No allegations of sexual impropriety have been made against him.
Defense attorney Marcus Johnstone, who isn’t involved in Mandelson’s case, suggested civil servants, government attorneys and law enforcement likely engaged in intense discussions behind the scenes before determining which documents to make public. He predicted this struggle will persist as additional batches containing thousands of pages are released over the coming weeks and months.
“We need to remember that the files we are seeing today are only the thin end of the wedge on Mandelson,” Johnstone said. “But we should be under no illusions that what we are currently seeing is anything like the full picture.”
Even after removing Mandelson in September, Starmer encountered fresh questions about his decision-making when extensive files released by the U.S. Justice Department in January revealed additional information about Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein. Opposition figures and some Labour Party members demanded the prime minister step down.
Starmer weathered the immediate crisis, though his standing remains precarious, despite having no personal meetings with Epstein and no involvement in his criminal activities.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Starmer Thursday of deceiving Parliament regarding the appointment and urged Labour lawmakers to reconsider his leadership.
“It is very clear that he told lie after lie after lie about the appointment of Peter Mandelson,” Badenoch said. “He wanted to make this all about Peter Mandelson. This is about his judgments.”
Prime ministerial spokesperson Tom Wells stated Thursday that appropriate procedures were followed in evaluating Mandelson, though the screening process requires enhancement.
Starmer has frequently appeared more confident in international affairs than domestic politics, which might offer the political protection he currently needs.
He took a measured approach to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran — declining to participate in airstrikes, which he suggested violated international law, and initially denying American aircraft access to British bases.
Following Iran’s retaliation with missile and drone attacks on neighboring nations, Starmer agreed to allow U.S. planes to use U.K. facilities for strikes against Iran’s missile capabilities, but not other targets.
Starmer’s cautious stance frustrated Trump, who criticized last week that Starmer was “not Winston Churchill.” However, polling indicates his war response generally matches public opinion, which opposes deeper conflict involvement.
“The whole affair, while certainly doing nothing to help him, seems — rightly or wrongly — pretty inconsequential in the grand scheme of things,” Bale said about the Mandelson documents.
NEW YORK — With financial markets experiencing dramatic fluctuations lately, many investors feel compelled to take action to safeguard their retirement funds. However, historical data suggests maintaining composure typically yields better results.
America’s stock exchanges have consistently bounced back from every significant decline they’ve experienced. From global economic crises to trade disputes and military conflicts, the S&P 500 has repeatedly recovered its losses and reached new heights. While this process can span several years, those who shifted their retirement account investments away from equities often missed subsequent recoveries and additional profits.
Could this pattern repeat itself? Nobody can guarantee it, and certain factors differ this time. However, numerous investment professionals and market analysts continue offering their standard guidance: provided it’s capital you won’t need immediately — which shouldn’t be invested in stocks anyway — attempt to remain patient and weather the market’s turbulence, despite the difficulty.
This same advice was given following President Donald Trump’s announcement of global tariffs on “Liberation Day” last year, when inflation surged in 2021, and when COVID devastated the worldwide economy in 2020. Enduring these types of disruptions represents the cost of accessing the larger returns stocks can provide over extended periods.
“Although volatility may feel uncomfortable, could rise from here, and possibly cause a near-term drawdown in stocks, volatility in itself tends to be brief when it reaches more extreme levels,” stated Anthony Saglimbene, chief market strategist at Ameriprise. “And, more often than not, the extreme volatility provides investors with a solid long-term entry point to buy stocks rather than sell.”
The conflict in Iran has disrupted global oil distribution and triggered severe market fluctuations.
The hostilities have stopped most shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage along Iran’s coastline where approximately 20% of worldwide oil typically travels daily. This has caused regional crude storage facilities to reach capacity with nowhere to send the oil. Consequently, oil companies are announcing production cuts.
Crude prices briefly jumped to nearly $120 per barrel on Monday, reaching levels not seen since summer 2022, amid concerns the supply issues could persist. Some market watchers predict prices might quickly hit $150 if the strait stays blocked.
Extended periods of elevated oil costs could create a worst-case economic situation known as “stagflation.” This term describes when economic growth stalls while inflation stays elevated. It’s a devastating combination that the Federal Reserve and global central banks lack effective tools to address.
As of Thursday morning, the S&P 500 sits just 4% beneath its record high established in January. The situation feels worse due to the sharp price movements occurring recently, sometimes changing hour by hour as well as daily.
Multiple times since the Iran conflict began, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has dropped approximately 900 points during morning trading only to eliminate those losses later the same day or come very close.
While U.S. equity markets don’t frequently behave exactly this way, they have a consistent pattern of experiencing steep declines before climbing again.
The S&P 500 typically sees drops of at least 10% annually. These declines occur frequently enough that investment professionals have labeled them “corrections.” Experts often view these as eliminations of excessive optimism that might otherwise push stock values too high.
Moving your equities or shifting retirement investments from stocks to bonds might reduce the likelihood of experiencing massive losses. However, exiting the market would also require determining the proper moment to re-enter, unless you’re prepared to forfeit any future recovery and gains.
Correctly timing market movements remains consistently challenging. Some of the strongest trading days in U.S. market history have occurred during downturns.
Just last Monday, anyone who sold when the S&P 500 fell 1.5% during morning hours would have missed the afternoon rally. The index finished with a 0.8% increase.
While some recoveries require more time than others, professionals typically advise against investing money in stocks that you cannot afford to lose for several years, potentially up to a decade. Emergency reserves for expenses like home maintenance or medical costs should never be placed in equities.
Mobile applications have made trading more accessible and affordable than ever before. This has attracted a new wave of investors who may lack experience with such extreme market movements.
Fortunately, younger investors often possess the advantage of time. With decades remaining until retirement, they can weather the fluctuations and allow their equity portfolios to hopefully recover while benefiting from compounding and eventual growth. For them, price drops might represent stocks going on sale.
Older investors have less time for their investments to rebound.
Those already retired might consider reducing spending and withdrawals following sharp market declines, since larger withdrawals eliminate future compounding potential. Even in retirement, some individuals need their investments to last three decades or longer.
You don’t need to monitor any of this closely if you have defined-benefit pensions, which few American workers still receive, as you’re guaranteed specific payments regardless of stock market performance.
When equities decline, Treasury bond and gold prices often increase as investors seek safer options. This explains why many advisors recommend maintaining diversified portfolios to help cushion shocks.
This time, however, Treasury prices have suffered due to concerns about high oil costs and inflation. Gold prices have also occasionally struggled when Treasury bond yields have risen. This occurs because gold, which provides no income to investors, appears less appealing when Treasuries offer higher interest payments.
Nobody has the answer, and don’t believe anyone who claims otherwise.
California’s governor offered reassurance Wednesday following federal intelligence warnings about potential Iranian drone strikes targeting the West Coast, stating that no immediate danger threatens the Golden State.
Gov. Gavin Newsom acknowledged that unmanned aircraft concerns “have always been top of mind” for state officials.
“We’ve been aware of that information. … It’s all about a posture of preparedness for worst-case scenarios,” Newsom told reporters Wednesday.
Federal Bureau of Investigation officials recently issued alerts to law enforcement agencies across California warning of possible Iranian retaliation attempts.
According to reporting by ABC News, the federal warning stated: “Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United State Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran.”
“We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack,” FBI officials noted in their alert.
When questioned about the intelligence Wednesday at Joint Base Andrews, President Donald Trump acknowledged the ongoing investigation.
“It’s being investigated, but you have a lot of things happening. All we can do is take ’em as they come,” Trump responded.
Law enforcement agencies in major California cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco confirmed they are actively tracking international developments that could pose risks to their communities. Officials from both departments emphasized their coordination with state and federal security agencies.
Veteran South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn announced Thursday his intention to seek an 18th term in the House of Representatives, a decision that could establish him as a senior Democratic voice if his party reclaims control this November.
The 85-year-old lawmaker stands as the senior-most Democrat in South Carolina’s delegation and represents the sole remaining member of the previous Democratic leadership structure planning to continue serving. Both former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from California and former Majority Leader Steny Hoyer from Maryland have announced their retirement plans.
Having previously held positions as majority whip and assistant Democratic leader, Clyburn’s continued presence in Congress could allow him to work alongside what may become the chamber’s first Black speaker, as New York Representative Hakeem Jeffries stands ready to assume leadership should Democrats regain the majority. Clyburn previously held the distinction of being the highest-ranking African American House member for many years.
When launching his campaign for a 16th term four years earlier, Clyburn shared with The Associated Press his commitment to continue serving as long as his health remained strong and his family supported his efforts.
“I’ve told them, if you ever see that I need to go to the rocking chair or spend my spare time on the golf course, let me know,” he explained regarding advice from his daughters. “And so far, they’re telling me, from what they feel and hear, I should keep going.”
Clyburn secured his 2024 reelection victory with a margin exceeding 20 percentage points. Since his initial election in 1992, he has represented a district spanning from Columbia’s surrounding areas through rural central and eastern counties extending to Charleston.
Completing an 18th term would make Clyburn the most enduring House representative in South Carolina’s history. The state’s Senate delegation has seen longer tenures, including Republican Strom Thurmond’s 48-year service and Democrat Fritz Hollings’ nearly 39-year career.
South Carolina’s election filing period begins Monday and concludes March 30, with primary elections scheduled for June 9.
A high school hockey player delivered an unforgettable performance on the ice Wednesday night, scoring a dramatic double-overtime goal that sent his team to the championship game just weeks after enduring unimaginable tragedy.
Colin Dorgan, a senior with the Blackstone Valley Co-op team, found the back of the net on a breakaway to defeat Portsmouth 3-2 in the semifinal matchup. The victory was especially meaningful as Dorgan wore a commemorative patch honoring three family members who were fatally shot at a hockey rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island last month.
The February 16th attack claimed the lives of Dorgan’s mother Rhonda, his brother Aidan, and his grandfather Gerald, who succumbed to his wounds after the incident. Colin was playing on the ice with his team when the violence erupted in the stands during the game.
Authorities identified the gunman as Robert Dorgan, who took his own life at the scene. The suspect also used the aliases Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano, according to police reports.
Following the tragic events, Rhode Island suspended all high school athletics for one week. When Blackstone Valley returned to competition earlier this month, team members wore heart-shaped emblems on their uniforms displaying the initials of the three victims.
“It was the greatest moment of my life,” Dorgan shared with WPRI-TV after his clutch goal sealed the playoff win.
Investigators determined the shooting was a targeted assault against family members. The attack was cut short thanks to brave bystanders who tackled and restrained the shooter while spectators evacuated the facility.
Two additional individuals were wounded in the incident: Linda Dorgan, who is Rhonda’s mother, and Thomas Geruso, a close family friend.
A jury in Los Angeles is set to hear final arguments Thursday in a groundbreaking case that could reshape how social media companies are held accountable for their impact on young users.
The proceedings at Spring Street Courthouse will conclude nearly a month of testimony from mental health professionals, addiction specialists, tech engineers and company leaders, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Jurors must now determine whether social media platforms bear responsibility for psychological harm suffered by children who use their services.
The case centers on a 20-year-old woman known in court documents as KGM, though her legal team refers to her as Kaley during proceedings. She alleges that using social media from an early age created an addiction that worsened her depression and thoughts of suicide.
Meta and YouTube, owned by Google, remain as defendants after TikTok and Snap reached settlements prior to trial. This case serves as one of three bellwether trials, meaning the verdict could influence the outcome of thousands of similar lawsuits filed against social media companies nationwide.
Both sides acknowledge that Kaley experienced a troubled home environment. Her legal representatives argue she was targeted as a vulnerable user, while defense attorneys for Meta and YouTube contend she used their platforms to cope with existing mental health issues.
Meta’s defense strategy has emphasized Kaley’s pre-existing difficulties before she began using social media. Company attorney Paul Schmidt previously told the court that the central issue is determining whether the platforms played a significant role in causing Kaley’s psychological struggles.
YouTube’s legal team has taken a different approach, arguing that their platform should not be classified as social media and that its design features do not create addiction.
A strong storm system moving from the Mississippi Valley toward the East Coast could bring the potential for severe thunderstorms across parts of the Mid Atlantic on Monday.
Ahead of an approaching cold front, warm and humid air will surge northward with dew points climbing into the 60s. At the same time, strong southwesterly winds throughout the atmosphere will overspread the region, creating favorable conditions for organized thunderstorms.
The primary threat appears to be a line of thunderstorms developing along the advancing cold front, which could produce damaging wind gusts as it moves east through the region. Even though atmospheric instability may remain somewhat limited, the strength of the storm system and strong forcing along the front could still support severe weather.
There is also a more uncertain risk for isolated supercell thunderstorms ahead of the main line, particularly across parts of eastern Virginia and North Carolina where low level wind shear may be enhanced.
The Storm Prediction Center have highlighted portions of the Mid Atlantic with a 15 percent severe weather risk Monday, mainly due to the potential for damaging winds with the line of storms. Cloud cover and early day showers may limit instability, which could affect the overall severity of the storms.
BEIRUT – Israeli forces nearly doubled the size of evacuation zones in southern Lebanon on Thursday, just hours after the country’s defense minister announced plans to broaden military operations in the region.
The expanded evacuation orders came one week after Israel began air and ground operations targeting Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant organization that initiated attacks against Israel on March 2. Hezbollah stated these strikes were retaliation for the death of Iran’s supreme leader during the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Since those initial attacks, Hezbollah has launched daily rocket and drone strikes against Israel, including a major assault late Wednesday that prompted intense Israeli bombardment of Beirut’s southern neighborhoods.
Israeli military operations have targeted Lebanon’s southern regions, eastern areas, and the capital’s southern districts, resulting in more than 600 deaths. The accompanying mass evacuation directives have forced over 800,000 residents from their homes across these zones.
According to Reuters analysis, Thursday’s new evacuation directives posted by Israeli military officials on social media now affect residents across one-tenth of Lebanon’s entire territory.
The Israeli military spokesman directed southern Lebanon residents to relocate north beyond the Zahrani river, positioned approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Israeli border.
Military officials also issued evacuation warnings for a central Beirut neighborhood near high-end dining establishments, announcing plans to target a specific building in that area.
According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Wednesday’s Hezbollah rocket and drone offensive was coordinated with Tehran’s simultaneous attack. Israeli defense officials confirmed this marked the first synchronized assault by both entities against Israel since hostilities began.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that military commanders had received orders to expand Lebanese operations.
“We promised quiet and security to the communities of the north, and that is exactly what we will deliver,” Katz stated during a senior military leadership meeting.
Katz issued a warning to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, stating that if Lebanon’s government fails to stop Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel, “we will take the territory and do it ourselves,” his office reported.
Lebanon announced last year its intention to establish exclusive state control over weapons, and the cabinet recently banned all military activities not conducted by official Lebanese forces.
Following Wednesday’s coordinated attack, Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi called in Iran’s charge d’affaires, stating the joint operation violated the recent decree, according to a knowledgeable source.
Israel reports eliminating several Iran Quds Force members operating in Lebanon, including casualties from Sunday’s strike on a central Beirut hotel.
Thursday’s early morning strike in Beirut claimed 12 lives, Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed.
The attack struck a waterfront sidewalk where dozens of displaced families had erected temporary shelters and were sleeping outdoors.
“Who’s in these tents? There are children, elderly people, and women in them. Israel… what justification will it create for last night’s strike?” questioned Abu Ali, a displaced resident.
“My heart is dead, my heart is dead. I’m not like before, when one would be afraid only for himself,” he shared with Reuters.
The United Nations International Organization for Migration director condemned Thursday’s attack. “Many displaced people who have been forced to make the streets of Beirut their home … Tents and makeshift shelters offer no protection from the dangers of bombardment,” Amy Pope declared in an official statement.
Prosecutors in Milan are moving forward with criminal charges against Amazon’s European operations and four company executives in connection with alleged tax evasion totaling approximately $1.4 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The decision to pursue criminal proceedings represents a rare departure from standard practice in Italy, particularly given that Amazon reached a settlement agreement with the country’s tax authorities in December, paying $527 million including interest to resolve the dispute.
Historically, when international corporations have settled tax matters and made required payments, Italian prosecutors have typically concluded their criminal investigations through plea agreements or case dismissals. However, Milan prosecutors chose not to follow the tax agency’s lead and continued their investigation, ultimately requesting that the defendants face trial.
Amazon has not responded to requests for comment regarding the latest development. Following the December tax settlement, the technology company stated it would “forcefully defend its position on the potential ungrounded criminal case.”
The company also expressed concerns about Italy’s business climate, stating: “Unpredictable regulatory environments, disproportionate penalties, and protracted legal proceedings are increasingly affecting Italy’s attractiveness as an investment destination.”
A judge will schedule a preliminary hearing to determine whether the defendants should be formally indicted or if the case should be dismissed.
The investigation centers on what prosecutors describe as a “VAT-avoidance algorithm” involving Amazon EU Sarl, based in Luxembourg, and four company managers. Authorities allege the scheme involved VAT evasion on online sales conducted in Italy from 2019 through 2021.
According to charging documents, Amazon’s software systems and business operations facilitated sales of products in Italy by tens of thousands of sellers from outside the European Union – primarily from China – while concealing the sellers’ identities and helping them avoid value-added tax obligations.
Italian regulations hold intermediary platforms jointly liable for unpaid VAT when non-EU sellers use their services to conduct business in the country. Prosecutors have identified Italy’s Economy Ministry as the harmed party in their trial request.
Legal experts suggest that if the allegations are proven in court, they could threaten Amazon’s operational framework throughout Europe, since VAT regulations are standardized across EU member nations.
This case represents just one of multiple legal challenges Amazon faces in Italy. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is conducting a separate investigation into similar alleged violations covering the period from 2021 to 2024.
Milan prosecutors are also pursuing two additional investigations: one examining alleged customs and tax fraud related to Chinese imports, and another questioning whether Amazon maintained an undeclared permanent business presence in Italy between 2019 and 2024, which would have required additional tax payments.
In a separate matter, Italy’s privacy regulator issued an order on February 24 requiring a local Amazon subsidiary to cease using personal information from more than 1,800 workers at a distribution facility located northeast of Rome.
NEW YORK, March 12 – French biotechnology firm Abivax has firmly rejected reports from a French publication claiming the company had provided British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca with exclusive access to sensitive company data for a possible acquisition.
The reports from “La Lettre,” a French media outlet, alleged that Abivax had given AstraZeneca special access to confidential company information through March 23, potentially paving the way for AstraZeneca to make a formal buyout proposal.
However, an Abivax representative strongly pushed back against these claims on Tuesday.
“We deny the information, these are unfounded rumors,” the company spokesperson stated.
The denial comes as speculation swirls around potential consolidation in the biotechnology sector, though Abivax maintains no such discussions are taking place with the British pharmaceutical company.
WARSAW, March 12 – Legal abortion procedures in Poland increased by 100% during 2024, and grievances filed with the European Court of Human Rights regarding healthcare providers declining to perform abortions have come to a halt, according to Thursday’s announcement from the Council of Europe.
The Catholic-majority nation implemented extremely restrictive abortion legislation in 2021 during the prior nationalist administration’s tenure, after courts declared pregnancy terminations for fetal defects to be unconstitutional.
Donald Tusk’s pro-European coalition government secured victory in the 2023 elections, campaigning in part on promises to relax these limitations, though lawmakers have yet to reach consensus on new legislation. Nationalist President Karol Nawrocki has indicated his intention to veto any liberalization efforts.
Nevertheless, Tusk’s administration has worked to better implement current laws. Government officials provided guidance to medical facilities and legal prosecutors, making clear that terminating pregnancies for maternal mental health reasons remains lawful, and mandating that all hospitals must offer these services.
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, responsible for monitoring compliance with European Court of Human Rights decisions, stated Thursday that the government’s measures “appear to bring results in practice.”
“The number of lawful abortions has doubled year to year and no complaints have recently been received about the refusal of abortion based on the conscience clause,” the committee stated in its assessment of Poland’s adherence to court decisions regarding legal abortion access.
The committee further observed “that since the introduction of the unconditional obligation of hospitals to provide abortion as a contracted medical service, no complaint has been reported about a refusal of lawful abortion based on the conscience clause.”
Despite these improvements, the committee voiced disappointment regarding the absence of legislative progress on comprehensive pregnancy termination safety measures.
Polish Health Ministry statistics reveal that approximately 900 legal abortions took place in the country’s hospitals during 2024, up from 425 the previous year. Medical facilities performed 411 legal procedures in the first six months of 2025, with complete annual figures still pending.
Prior to the 2021 court decision that restricted access, Polish hospitals conducted over 1,000 abortions each year, with fetal abnormalities accounting for nearly all cases.
Authorities in Kenya have detained a Chinese citizen after discovering more than 2,200 living ants hidden in his travel bags at the country’s busiest airport, marking another case in what officials describe as an increasing pattern of insect trafficking.
Zhang Kequn, age 27, was taken into custody at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday as he attempted to depart Kenya, according to court documents reviewed by Reuters on Thursday. Airport immigration personnel had placed a “stop order” on Zhang’s travel documents following his escape from authorities in the country the previous year.
Collectors who are passionate about ants often spend substantial amounts of money to house colonies in large clear containers called formicariums, providing observers with direct access to view the insects’ intricate social behaviors and organizational systems.
In the previous year, four individuals each received fines totaling $7,700 for attempting to illegally transport thousands of ants that play important roles in Kenya’s natural environment, a case that specialists indicated represents a transition in wildlife trafficking from traditional items like elephant tusks to more obscure species.
Authorities reported that when they examined Zhang’s belongings, they found 2,238 ants total, with 1,948 stored inside test tubes and the remaining insects wrapped in three bundles of “soft tissue papers”.
Officials stated that Zhang had spent two weeks in Kenya and had identified three associates who provided him with the insects.
The Kenya Wildlife Service informed the court that additional time was required to finish their investigation, which includes analyzing an iPhone and MacBook that were confiscated from Zhang.
Wildlife officials also revealed that authorities in Bangkok intercepted a similar shipment of ants on Tuesday that had originated from Kenya, suggesting the presence of an extensive and coordinated ant trafficking operation.
