A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect across the entire Delmarva Peninsula this evening, with visibility dropping to just a quarter mile or less in some areas.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory at 4:04 PM and it remains in effect until 10:00 PM tonight. The thick fog is impacting all of Delaware, including New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties, as well as the Delaware beaches. On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, and Sussex counties are all experiencing hazardous driving conditions.
The dense fog extends well beyond our immediate viewing area, affecting portions of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and northern Delaware as driving becomes treacherous on major roadways including Routes 1, 13, and 50.
Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution if travel is necessary. The National Weather Service recommends slowing down significantly, using headlights, and leaving extra distance between vehicles. Consider delaying non-essential travel until conditions improve.
Visibility is expected to gradually improve as we head into the late evening hours. Stay tuned to TV Delmarva for continued weather updates and check our website for the latest road conditions before heading out tonight.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for the entire Delmarva Peninsula and surrounding areas, warning of dangerous driving conditions through 10 PM tonight.
Visibility has dropped to one quarter mile or less across portions of Delaware, the Eastern Shore of Maryland, southern New Jersey, and southeastern Pennsylvania. The thick fog is creating hazardous travel conditions on local roads and highways.
Locally, the advisory affects all of Delaware including New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties, along with the Delaware beaches. On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, and Sussex counties are under the advisory. The fog is also impacting portions of southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania.
Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution if they must travel. The National Weather Service recommends slowing down, using headlights, and maintaining extra distance between vehicles. Consider delaying non-essential travel until visibility improves.
The Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 10 PM this evening. Conditions should gradually improve as we move through the evening hours.
Stay with TV Delmarva for the latest weather updates and travel conditions across the peninsula.
Hundreds of Texas voters faced significant confusion and were redirected from polling sites during Tuesday’s primary election after recent modifications to voting procedures created widespread problems in two major counties.
A Dallas County judge mandated that polling locations extend their hours by two additional hours beyond the standard 7 p.m. deadline, responding to what was described as “voter confusion so severe” that it overwhelmed and crashed the county election department’s website. This emergency order came following a request submitted by the area’s Democratic Party.
The source of the confusion stemmed from changes to long-standing voting practices in Dallas and Williamson counties. For several years, residents in both locations had enjoyed the convenience of casting ballots at any polling site within their county boundaries. However, this primary election marked a shift after local Republican organizations chose not to participate in the countywide voting arrangement. According to state regulations, both major political parties must consent to countywide voting for the system to operate.
As a result, voters throughout both counties were restricted to casting their ballots exclusively at their designated home precincts on Tuesday.
The two Democratic candidates competing in the U.S. Senate primary race criticized the impact these changes had on voter participation and demanded extended polling hours.
“Both Dallas and Williamson county voters have grown accustomed to countywide voting, including on election day,” stated the campaign of U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett. “This effort to suppress the vote, to confuse and inconvenience voters, is having the intended effect as people are being turned away from the polls.”
State lawmaker James Talarico’s campaign expressed being “deeply concerned” about numerous reports of voters arriving at polling sites only to be redirected elsewhere.
The situation became even more complex because voting locations might vary based on a person’s party registration, explained Nic Solorzano, who speaks for the Dallas County Elections Department.
“We’re seeing a lot of people that are going to their vote centers that they usually go to … and not realizing they can’t do that anymore. They have to go to their precinct-based location,” Solorzano stated.
Officials had not immediately clarified whether the judge’s extended hours decision affected all voting precincts or applied only to Democratic polling locations.
Tuesday marked the beginning of the 2026 midterm election cycle in Texas, alongside North Carolina and Arkansas. Apart from the Texas complications and a technical issue with electronic poll books in one rural North Carolina county that delayed statewide results by one hour, voting proceeded relatively smoothly.
Dallas College student Tomas Sanchez experienced the confusion firsthand when he arrived at his campus voting location to participate in the Democratic primary. Officials informed him he was operating under a “mistaken impression” and needed to travel approximately 6 miles to his assigned precinct near his residential neighborhood.
“This is something that we were really concerned about, honestly,” Solorzano acknowledged. He noted that after almost seven years of allowing voters to cast ballots anywhere within the county, “then we kind of had to retool our entire operation to go back to precinct-based voting for Election Day.”
County election officials had attempted to prepare voters through various communication methods, including posting signs, broadcasting advertisements, and distributing text messages and mail notifications about the changes. On election day, former poll workers were positioned outside voting sites with tablets to assist people in locating their correct polling places.
Although Solorzano indicated his department wasn’t maintaining official counts of redirected voters, local Democratic leaders described the numbers as substantial.
Dallas Democratic Party executive director Brenda Allen reported that her organization received hundreds of calls from voters across party lines seeking help finding their correct precincts. She pointed out that congressional district boundaries in the county had also been redrawn during Texas’ recent redistricting process, and new precinct boundaries weren’t finalized until December, providing minimal time for voter education.
“Lots of reports of people being turned away, hundreds of people unable to vote. Both parties are affected by this,” Allen commented. “It’s not great.”
Similar problems occurred in Williamson County, located in the suburbs north of Austin, where the local Democratic Party headquarters was overwhelmed with calls, according to executive director Madison Dickinson.
“We’re having significant problems with the precinct-level voting,” she reported, adding that Republican voters were also confused by the modifications and contacted the Democratic Party seeking assistance.
Republican organizations maintained a lower profile regarding the changes on social media, though the Dallas County Republican Party did share a link directing voters to their assigned polling locations. The Williamson County Republican Party did not provide comments when contacted.
LOS ANGELES — Concerned that California’s unique voting system could lead to an unexpected Republican victory, the state’s Democratic Party leader issued an urgent plea Tuesday asking struggling candidates to exit the gubernatorial contest.
State Democratic Party Chairman Rusty Hicks issued a public statement expressing concern that California’s crowded Democratic field might split the party’s votes so thin that only Republican contenders could make it to the general election in November. This scenario is possible because of California’s distinctive “top-two” primary format, where all candidates compete on a single ballot and only the two highest vote-getters proceed to November, regardless of their party affiliation.
While unlikely, Hicks warned that such a development could have consequences beyond losing the governor’s office for the first time since 2006. Without a Democratic candidate on the November ballot, voter participation might drop significantly when the party needs high turnout to help reclaim control of the U.S. House and counter President Donald Trump’s political influence in Washington.
“I recognize my suggestions are hard for many to contemplate and may be even viewed as overly harsh,” Hicks stated. While his letter didn’t specify individuals, it seemed directed at several candidates polling in single digits, including multiple minority candidates.
The reaction from those trailing in polls came quickly. Tony Thurmond, the state’s schools superintendent who is Black, accused the party of “essentially telling every candidate of color … to drop out.” He pledged to continue his campaign.
“Aren’t we supposed to be the party who embraces democracy?” he stated in a video shared on social platform X.
Betty Yee, a former state controller whose parents immigrated from China, made no reference to Hicks’ appeal when she announced Tuesday that she was officially filing her candidacy paperwork. Meanwhile, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s campaign responded that “voters choose the next governor, not political gatekeepers.”
Hicks’ rare direct involvement in the race follows weeks of mounting Democratic concerns about potentially facing an all-Republican November ballot. The top GOP contenders are Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative media personality Steve Hilton, both Trump supporters.
This gubernatorial election represents the first time since California adopted its “top two” primary format over ten years ago that no clear Democratic favorite has emerged, drawing numerous party members into the competition.
The Democratic field includes current and former congressional representatives Katie Porter, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and Xavier Becerra, who previously led health policy in the Biden administration; wealthy businessman Tom Steyer; former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; former state Assembly majority leader Ian Calderon; plus Thurmond, Yee, and Mahan.
Polling from the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California shows the race has split into two tiers, with Hilton, Porter, Bianco, Swalwell, and Steyer running competitively in the top group, while remaining candidates lag significantly behind.
Governor Newsom, who hasn’t endorsed anyone in the contest, shared Hicks’ worries about a potential Democratic catastrophe. Regarding Hicks’ message, Newsom said, “I’ll be candid with you. My first reaction is: I get why he sent it. There is some concern.”
The situation has also sparked internal Democratic tensions. Villaraigosa’s team released a statement urging Becerra to withdraw, arguing it would prevent a Republican sweep. Both candidates are Latino and competing for support within that voter base.
Democratic strategist Drexel Heard II, who formerly led the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, endorsed Hicks’ approach, texting that “any party’s role and mission has always been to shepherd the best candidates and then win the race.”
A Republican victory in California would send shockwaves through national politics. Democratic voter registration exceeds Republican numbers by almost 2-to-1 across the state. Democrats also control the legislature overwhelmingly, leaving Republicans with minimal influence.
Democratic anxiety intensified after Silicon Valley business owner and Republican Jon Slavet ended his campaign. His withdrawal allows conservative voters to concentrate their support between the two leading GOP candidates, Bianco and Hilton.
Hicks maintained that Democratic candidates without a “viable path” to November should withdraw from the race.
Democratic analyst Paul Mitchell has been conducting polling simulations to calculate the probability of both Republican candidates advancing from the June 2 primary. With Slavet no longer running, Mitchell estimates a 25% chance of an all-Republican November ticket.
In the primary, Democrats are projected to capture approximately 60% of votes, with Republicans taking 40%.
While Democratic support will be divided among many candidates, “Republicans are consolidating their vote behind two candidates,” Mitchell explained. Slavet’s exit “just helps clarify the concern Democrats have.”
A massive banking merger worth more than $12 billion could face significant obstacles following President Donald Trump’s announcement to suspend trade relations with Spain, according to a financial analyst’s warning issued Tuesday.
Wells Fargo analyst Mike Mayo has lowered his rating on Webster Financial’s stock, expressing concerns that regulatory approval for Banco Santander’s acquisition of the U.S. regional bank may become more difficult to secure. The Spanish banking giant announced the purchase deal just last month.
In his client advisory, Mayo explained his reasoning: “The U.S. president today said trade with Spain will halt. We extrapolate this comment to mean that U.S. regulatory approval for Banco Santander to acquire Webster will be incrementally harder to obtain.”
The acquisition represents a strategic move by Spain’s biggest financial institution to establish itself among America’s top 10 retail and commercial banking operations. Should regulators give their blessing, the merged entity would control roughly $327 billion in total assets across the United States.
Santander’s Executive Chair Ana Botin addressed the situation during a Bloomberg TV appearance, expressing optimism about future U.S.-Spain relations. “Spain and the U.S. have had a great long-term relationship and that is where we are going back to. But we are surely living in extraordinary times,” she stated.
While Botin avoided discussing regulatory matters or deal approval specifics, she emphasized Santander’s commitment to continuing service for its 5 million American banking customers.
Mayo’s analysis suggests that even under the most favorable circumstances, growing trade friction between Washington and Madrid would likely prolong the approval timeline. He also warned that if regulators ultimately reject the merger, competing banks might pursue Webster at a reduced price, potentially cutting the deal value by 10 percent.
Financial markets reflected these concerns Tuesday, with Webster’s stock price falling 3.2 percent during late trading hours, while Santander shares ended the day down more than 6 percent.
A drone believed to be from Iran hit the Central Intelligence Agency’s office at the United States Embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital city of Riyadh on Monday, according to a knowledgeable source who spoke with Reuters on Tuesday.
The source indicated there’s no evidence suggesting the CIA station was specifically targeted in the assault.
CIA officials refused to provide any statement regarding the incident.
This drone strike occurred as tensions continue escalating across the Middle East region following weekend military operations by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets on Saturday.
Saudi Arabia’s defense officials reported that two unmanned aircraft struck the embassy compound, causing minor fires and property damage to the facility located in Riyadh.
Following the attack, US diplomatic personnel issued warnings advising American citizens to stay away from the embassy compound until further updates “due to an attack” on the building.
Embassy staff announced Tuesday that all scheduled routine appointments and emergency services for US citizens have been suspended.
In a security bulletin, the diplomatic mission stated: “There is a threat of imminent missile and UAV attacks over Dhahran. Do not come to the U.S. Consulate.”
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore women’s golf team secured a fifth-place finish at the Howard Invitational tournament, with standout player Bushra Fatima delivering an impressive individual performance that landed her in the top ten.
The Hawks competed against multiple teams in the invitational event hosted by Howard University, where Fatima’s strong showing helped anchor the team’s overall result.
The fifth-place team finish represents a solid outing for the UMES women’s golf program as they continue their competitive season. Fatima’s top-ten individual placement highlights her consistent play and contribution to the Hawks’ golf efforts.
Three University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s volleyball standouts have earned Northeast Conference weekly recognition after leading their team to a perfect start in conference competition.
Mills, Valentine, and Rowley claimed all three NEC weekly honors following the Hawks’ unblemished 2-0 record to begin their conference schedule. The trio’s exceptional performances helped propel UMES to victory in both of their opening NEC matchups.
The sweep of weekly awards marks a significant achievement for the Hawks volleyball program as they establish momentum early in conference play. The recognition highlights the depth of talent on the UMES roster and their strong preparation for the conference season.
With this promising start to NEC competition, the Hawks appear well-positioned for continued success as the conference schedule progresses.
Drivers across the Delmarva Peninsula are facing hazardous conditions this evening as dense fog blankets the region, reducing visibility to just a quarter mile or less in many areas.
The National Weather Service issued a Dense Fog Advisory at 4:04 PM today, affecting all three Delaware counties—New Castle, Kent, and Sussex—including the Delaware beaches. The advisory also covers portions of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, including Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, and Sussex counties.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” warns the National Weather Service. The thick fog is expected to persist until 10 PM tonight.
Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution if they must travel. Officials recommend slowing down significantly, using headlights even during daylight hours, and maintaining extra distance between vehicles. Consider delaying non-essential travel if possible.
The fog advisory extends beyond Delmarva into parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, creating a widespread weather event across the mid-Atlantic region.
Conditions should gradually improve after 10 PM as the advisory expires. Drivers should continue monitoring local conditions and weather updates throughout the evening commute.
A source familiar with the situation has confirmed that Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman has decided to step away from professional football following five years in the NFL, according to reports Tuesday.
The individual shared this information with The Associated Press while requesting anonymity since Dalman has not yet made a public statement regarding his future. ESPN was first to break this news.
At just 27 years old, Dalman became a cornerstone of Chicago’s offensive line after inking a substantial three-year, $42 million deal last March. The veteran center earned his inaugural Pro Bowl selection following four previous campaigns with the Atlanta Falcons and contributed to the Bears’ successful 11-6 season that captured the NFC North title.
Dalman distinguished himself as the sole Bears offensive player to take part in every snap this season, serving as a crucial component in the team’s line overhaul. Chicago also acquired All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney through a trade, brought in guard Jonah Jackson as a free agent, and selected Ozzy Trapilo in the draft, who later became the starting left tackle.
This enhanced offensive line protection enabled quarterback Caleb Williams to dramatically improve from his rookie campaign, when he endured a team-record 68 sacks that also led the league, to establishing a new Bears passing record with 3,942 yards in his sophomore season. With Dalman’s departure and Trapilo anticipated to miss significant time next season due to a torn patellar tendon suffered in the wild-card victory over Green Bay, Chicago faces two major gaps along their offensive line. The league’s free agency negotiation window opens Monday, with signings permitted starting March 11.
The Bears aim to continue their momentum from a remarkable season under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. The team claimed their first NFC North championship since 2018 and reached the playoffs for the first time in 15 years by defeating the Packers, though their postseason run ended with an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers on Capitol Hill erupted in frustration Tuesday as Trump administration officials faced intense scrutiny over the escalating Iran conflict, with Congress demanding clear explanations about military strategy, long-term plans, and the human and financial toll of what has rapidly expanded into a broader Middle Eastern war.
For the second consecutive day, Trump administration representatives met behind closed doors with House and Senate members, attempting to prevent an upcoming congressional vote on war powers restrictions that would limit Trump’s authority to continue the joint U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran.
“The president determined we were not going to get hit first. It’s that simple,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters during a heated exchange at the Capitol.
Rubio walked back his previous day’s comments suggesting Trump launched strikes because Israel was prepared to act unilaterally. He now claims the president chose to attack over the weekend because conditions offered the best opportunity for a successful operation.
“There is no way in the world that this terroristic regime was going to get nuclear weapons, not under Donald Trump’s watch,” he stated.
The abrupt shift to military engagement has thrown Capitol Hill’s political and legislative priorities into chaos while raising serious concerns about the potential for extended warfare and government overthrow following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Military casualties have reached six American service members.
These developments have accelerated congressional efforts to pass war powers legislation — one of the most significant decisions legislators can make, particularly with active combat underway — while administration representatives inform lawmakers that additional funding will be necessary to sustain the conflict. This comes as the competitive midterm election cycle begins, which could threaten Trump’s narrow Republican congressional majority.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer expressed worry about “mission creep” in what could become an extended war after leaving the classified briefing.
During morning Armed Services Committee proceedings, senators challenged Trump officials regarding Rubio’s Monday assertion that the president launched preemptive strikes believing Israel was ready to attack, hoping to prevent Iranian retaliation against American military installations and overseas interests.
Sen. Angus King, the Maine independent, called it “very disturbing” that Trump initiated warfare because Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted to bomb Iran. Previous American presidents, he noted, “have consistently said, ‘No.’”
Defense official Elbridge Colby informed senators that the president ordered the military campaign to eliminate Iranian missile capabilities and prevent nuclear weapons development.
Trump himself rejected suggestions that Israel influenced his decision. During Oval Office comments, he stated, “I might might have forced their hand.”
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Trump supporter from Oklahoma, praised the president’s actions, saying he “did the world a favor.”
“How about we say, ‘Thank you, Mr. President, for finally getting rid of this nuisance,’” he suggested.
However, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., questioned how this aligns with Trump’s “America First” pledge to avoid lengthy overseas military commitments.
Trump has indicated the conflict might continue indefinitely and hasn’t dismissed the possibility of deploying ground forces to Iran.
“‘America First’ and ‘peace through strength’ are served by rolling back — as the military campaign is designed to do — the threats posed,” Colby replied. “This is certainly not nation-building. This is not going to be endless.”
Concerns are mounting about Iran’s future leadership following Khamenei’s death after decades in power, with fears that a power vacuum could trigger widespread instability.
Democrats cautioned against deploying American ground troops to Iran following more than twenty years of warfare in Iraq and Afghanistan since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
“I am more fearful than ever we may be putting boots on the ground,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., following the classified briefing.
“The reason why there’s so much consternation on our side is because President Trump has not given us a clear reason why he is in Iran,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. “If he wants to declare war on Iran, that is the job and responsibility of Congress under the Constitution.”
Republicans maintain that Americans shouldn’t determine Iran’s political future.
“That’s going to be largely up to the Iranian people,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican.
Sen. Tom Cotton, the GOP chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, referenced the January U.S. operations in Venezuela that removed President Nicholas Maduro and installed his vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, as leader.
Cotton told CBS over the weekend that he expects “some leaders inside of Iran who might be jockeying to audition for the role of Iran’s Delcy Rodriguez.”
Trump, while encouraging Iranians to reclaim their nation, has admitted the uncertain situation.
“Most of the people we had in mind are dead,” Trump said Tuesday. He also dismissed suggestions of installing Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince from Iran’s former monarchy, as the country’s new leader.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, said over the weekend, “It’s about the threats, not about who’s in charge. If the next group in Iran continues to threaten America, they will meet the same fate.”
Both congressional chambers are preparing votes on war powers measures designed to limit Trump’s ability to continue Iranian military operations without legislative consent.
The Constitution grants Congress, not the president, authority to declare war. However, lawmakers frequently avoid this responsibility, allowing executive branch power to expand in deploying military forces without congressional authorization.
“Why are we spending billions of dollars to bomb Iran?” asked House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who predicted strong Democratic support for the resolution.
House Speaker Mike Johnson countered that restricting presidential authority would be “frightening” while American forces are actively engaged in combat.
Some legislators suggest that if Congress doesn’t vote to constrain Trump, they should consider an Authorization of the Use of Military Force, requiring lawmakers to formally endorse the Iranian operation.
Former President George W. Bush successfully obtained congressional authorization before launching post-9/11 military campaigns.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect across the Delmarva Peninsula until 10 PM tonight, with visibility dropping to just one-quarter mile or less in some areas.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory at 4:04 PM, warning drivers of potentially dangerous conditions on roadways throughout the region. All three Delaware counties – New Castle, Kent, and Sussex – are under the advisory, along with portions of Maryland’s Eastern Shore including Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, and Sussex counties.
The thick fog is creating hazardous driving conditions as the evening commute gets underway. Weather officials are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution if they must travel during these conditions.
Drivers should slow down significantly, use their headlights, and maintain extra distance between vehicles. The reduced visibility makes it difficult to judge distances and spot other vehicles, pedestrians, or road hazards.
The fog advisory extends beyond Delmarva into portions of New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania, affecting a large swath of the Mid-Atlantic region.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve this evening, with the advisory set to expire at 10 PM. Motorists are advised to delay non-essential travel until visibility improves.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for the entire Delmarva Peninsula and surrounding areas until 10 PM tonight, warning drivers of potentially dangerous conditions with visibility dropping to just a quarter mile or less.
The advisory affects all of Delaware, including New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties, as well as the Delaware beaches. Eastern Shore counties in Maryland including Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, and Sussex are also under the advisory. Parts of southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania are experiencing similar conditions.
The thick fog has already begun reducing visibility significantly across the region, creating hazardous driving conditions during the evening commute. Motorists are being urged to exercise extreme caution if travel is necessary.
The National Weather Service strongly advises drivers to slow down, use headlights, and maintain plenty of distance between vehicles. If visibility becomes too poor, pull off the road safely and wait for conditions to improve.
The Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 10 PM EST tonight, when conditions are expected to gradually improve. Commuters should allow extra travel time and consider delaying non-essential trips until the fog lifts.
Financial markets are experiencing significant turbulence as Wall Street prepares for the possibility of extended Middle Eastern hostilities that could reignite inflation concerns and jeopardize economic expansion while weakening arguments for Federal Reserve rate reductions.
Tuesday marked another volatile trading session following weekend military actions by U.S. and Israeli forces against Iran. Concerns about potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane handling approximately 20% of global oil transport, have heightened worries about energy-fueled price increases.
“While not much has changed fundamentally since yesterday, investors are growing anxious about the duration of the war and its impact on energy prices,” explained Joseph Tanious, chief investment strategist at Northern Trust Asset Management in San Diego. “The reality is setting in that a prolonged conflict could dampen global growth and re‑ignite inflation pressures.”
Oil prices continued their upward climb for the second straight day, pushing major stock indices lower. The S&P 500 dropped 0.9%, reaching its weakest point in more than three months despite recovering from steeper earlier declines. All eleven sectors within the index posted losses, signaling widespread selling pressure.
International government bonds also weakened, though they recovered somewhat as traders assessed the likely duration of the conflict.
Wall Street’s volatility indicator, the Cboe Volatility index, climbed to its highest reading in over three months.
“The reaction has become more intense…there’s no sign of a quick resolution,” noted Que Nguyen, chief investment officer of equity strategies at Research Affiliates in Newport Beach, California. “People are waking up to the fact that this is a lot more complicated than they assumed.”
Market participants are particularly focused on how sustained oil price increases might pressure inflation. Brent crude recently traded near $81 per barrel, significantly higher than the roughly $60 level seen at year’s beginning.
The five-year U.S. breakeven inflation rate, which reflects market-based inflation expectations, climbed to 2.503% late Monday, marking the highest level since February 11.
According to Goldman Sachs economists, every sustained 10% rise in oil prices adds 28 basis points to the consumer price index, a key inflation measurement.
Market expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts appear to be diminishing. Fed Fund futures Tuesday showed a 56% probability the central bank will maintain current rates at its June meeting, compared to greater than 50% odds for a cut that markets had priced in late last month, based on CME FedWatch data.
“The biggest issue that (investors) are trying to weigh gets back to the intertwining of inflation and interest rates,” said Chuck Carlson, chief executive officer at Horizon Investment Services.
While other geopolitical tensions involving the United States, including situations with Venezuela and Greenland, haven’t substantially damaged stocks, some investors view current weakness as a potential buying opportunity.
“We are taking cash we raised from tech to aggressively get more positioned for a global acceleration of economic growth,” said Eddie Ghabour, CEO of Key Advisors Wealth Management, whose firm has been purchasing emerging markets ETFs this week.
Even with this week’s declines, the S&P 500 remains just slightly more than 2% below its record closing high.
Andrew Slimmon, senior portfolio manager at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, suggested the market’s resilience “suggests to me that investors might be underestimating the geopolitical risk.”
Market participants will closely monitor developments in coming days.
“We’re really still at the mercy of the headlines,” said Kevin Gordon, head of macro research and strategy at Charles Schwab. “The potential for whiplash in parts of the market is very high.”
The Walt Disney Company announced Tuesday that it has arranged a fresh $5.25 billion credit facility that will expire in under 12 months, taking the place of an existing financing arrangement worth the same amount.
The entertainment conglomerate’s new short-term borrowing agreement provides the company with continued access to substantial credit as it manages its financial operations.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect across the Delmarva Peninsula this evening, with visibility dropping to just one quarter mile or less in some areas.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory at 4:04 PM, warning residents that hazardous driving conditions are expected to continue until 10 PM tonight. The thick fog is impacting portions of Delaware, the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Locally, the advisory covers all of Delaware including New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties, as well as Delaware’s beaches. On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, and Sussex counties are all affected by the dense fog conditions.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” meteorologists warn. Drivers are urged to take extra precautions if they must travel this evening.
Safety officials recommend slowing down, using headlights, and maintaining plenty of distance between vehicles. Even familiar routes can become dangerous when visibility is severely reduced.
The fog advisory is expected to expire at 10 PM EST tonight. Residents should monitor local weather conditions and consider delaying non-essential travel until visibility improves. Stay with TV Delmarva for continued weather updates throughout the evening.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect across the Delmarva Peninsula and surrounding areas until 10 PM tonight, creating dangerous driving conditions with visibility dropping to just a quarter mile or less.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory at 4:04 PM, warning residents across Delaware, the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and portions of New Jersey and Pennsylvania to exercise extreme caution on roadways.
Locally, the fog is impacting all three Delaware counties – New Castle, Kent, and Sussex – including the Delaware beaches. On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, and Sussex counties are experiencing the hazardous conditions.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” warns the National Weather Service.
Drivers are urged to slow down immediately, use headlights, and maintain extra distance between vehicles. Even familiar routes can become treacherous when visibility is this severely limited.
The dense fog is expected to gradually lift as we head into the evening hours, with conditions improving after 10 PM tonight.
TV Delmarva will continue monitoring conditions and will provide updates as the situation changes. For the latest weather information, stay tuned to your local forecast.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for the entire Delmarva Peninsula and surrounding areas, warning of visibility dropping to just one quarter mile or less through 10 PM tonight.
The thick fog is creating hazardous driving conditions across Delaware, Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and southern New Jersey. All three Delaware counties—New Castle, Kent, and Sussex—are under the advisory, along with Eastern Shore counties including Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, and Somerset in Maryland.
Motorists are experiencing significantly reduced visibility on major roadways, including Interstate 95, Route 50, and coastal highways. The fog is particularly dense near waterways and low-lying areas throughout the region.
Authorities are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution if travel is necessary. Weather officials recommend slowing down, using headlights, and maintaining extra distance between vehicles. If visibility becomes too poor, drivers should consider pulling over safely until conditions improve.
The Dense Fog Advisory, issued at 4:04 PM, is expected to lift by 10 PM tonight as atmospheric conditions change. However, patchy fog may persist in some areas through the overnight hours.
Stay with TV Delmarva for continuing coverage of weather conditions affecting your commute and evening plans.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — March 3, 2026
DELMARVA — Delaware farmers may soon have access to new planting technology designed to improve crop establishment across the region. PTx unveiled their ArrowTube seed planting system at this year’s Commodity Classic, promising better results for agricultural operations.
According to Caleb Stuber from PTx’s strategic marketing division, the system manages speed and uses strategically positioned resistance to direct individual seeds along a specially designed pathway from the planting mechanism into the soil. The technology creates a narrow trench beneath the surface for more consistent seed placement.
Markets
Corn futures closed mixed with nearby contracts under pressure while deferred months posted modest gains. Soybeans advanced during Tuesday’s session, with the March contract up 12 cents following volatile trading. Wheat futures showed mixed results as traders monitored global supply conditions. April live cattle climbed $1.02 to settle at $234.12 per hundredweight.
Forecast
Dense fog continues impacting the Delmarva Peninsula through 10 o’clock this evening with visibility dropping below 1/4 mile in some areas. Tonight brings light rain with lows around 42 degrees and southwest winds near 5 miles per hour. Wednesday looks mostly cloudy with a chance of light rain and highs reaching 54 degrees. Wednesday night continues the wet pattern with more light rain and lows around 40 degrees.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, March 3, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
The Houston Texans have parted ways with veteran defensive back Jimmie Ward, announcing his release on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old safety sat out the entire 2024 season after facing legal troubles before the year began and later dealing with a foot injury that kept him sidelined.
Ward faced serious legal issues when he was taken into custody in Texas last June on third-degree felony charges related to domestic violence. A woman accused Ward of sexually and physically assaulting her while their 3-year-old child was present. However, a grand jury chose not to move forward with an indictment in September.
The veteran defender spent 11 years in the NFL, beginning his career with the San Francisco 49ers from 2014 through 2022 before joining Houston for the past two seasons. Originally selected in the first round of the draft, Ward accumulated 549 tackles, 10 picks (returning three for scores), and six forced fumbles across 126 games with 99 starts.
During his time in Houston, Ward contributed 98 tackles and three interceptions over 20 games, starting every contest he appeared in.
Ward’s postseason experience includes nine playoff appearances, all during his tenure with San Francisco, where he recorded one interception. He was part of the 49ers squad that reached the Super Bowl after the 2019 season, falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in the championship game.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray issued what appears to be a farewell message to fans and the organization through social media on Tuesday, expressing regret over his inability to deliver a championship to the franchise.
According to reports, the Cardinals plan to release Murray on March 11 — the opening day of the new NFL league year — unless they secure an acceptable trade proposal.
In his post on X, Murray expressed gratitude to those who supported him during his tenure with the team.
“To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” Murray wrote on X.
“I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77 year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my brothers nothing but the best.
“I am no stranger to adversity, I am prepared for whatever’s next. I trust in God and my work ethic. I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it.
“Godspeed.”
The Cardinals would save significant money by cutting Murray before March 15, limiting their financial obligation to $36.8 million. Waiting until after that date would trigger an additional $19.5 million guarantee for the 2027 season.
The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback sat out 12 games last season due to a foot injury and has completed a full regular season only once over the past five years.
Murray, who was selected first overall in the 2019 draft after winning the 2018 Heisman Trophy, could attract interest from several teams as a free agent. Reports have linked him to potential opportunities with the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Arizona brought in Mike LaFleur as their new head coach in February, replacing Jonathan Gannon. LaFleur, who previously served as the Rams’ offensive coordinator and is the brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, recently attended the NFL Scouting Combine with other Cardinals personnel to evaluate quarterback prospects. The team holds the third pick in the upcoming draft.
During his seven seasons with Arizona, Murray compiled 121 touchdown passes against 60 interceptions across 87 regular-season appearances, playing under both Gannon and former coach Kliff Kingsbury.
The Cardinals still have veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett on their roster, who performed admirably while filling in for Murray during his injury absence last season.
The Trump administration is working behind the scenes to develop criminal charges against Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez, including preparing a potential indictment for corruption and money laundering, according to four sources with knowledge of the situation.
Federal prosecutors have assembled potential charges and have informed Rodriguez that she faces prosecution risk if she fails to continue meeting Trump’s requirements after the United States removed former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro from power in January, sources revealed.
Four individuals briefed on the situation spoke with Reuters about the draft indictment being developed against Rodriguez for suspected money laundering and corruption activities. The sources indicated that Rodriguez has been verbally notified of these potential charges.
Miami’s U.S. Attorney’s Office is developing the preliminary charges, according to the sources, who noted the document has been refined over the last two months. The investigation centers on Rodriguez’s suspected role in money laundering connected to Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA, three sources confirmed, covering alleged activities from 2021 to 2025.
The Department of Justice refused to provide comment on the matter. Following publication of a summary on the Reuters World News morning podcast, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche posted on X, calling the report “completely FALSE from @reuters. Not sure how such fake news makes its way to publication.”
Reuters responded with a statement saying: “We stand by our reporting that the Department of Justice is preparing an indictment against Delcy Rodriguez, the new president of Venezuela.”
Neither the White House nor the State Department responded to Reuters’ inquiries regarding this story.
Beyond the potential indictment, U.S. officials have given Rodriguez a roster of at least seven former high-ranking party officials, associates and family members they want her to detain or maintain in Venezuelan custody for possible extradition, four sources confirmed. Spain’s ABC newspaper initially reported this development.
Rodriguez confronts this pressure just two months after assuming leadership following a rapid U.S. special forces operation that captured Maduro and transported the long-time authoritarian ruler to New York to face narcoterrorism and cocaine trafficking charges. Maduro has entered a not guilty plea and remains in New York custody awaiting trial.
Publicly, Trump has praised Rodriguez for her cooperation with the United States and described Venezuela as “our new friend and partner” during his State of the Union speech.
However, the potential indictment represents another negotiating tool the United States has developed to pressure Venezuelan government members, previously loyal to Maduro, into following American directives.
Venezuela’s communications ministry, which manages all government media inquiries, did not respond to detailed questions about the potential charges being developed against Rodriguez.
Creating a draft indictment does not guarantee prosecutors will bring the case before a grand jury, which would need to determine probable cause exists to believe Rodriguez committed crimes. Grand jury proceedings remain confidential, and Reuters could not establish whether prosecutors have begun presenting evidence against Rodriguez to a grand jury.
Since capturing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3, Trump has depended on Rodriguez, Maduro’s 56-year-old former vice president, to maintain Venezuelan stability while prioritizing American companies’ access to the OPEC member’s oil resources.
Flores has also entered a not guilty plea to federal charges including drug trafficking.
Additional Rodriguez administration members already facing U.S. indictments include hardline Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, who along with Rodriguez are veteran members of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, or PSUV, established by the late Hugo Chávez. Both Cabello and Padrino, who remain in power in post-Maduro Venezuela, have consistently rejected any wrongdoing allegations.
Most individuals the United States wants Rodriguez to arrest or keep detained already face U.S. indictments for money laundering, drug trafficking and other offenses, four sources familiar with the matter confirmed.
Laura Dogu, the recently appointed U.S. envoy to Venezuela, presented the request to Rodriguez, sources informed Reuters.
The high-profile names provided to Rodriguez include Alex Saab, 54, who gained prominence as a close Maduro associate and became one of the most powerful financial figures within the Chavista movement, according to four sources.
After an Interpol notice requested by the United States, Saab was previously detained by local authorities in Cape Verde in 2020 while traveling to Iran on official Maduro government business. Following extradition to the United States, he faced bribery and money laundering charges for allegedly channeling $350 million from a corrupt Venezuelan housing construction program through the U.S. financial system, before the Biden administration released him in 2023 through a prisoner exchange.
Reuters reported Saab’s arrest in early February and two sources confirmed he remains held by Venezuelan intelligence service SEBIN. The United States has a new sealed money-laundering indictment against Saab, two sources said, though its current status remains unclear.
Should Saab be extradited, he could provide information to U.S. authorities that might strengthen their criminal case against Maduro, according to a source briefed on the situation.
Whether Saab, a Colombian granted Venezuelan citizenship by Maduro, will be extradited to the United States remains uncertain. Venezuelan law forbids extraditing Venezuelan nationals, creating an obstacle for several individuals Washington seeks.
Saab’s U.S.-based attorney Neil M. Schuster did not respond to detailed inquiries about whether Saab has been detained, any charges he might face, or whether he provided testimony about Maduro during his previous U.S. detention.
The list also includes media mogul Raul Gorrin, who has been detained by SEBIN in Venezuela within the past month, according to three sources familiar with the situation.
Gorrin faces multiple federal U.S. charges, primarily related to bribery, money laundering, and corruption involving Venezuela’s state oil company, PDVSA.
Gorrin did not respond to emails and text messages seeking comment, nor did his media company Globovisión.
Howard Srebnick, a Miami attorney who previously represented Gorrin, did not immediately respond to a comment request.
NEW YORK CITY – Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined forces with New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday to unveil plans for providing 2,000 no-cost childcare slots for two-year-olds in America’s most populous city, marking the beginning of the mayor’s effort to deliver on his sweeping campaign pledge of universal free childcare.
Officials announced that the initiative, dubbed “2K,” will expand dramatically in its second year to serve 12,000 children among the estimated 100,000 two-year-olds living in New York City. The program will move forward without the tax increases that Mamdani had previously advocated for but Hochul had resisted, though neither leader outlined financing strategies beyond the second year.
New York State will provide the program’s funding – $73 million in year one and $425 million in year two – as part of the state’s broader $1.2 billion commitment to free early childhood education initiatives.
When reporters pressed Hochul about potential tax increases to support the program, she responded firmly: “We can do it with existing revenues. Take what I’m saying as your answer.”
While Mamdani avoided discussing financing details during Tuesday’s announcement, he defended the program’s economic benefits, stating: “we’re making what Wall Street would call a good investment. Researchers estimate that every dollar spent on early childcare returns as much as $13.”
Universal childcare formed a cornerstone of Mamdani’s successful mayoral campaign alongside promises to freeze rents and eliminate bus fares. The mayor, who assumed office in January, now faces the challenge of implementing these ambitious proposals.
Financial hurdles have already complicated his free public transit initiative. When questioned about the bus fare elimination last month, Mamdani acknowledged that “it continues to be a budget conversation” while the city searches for alternative revenue sources to replace income lost by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the state-controlled transit system.
The mayor’s rent freeze proposal awaits action from the Rent Guidelines Board, which determines annual rent adjustments for approximately one million regulated apartments throughout the city. Mamdani recently appointed a majority of board members, including the chairperson, positioning himself to influence upcoming decisions.
The board has not yet set a date for its meeting on future rent rates, though last year’s session took place in late June.
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The University of Delaware women’s golf squad delivered an impressive rally during their closing holes to capture a tie for 10th position at the Daniel Island Invitational tournament in Charleston, South Carolina.
The Blue Hens completed the three-day competition with a combined score of 896, finishing 32 strokes over par in the 15-team tournament field. The College of Charleston served as the host institution for the event.
Competition took place at the Ralston Creek Course located at Daniel Island Club, a challenging par-72 layout measuring 6,166 yards. Delaware’s strong performance in the tournament’s final stretch helped propel the team into the top 10 standings.
Virginia state officials are taking their fight to limit children’s social media usage to a federal appeals court after a judge blocked their controversial new law.
The Commonwealth filed an appeal on Tuesday, asking the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond to overturn a preliminary injunction issued February 27 by U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles in Alexandria.
The disputed legislation, which former Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin signed into law last May, would have restricted minors under 16 to just 60 minutes of social media access per day. The measure also mandated age verification for all platform users and went into effect at the beginning of this year.
Youngkin and supporters crafted the law to protect young people from what they described as social media’s “addictive” features and to safeguard children’s mental wellbeing.
However, NetChoice, an industry organization representing major tech companies including Google, Meta Platforms (which owns Facebook and Instagram), and Elon Musk’s X platform, challenged the restrictions in court. The group argued Virginia’s law infringed on First Amendment protections by limiting access to legally protected speech, maintaining that parents should make these decisions for their families.
Judge Giles, who was nominated by former Democratic President Joe Biden, acknowledged the state’s legitimate concerns about protecting children from social media dependency but ruled that Virginia’s approach was overly broad.
The federal appeals court will now determine whether NetChoice has strong grounds for their constitutional challenge to succeed.
PARIS – French President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday that his country is deploying the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Mediterranean Sea while working to form an international alliance aimed at protecting vital shipping lanes threatened by escalating Middle East tensions.
During a national television broadcast, Macron explained that immediate action was necessary as the Straits of Hormuz have been blocked and shipping through the Suez Canal and Red Sea faces increasing dangers from the expanding regional conflict.
“We have economic interests to protect, because oil prices, gas prices and the international trade situation are being profoundly disrupted by this war,” Macron stated during his address.
The French leader revealed that his nation has already positioned a frigate near Cyprus and has intercepted hostile drones flying over allied Gulf nations. French military operations include the deployment of Rafale fighter jets among other military resources.
“We have defense agreements that bind us to Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. The latter are particularly targeted, and we owe them solidarity,” Macron explained.
Macron also detailed efforts to evacuate French nationals from the region, noting that two evacuation flights were scheduled to land in Paris Tuesday night. He added that security measures have been enhanced at various locations throughout France.
While addressing responsibility for the crisis, Macron stated that Iran “bears primary responsibility” for recent U.S.-Israeli military actions, but criticized those operations, saying: “the United States of America and Israel have decided to launch military operations; they were conducted outside international law, which we cannot approve.”
Major League Soccer and the Vancouver Whitecaps have agreed to pay $347,000 to resolve a class-action lawsuit stemming from soccer icon Lionel Messi’s failure to show up for a highly anticipated match last year.
The British Columbia Supreme Court gave its approval to the settlement agreement this week, according to reports from The Athletic.
Vancouver’s team had aggressively marketed the soccer legend’s participation in their May 25, 2024 matchup, expecting to draw a record-setting attendance to BC Place stadium. The promotional campaign drove ticket prices to premium levels.
However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or champion never made the trip to Vancouver, staying behind along with teammates Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets. Inter Miami’s head coach Tata Martino explained his decision by saying he needed to “safeguard the health” of key players ahead of two upcoming home matches.
Vancouver officials tried to calm angry fans by cutting concession prices, giving meal vouchers to children under 18, and offering complimentary tickets to select future games for some ticketholders.
Ho Chun filed the legal complaint on June 4, 2024, after spending over $400 for two seats. His legal team contended that the team’s marketing campaign “represented, implied or suggested” that Messi and other star players would definitely participate in the game.
Both MLS and the Whitecaps rejected any responsibility and maintained the lawsuit lacked validity. Legal documents revealed the organizations chose to settle primarily to prevent mounting attorney fees. The agreement includes no acknowledgment of fault.
The total settlement of $475,000 in Canadian currency, after deducting legal expenses, will be distributed among three youth sports nonprofits: KidSport BC, Canada SCORES, and BGC South Coast BC.
With just over three months remaining until kickoff, the 2026 World Cup tournament across North America is encountering several major hurdles that organizers are scrambling to address.
The upcoming tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, faces uncertainty on multiple fronts. Questions remain about whether Iran will participate in the competition, while concerns about potential security threats in Mexico continue to mount.
Additionally, several American host cities are grappling with financial challenges as they prepare to welcome international soccer fans and teams. The funding shortfalls could impact infrastructure improvements and security preparations needed for the world’s largest sporting event.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently appeared alongside President Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the official tournament draw ceremony held at Washington D.C.’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 5, 2025.
Despite these challenges, tournament organizers are working to resolve the outstanding issues before the competition begins, though the tight timeline is adding pressure to find solutions quickly.
New Castle County police have closed a section of Ramsey Road while investigating reports of gunfire Monday evening.
Law enforcement officials are actively working the scene in the unit block of Ramsey Road following the shots fired report. The investigation has prompted authorities to shut down the roadway between Beaver Valley Road and Woodlawn Road.
Police are advising drivers to find alternate routes and stay away from the area during the ongoing investigation. Residents in the neighborhood should anticipate seeing additional law enforcement personnel as officers continue their work at the scene.
Financial institutions across America are ramping up their cybersecurity defenses as Middle East tensions intensify following the recent killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in an airstrike last weekend, according to industry executives and security analysts.
The death of Khamenei has ignited widespread conflict throughout the Middle East region, causing global market volatility and raising serious concerns about potential Iranian-sponsored cyberattacks targeting American banking operations.
The banking sector has always maintained cybersecurity as a critical focus area, given its role in operating essential infrastructure including payment processing, clearing systems, settlement operations, and trading platforms – making these institutions attractive targets for hostile actors, industry data shows.
Todd Klessman, who serves as managing director for financial services cyber and technology at SIFMA, an industry organization that conducts annual emergency preparedness drills, stated: “The industry remains vigilant and ready to respond to cyber threats at all times, and especially when global cybersecurity risks are heightened.”
Klessman added: “We continue to monitor the current situation with a focus on operational resilience, which is foundational to the integrity and stability of the U.S. capital markets.”
A senior banking industry representative indicated that financial institutions are deeply worried about cyberattack risks, viewing such threats as highly probable under current circumstances.
Intelligence officials have assessed that Iranian-affiliated “hacktivist” groups may launch smaller-scale cyber operations against American networks, particularly distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks that flood targeted servers with overwhelming internet traffic, Reuters reported Monday.
Credit rating firm Morningstar DBRS warned Tuesday that while the most substantial threats to international banks and investment managers would likely be indirect effects such as prolonged elevated oil prices and borrower stress, cyber risks could also escalate significantly.
“Iran could increase its cyberattacks against Western entities, including banks,” the rating agency cautioned.
Investment bank Lazard’s geopolitical advisory division similarly highlighted cyber threats this week, pointing out Iran’s demonstrated history of using cyber warfare capabilities against commercial entities, particularly financial infrastructure.
Data from the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC), an industry collaborative group, revealed in a 2025 report that financial services companies faced more DDoS attacks than any other sector during 2024, with conflicts involving Hamas-Israel and Russia-Ukraine driving increased hacktivist activity.
Although the financial industry has not experienced major disruptions from hostile attacks in recent years, smaller DDoS incidents and ransomware attacks have caused localized market interruptions.
In 2023, a ransomware attack against the American broker-dealer division of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China caused delays in settling certain U.S. Treasury transactions.
Emergency crews successfully extinguished a small blaze near the American consulate in Dubai on Tuesday following what officials described as a drone strike, according to Dubai’s media office.
The incident occurred in the area surrounding the U.S. diplomatic facility, with local authorities confirming that the fire was contained and no casualties were reported. Officials characterized the fire as limited in scope.
Dubai’s media office released the information about the Tuesday incident, providing few additional details about the circumstances surrounding the drone strike or the response efforts.
A Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect across the Delmarva Peninsula and surrounding areas until 10 PM tonight, with visibility dropping to just one quarter mile or less in some locations.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory at 4:04 PM, warning that hazardous driving conditions are expected to continue through the evening hours. The dense fog is impacting all three Delaware counties – New Castle, Kent, and Sussex – including the Delaware beaches.
In Maryland, the advisory covers the Eastern Shore counties of Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, and Sussex. Parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania are also experiencing similar conditions.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” according to the weather service alert. Officials are urging drivers to take extra precautions if they must travel during the advisory period.
Motorists should slow down, use headlights, and maintain plenty of distance between vehicles. The fog is expected to gradually lift this evening, with conditions improving after 10 PM.
TV Delmarva will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates as the advisory expires. Drivers are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel until visibility improves across the region.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect across the entire Delmarva Peninsula until 10 PM tonight, creating hazardous driving conditions with visibility dropping to just a quarter mile or less in some areas.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory at 4:04 PM, affecting all of Delaware including New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties, as well as the Delaware beaches. On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, and parts of Somerset counties are under the advisory.
The thick fog has also spread into portions of New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania, creating a widespread weather event across the mid-Atlantic region.
Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution during the evening commute. Weather officials recommend slowing down, using headlights, and maintaining extra distance between vehicles. Even familiar routes can become dangerous when visibility is severely limited.
The fog is expected to gradually lift this evening, with conditions improving after 10 PM. However, patchy fog could linger in some low-lying areas overnight.
Stay with TV Delmarva for continuing coverage of local weather conditions and any updates to this advisory.
Delaware’s Department of Agriculture is urging farm insurance agents across the state to participate in an online discussion with federal officials regarding crop insurance subsidy matters scheduled for Monday, March 9 at 2 p.m.
The virtual question-and-answer session will feature representatives from the USDA Risk Management Agency addressing concerns about crop insurance subsidy topics. State agriculture officials emphasize that crop insurance serves as an essential element of agricultural safety nets, providing protection for farmers against unpredictable weather patterns, environmental challenges, and fluctuating economic circumstances that can impact farming operations.
Weather officials from the National Weather Service Mount Holly office have issued a dense fog advisory for the Delmarva Peninsula, warning residents of significantly reduced visibility conditions Sunday evening.
The advisory went into effect at 4:04 PM on March 3rd and will remain active until 10:00 PM the same day, according to meteorologists.
Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution while traveling during these conditions, as the thick fog can drastically limit visibility on roadways. Motorists should reduce speeds, use low-beam headlights, and maintain greater following distances between vehicles.
The weather service recommends avoiding unnecessary travel if possible until conditions improve later this evening.
PARIS (AP) — Golden sunlight streamed through the glass-enclosed runway at Paris’s historic Tuileries Garden on Tuesday, bathing Jonathan Anderson’s fall-winter 2026 Dior collection in light reminiscent of classic Impressionist masterpieces.
A star-studded crowd gathered around the park’s eight-sided water feature for Paris Fashion Week, with artificial water lilies floating as a tribute to Monet. Notable attendees included Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlize Theron, Jisoo, Priyanka Chopra, Willow Smith, Emily Ratajkowski and Macaulay Culkin.
The atmosphere perfectly complemented a collection centered on florals, water elements and the concept of public display.
The transparent venue transformed casual Parisian pedestrians into unexpected spectators — a concept Anderson deliberately embraced.
The designer explained his inspiration came from considering public walks, individuals who dress with intention for outings, and his own experience as someone new to his chosen city.
The result represented Anderson’s most unified women’s collection for Dior since joining the house.
The runway featured reimagined formal coats, fitted waist jackets and structured rear-volume skirts in soft almond tones, delicate French lace and shimmering woven fabrics. Compact blazers paired with wide, bell-shaped skirts in gentle sheepskin. Architectural knitwear maintained crisp forms like paper folding art.
Botanical influences appeared throughout — but expressed through shape and material rather than obvious floral prints.
Textured cardigans mimicked flower centers. Unevenly closed skirts and dresses suggested petal arrangements. Even crystal accents on decorated denim carried nature-inspired elements.
Anderson revisited his Irish tweed interpretation of the brand’s famous Bar jacket, extending and relaxing the fit.
The structured cage dresses that impressed at his recent haute couture presentation returned as flowing pleated fabric clouds.
Featuring dark and light checkered patterns, hand-folded jackets and coats demonstrated visual illusion techniques creating dimensional effects.
Swiss dot ruffled skirts with extended trains offered a fresh take on Christian Dior’s celebrated Junon dress.
The collection included unexpected pieces: ivory textured silk athletic pants with fabric-covered bridal closures, denim with ribbon decoration, and simple wrap coats styled as dresses — items typically overlooked in high fashion presentations.
The celebrity attendance was remarkable — matching the royal historical connections.
Dior has presented collections at the Tuileries since 2020 through a collaboration with the neighboring Louvre Museum to support restoration of one of Paris’s most ancient public gardens — originally created for Queen Catherine de’ Medici and later redesigned for Louis XIV as a venue for social display.
On Tuesday, Anderson’s creations demonstrated his growing mastery of that age-old tradition. After five collections, his vision becomes increasingly defined — though the designer maintains it will continue evolving.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Around the sprawling Fort Campbell Army installation that spans the Tennessee-Kentucky border, the conflict with Iran weighs heavily on residents’ minds in these military-focused communities.
Fort Campbell serves as headquarters for the 101st Airborne Division, nicknamed “the Screaming Eagles,” a unit that has played crucial roles in America’s major military engagements dating back to World War II. Following the September 11 attacks, thousands of soldiers from this installation began routine rotations to Afghanistan and Iraq. When troop levels increased in those nations, annual combat deaths within the division exceeded some of its most devastating periods during the Vietnam War.
The communities of Oak Grove, Kentucky, and Clarksville, Tennessee, border the installation and serve the soldier population with uniform shops, barber services, and quick-service restaurants. War remembrance displays and monuments occupy public parks throughout both cities. American Legion halls, VFW chapters, and military family assistance organizations dot the landscape. At Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, one-third of enrolled students have military backgrounds or are currently serving.
Juan Munoz, an Army veteran with Afghanistan experience who now provides career guidance for transitioning service members in Clarksville, describes area families as having “mixed emotions” regarding the current conflict. He notes that junior enlisted personnel often look forward to deployment opportunities, while their spouses, parents, and other relatives fear for their well-being.
“You can’t ever give up the concern for your loved one, who’s potentially putting themselves in harm’s way,” he explained. Despite these worries, families continue backing the Iran operation. “At the end of the day, they’re going to support their service member.”
Munoz characterized the war as a “great move,” arguing that Iran supplies weapons to adversaries, endangering American forces and regional partners.
“It’s what needs to be done,” he stated.
Edward Bauman, who completed 23 years of Army service with deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan, shared his views Monday while speaking with media outside an Oak Grove retail store. His backing for the conflict stems from confidence in President Donald Trump’s judgment.
“My takeaway is there had to have been some reason for him to bomb them. I don’t think he would have just went out of his way to just, ‘I’m going to bomb these people’,” he remarked.
Bauman doubts Trump intends to launch another extended Middle Eastern campaign.
“It’s not going to be another Afghanistan. It’s not going to be another Iraq. We’re not going to go in and try to occupy them,” he said.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Monday that the fighting “is not endless” while cautioning that additional American casualties are probable in coming weeks.
Shannon Razsadin, who heads the Virginia-based Military Family Advisory Network nonprofit, acknowledged “a good amount of stress and anxiety from the community just around the unknowns right now.”
Despite the tension, she emphasized, “They’re incredibly proud. Military families are proud of their service. And our military, our service members are prepared, and they are ready.”
Susan Lynn, a Tennessee state representative from Mount Juliet located approximately 70 miles southeast of the Army base, represents those proud yet worried family members. In 2020, she used Facebook to praise Trump for keeping her Air Force son out of “another war.” This past Saturday, she announced his deployment and requested prayers.
“From the time my son was a little boy, he wanted to be in the Air Force,” Lynn said during a Monday phone conversation. “He’s extremely patriotic. He will do anything to support our commander in chief. And I feel the same way. That if our commander in chief has made this executive decision, that this is something we should do, then I will trust that.”
Conversely, Chris McFarland, another Fort Campbell veteran with service in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan, actively demonstrates his opposition to the Iran war. Upon learning of the conflict, he commissioned a “No more wars” sign and has displayed it daily along a busy Clarksville street.
McFarland, who directs Veterans for All, a nonprofit focused on veteran healthcare advocacy, reports encountering some hostile reactions from passing motorists during his demonstrations, though others stop for discussions. Many seek additional information about current events.
He describes them as “in shock, confused, concerned.”
McFarland speaks bluntly about his personal reaction to the Iran strikes.
“It is 100% unnecessary. It is unconstitutional. Literally, our own Congress didn’t even approve of this. This was done without anyone’s acknowledgement at 3:00 in the morning to murder people over in Iran.”
For combat veterans like himself, he explains, the prospect of renewed warfare triggers difficult memories.
“It just puts us right back in, right back at ground zero.”
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration confronts an unprecedented diplomatic challenge as escalating warfare involving the United States, Israel, and Iran triggers the most extensive American embassy evacuation from the Middle East in over twenty years.
State Department officials have been compelled to restrict public access to multiple embassies, completely close at least one consular office, mandate the evacuation of diplomatic personnel and their families from six countries, and issue urgent departure warnings to American citizens across 14 nations, even as the conflict has disrupted major airports and canceled numerous flights.
Despite these challenges, the department reported Tuesday that over 9,000 Americans have successfully returned from Middle Eastern countries since the weekend, with many managing their departure independently, while officials continue outreach efforts to those requesting assistance.
“The State Department was securing military aircraft and charter flights for American citizens who wish to leave the Middle East,” Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for public affairs, announced Tuesday on X. He noted that department officials have contacted nearly 3,000 Americans seeking departure assistance or information about evacuation procedures.
Officials are coordinating charter aircraft departures from Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. For nations where aviation facilities or airspace have been shuttered, the department is facilitating overland transportation to countries with operational airports, such as Egypt and Oman.
However, emergency diplomatic staff reductions and facility shutdowns since weekend strikes against Iran commenced have severely hampered the government’s capacity to provide standard citizen services. Consular operations remain unavailable across numerous locations, while personnel cuts have restricted vital official communications with allied and partner nations during wartime, affecting operations in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The magnitude of America’s regional diplomatic withdrawal matches or surpasses measures implemented before and after the 2003 Iraq invasion. During that period, the State Department decreased personnel across more than twelve nations and urged American citizens to depart or seriously contemplate leaving countries spanning the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia from Morocco through Pakistan.
Monday brought a rapidly issued announcement posted on X instructing Americans to evacuate Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen despite widespread transportation disruptions.
Early Tuesday, Americans learned that the State Department had directed non-essential diplomatic staff and embassy families to depart Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE.
Embassies in Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia also suspended public operations Tuesday. However, only one diplomatic facility — the U.S. consulate in Karachi, Pakistan — had entirely halted all activities.
A drone assault on the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh resulted in a “limited fire,” according to Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry.
The Riyadh attack caused partial roof collapse at the embassy, though no fatalities or staff injuries occurred, according to an internal State Department document. The memo also reported no casualties after two drones struck near the embassy in Kuwait City.
Regional confusion has emerged, prompting questions about preparations for potential military operations and their effects on travel and American citizen safety overseas, which represents the State Department’s fundamental duty.
“If Americans are being instructed to leave but are given no viable pathway, that suggests one of two things: The system is not being activated, or the system has atrophied,” explained Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, an organization supporting Afghan nationals seeking U.S. entry after serving alongside American forces in Afghanistan.
VanDiver referenced the Biden administration’s organization of 121,000 evacuations within days during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.
“Crisis response cannot be partisan,” he emphasized. “It has to survive transitions. It has to be staffed, exercised, and protected. The oversight question is straightforward: Was the post-Afghanistan crisis response architecture sustained, or has it been weakened?”
The State Department has not yet responded to inquiries regarding planning for embassy and consulate staffing or citizen assistance protocols during potential Iranian conflict.
The federal government lacks authority to force American citizens to leave any nation. In exceptional cases, it may prohibit U.S. passport usage for travel to specific destinations. Currently, only North Korea faces such restrictions. However, before strikes began, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated Friday that similar restrictions might apply to Iran.
State Department travel advisories, including warnings against visiting or remaining in certain countries, frequently go unheeded. Many individuals maintain residences or close family connections in these areas and choose to disregard or decline official guidance.
Substantial numbers of American citizens live throughout or visit the Middle East regularly. The State Department declines to provide population estimates since Americans face no requirement to register their presence in foreign countries. Officials maintain that any estimate would lack accuracy.
Tens of thousands of American citizens, including many with dual nationality, are thought to reside in Israel, Lebanon, Egypt and Iran.
The University of Delaware baseball team is gearing up to host the Maryland Terrapins in a midweek matchup on their home diamond.
The Blue Hens will welcome their in-state rivals for what promises to be an exciting contest between the two programs. The game will provide Delaware fans with another chance to cheer on their team during the ongoing season.
This midweek showdown represents an important opportunity for both teams as they continue their respective campaigns. Home field advantage could play a key role as the Blue Hens look to capitalize on familiar surroundings and local fan support.
Intel Corporation announced Tuesday that chairman Frank Yeary will retire following the company’s annual shareholder meeting scheduled for May, with Craig Barratt set to take over the leadership position.
The leadership change represents a significant shift for Intel’s board of directors as the semiconductor giant continues to face challenges in the competitive chip market. Yeary has been a board member since 2009 and oversaw the selection of four different chief executives during his time with the company, including current CEO Lip-Bu Tan who assumed the role approximately one year ago.
Barratt brings extensive technology industry experience to his new role, having recently joined Intel’s board in 2025. His background includes previous positions at wireless technology company Qualcomm and Google, which operates under parent company Alphabet.
Two prominent basketball figures will face federal court proceedings this week as their illegal gambling cases move forward, according to multiple media reports released Tuesday.
Former NBA champion Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier are scheduled to attend status hearings in Brooklyn federal court, where they’ll join approximately 30 other defendants for discussions about legal documents and evidence discovery.
Both basketball personalities were taken into custody in October and are facing serious federal charges related to separate gambling operations.
The NBA suspended Billups indefinitely from his coaching position with the Portland Trail Blazers following his arrest. During his November court appearance, the 49-year-old entered a not guilty plea to charges including wire fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy.
Federal prosecutors allege that Billups worked alongside organized crime figures to manipulate illegal poker games. Authorities claim he helped recruit players into rigged games where sophisticated cheating devices were allegedly used to steal millions from unsuspecting participants.
Court documents reveal that following one fraudulent poker session in October 2020, Billups allegedly received a $50,000 payment from mob-connected game organizers.
The former point guard enjoyed a distinguished 17-season NBA career, capturing a championship title and Finals MVP honors with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. The five-time All-Star was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024.
During his coaching tenure with Portland from 2021-22 through 2024-25, Billups compiled a 117-211 record. His final game as head coach was the season opener this year, as he was arrested the following morning.
Rozier entered a not guilty plea in December to wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges stemming from his alleged involvement in an illegal sports betting operation. His legal team has filed motions seeking case dismissal.
Prosecutors accuse Rozier of coordinating with co-defendant Deniro Laster regarding a planned fake injury during a March 2023 game. Laster allegedly shared this inside information with gambling networks, leading to over $200,000 in prop bets wagering that Rozier would have poor statistical performance.
The scheme apparently worked as planned, with Rozier departing the game after just 10 minutes, citing a foot injury.
While the Heat initially withheld Rozier’s salary during his administrative leave, an arbitrator ruled last month that he’s entitled to his full $26.6 million compensation for the current season.
The 31-year-old guard, who celebrates his 32nd birthday on March 17, has compiled career averages of 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 665 games with Boston, Charlotte, and Miami.
Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone has been declared unavailable for Tuesday night’s matchup against the Buffalo Sabres due to an injury to his left arm.
The veteran forward sustained the injury when Pittsburgh defenseman Kris Letang struck his upper left arm with a stick during a neutral zone collision in the closing moments of the first period in Sunday’s 5-0 loss to the Penguins.
“We’ll keep him as day-to-day,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said on Tuesday. “He’s in here getting treatment but won’t play tonight.”
The 33-year-old Stone ranks as Vegas’ second-highest point producer this season with 60 points, including 21 goals and 39 assists. He leads the team with a plus-17 rating while recording nine penalty minutes, 35 blocked shots, and 17 hits across 43 games, averaging 19:15 of ice time per contest.
Stone, who earned All-Star recognition in 2022, contributed four points on two goals and two assists in six games as Canada earned silver at last month’s Milan Cortina Olympics in Italy.
Throughout his NHL career, Stone has accumulated 694 points through 252 goals and 442 assists, maintaining a plus-158 rating with 238 penalty minutes, 525 blocks, and 512 hits across 749 regular-season contests between Ottawa (2012-19) and Vegas.
His playoff resume includes 85 points on 41 goals and 44 assists with a plus-8 rating over 112 postseason games, highlighted by Vegas’ 2023 Stanley Cup championship victory.
To fill the roster spot, Vegas brought up forward Raphael Lavoie from AHL Henderson on Tuesday. Lavoie appeared in nine games for the Golden Knights last season and seven for Edmonton in 2023-24, remaining scoreless in his NHL appearances.
WASHINGTON – Top officials from President Donald Trump’s national security team spent Tuesday on Capitol Hill attempting to build congressional support for ongoing U.S.-Israel military operations against Iran, as lawmakers from both parties demanded greater oversight.
The high-level briefings featured Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine addressing first the full Senate, then the House of Representatives.
While Trump’s Republican Party maintains narrow control of both chambers and typically supports his foreign policy moves, the Middle Eastern conflict has created unusual bipartisan pushback regarding military engagement without legislative consent.
Several lawmakers expressed interest in receiving additional intelligence briefings, particularly as the administration may soon request supplemental war funding from Congress.
Ohio Republican Representative Warren Davidson voiced skepticism on social media, stating: “America First was supposed to be a rejection of the globalist war machine. I look forward to seeing the intelligence the administration found so persuasive, then voting.”
Questions arose after Secretary Rubio revealed Monday that U.S. attacks on Iran were coordinated with Israeli plans. Maine Senator Angus King, an independent who aligns with Democrats, raised concerns during Tuesday’s Armed Services hearing: “Have we now delegated the most solemn decision that can be made in our society, the decision to go to war, to another country.”
FUNDING QUESTIONS EMERGE
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota and House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana both indicated it remains unclear whether Congress will need to approve additional war funding.
Following Monday evening’s leadership briefing, Johnson acknowledged funding discussions had occurred. “There are more details to be determined, how long the operation goes and what the need is,” Johnson explained to reporters.
Democratic leaders signaled strong resistance to any funding requests without proper congressional authorization. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York argued Trump must secure legislative approval before seeking financial support for military operations.
Both chambers plan votes on war powers resolutions this week – the Senate on Wednesday and the House on Thursday – aimed at blocking continued Iranian attacks without congressional consent.
Jeffries predicted solid Democratic backing for the measure, explaining: “There is a requirement under the Constitution that it is members of Congress that make the decision as to whether to get us entangled in this kind of armed conflict and that’s what the resolution this week will be all about.”
Republican lawmakers have previously defeated similar efforts to force Trump to seek legislative approval for military actions. Even if current resolutions pass, they would likely lack the two-thirds majority needed in both chambers to override a presidential veto.
Federal wildlife officials announced Tuesday they are exploring potential changes to current rules designed to shield endangered North Atlantic right whales from deadly encounters with ships.
The National Marine Fisheries Service revealed it is examining whether to swap out existing seasonal speed limits for vessels with alternative approaches, including designated whale management zones and technology-driven solutions aimed at preventing fatal collisions.
According to the federal agency, approximately 380 North Atlantic right whales remain in existence. The species faces two primary survival challenges: becoming trapped in fishing equipment and being struck by boats and ships.
NMFS, which operates under the Commerce Department, has opened a 90-day period for the public to submit information and feedback on the potential regulatory changes.
The review comes after the previous Biden administration had proposed strengthening vessel speed limits to better protect the whales, though those stricter rules were never put into effect.
A 48-year-old Dagsboro resident is behind bars on serious drug and weapons charges after Delaware State Police executed a search warrant at his home yesterday.
Dominick Drummond was taken into custody following the March 2, 2026 operation at a residence in the 27000 block of Dagsboro Road. Multiple law enforcement agencies participated in the raid, including the Sussex County Drug Unit, Sussex County Governor’s Task Force, and Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team.
Authorities had been investigating Drummond for allegedly selling illegal drugs from his home when they obtained the search warrant. During the operation, police observed Drummond attempting to destroy evidence by throwing narcotics into a fire pit on his property. Law enforcement detained Drummond along with three other individuals without any resistance.
The search of the residence yielded significant evidence, including:
About 122.02 grams of cocaine
Roughly 38.6 grams of crack cocaine
A stolen 9mm pistol
Several 12-gauge ammunition rounds
Equipment used for drug activities
$16,030 in cash believed to be from drug sales
Following his arrest, Drummond was transported to Troop 4 headquarters where he faced arraignment before Justice of the Peace Court 2. He was subsequently transferred to Sussex Correctional Institution and is being held on $131,000 cash bond.
The charges against Drummond include multiple felony counts:
Manufacture, Deliver, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony) – 2 counts
Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony) – 2 counts
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm/Destructive Weapon If Previously Convicted of Two Violent Felonies on Separate Occasions (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited – Prior Violent Crime or Felony (Felony)
Receiving a Stolen Firearm (Felony)
Unlawful to Knowingly Operate or Attempt to Operate a Clandestine Laboratory (Felony)
Tampering with Physical Evidence (Felony)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Of the three other people detained during the search, two received misdemeanor charges and were released on their own recognizance.
WASHINGTON — During a Tuesday meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump declared his intention to halt all commercial relations with Spain, expressing frustration over the nation’s stance regarding recent U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran and its reluctance to boost NATO defense expenditures.
Speaking to media during his Oval Office session with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump stated: “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.”
The president’s remarks followed Monday’s announcement by Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, who declared that Spain would prohibit American forces from utilizing jointly-operated military installations in southern Spain for any military actions not sanctioned by United Nations charter provisions. Albares confirmed that these shared facilities were not involved in the recent weekend assault on Iran.
The feasibility of Trump’s proposed trade cutoff remains questionable, as Spain operates under European Union trade frameworks. The EU conducts trade negotiations for all 27 member nations collectively.
A representative from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s administration responded Tuesday, stating: “If the U.S. administration wishes to review the trade agreement, it must do so respecting the autonomy of private companies, international law, and bilateral agreements between the European Union and the United States.”
This represents another example of Trump using trade restrictions as diplomatic leverage, following a recent Supreme Court ruling that overturned his broad international tariff policies. Although the court determined that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act doesn’t grant presidential authority for unilateral comprehensive tariffs, Trump now argues the decision permits him to enforce complete trade embargoes against selected countries.
Trump also renewed his criticism of Spain’s 2023 withdrawal from NATO’s 5% defense spending commitment. Spain had indicated it could achieve necessary military readiness by allocating 2.1% of its gross domestic product, a position Trump previously condemned and threatened with tariff measures.
Regarding NATO expenditures, Trump claimed Spain represents “the only country that in NATO would not agree to go up to 5%” in defense spending. “I don’t think they agreed to go up to anything. They wanted to keep it at 2% and they don’t pay the 2%.”
Chancellor Merz supported Trump’s assessment, saying: “We are trying to convince them that this is a part of our common security, that we all have to comply with this.”
Spain defended its NATO participation Tuesday, with Sánchez’s spokesperson asserting the country remains “a key member of NATO, fulfilling its commitments and making a significant contribution to the defense of European territory.”
During the White House meeting, Trump sought input from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding presidential embargo powers.
Bessent responded: “I agree that the Supreme Court reaffirmed your ability to implement an embargo.” He added that the U.S. Trade Representative and Commerce Department would “begin investigations and we’ll move forward with those.”
Treasury Department officials did not provide additional commentary when contacted by The Associated Press.
Prime Minister Sánchez has condemned the American and Israeli military strikes against Iran, characterizing the intervention as “unjustifiable” and “dangerous.” His administration has called for immediate conflict de-escalation and diplomatic dialogue while also criticizing Iran’s regional attacks.
Trump commented on Spain’s leadership, saying: “Spain has absolutely nothing that we need other than great people. They have great people, but they don’t have great leadership.”
The military base controversy represents the most recent tension between Spain and the Trump administration. Under Sánchez’s leadership as Europe’s remaining major progressive head of government, Spain has also been a vocal opponent of Israel’s Gaza military campaign.
A major artificial intelligence company’s ethical battle with the Pentagon is reshaping how Americans view AI technology in warfare while highlighting serious questions about whether these systems are reliable enough for military operations.
Claude, the AI chatbot created by Anthropic, surpassed OpenAI’s ChatGPT in mobile app downloads across America for the first time this week, according to data from Sensor Tower research firm. The surge appears connected to public support for Anthropic’s refusal to compromise its ethical guidelines regarding military applications.
The Trump administration declared Claude a supply chain threat on Friday and ordered federal agencies to discontinue its use after Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei maintained his company’s restrictions against autonomous weapons development and domestic surveillance programs. Anthropic plans to fight the Pentagon’s decision in federal court once it receives official notification of the sanctions.
While military analysts and human rights advocates have praised Amodei’s principled position, some experts criticize the AI industry’s previous aggressive marketing that convinced government officials to deploy this technology in critical situations.
“He caused this mess,” stated Missy Cummings, a former Navy fighter pilot who currently leads the robotics and automation center at George Mason University. “They were the No. 1 company to push ridiculous hype over the capabilities of these technologies. And now, all of a sudden, they want to be for real. They want to tell people, ‘Oh, wait a minute. We really shouldn’t be using these technologies in weapons.’”
Anthropic representatives did not respond to requests for comment. Pentagon officials declined to discuss whether Claude remains in use for operations, including the Iran conflict, citing security protocols.
In a December research paper presented at a leading AI conference, Cummings advocated for government restrictions on generative AI systems “to control, direct, guide or govern any weapon.” Her concerns center not on AI becoming too intelligent, but on the frequent errors—known as hallucinations or confabulations—that make large language models “inherently unreliable and not appropriate in environments that could result in the loss of life.”
“You’re going to kill noncombatants,” Cummings told The Associated Press during a Tuesday interview. “You’re going to kill your own troops. I’m not clear whether the military truly understands the limitations.”
Defending his company’s position last week, Amodei emphasized these technological shortcomings, stating that “frontier AI systems are simply not reliable enough to power fully autonomous weapons. We will not knowingly provide a product that puts America’s warfighters and civilians at risk.”
Among major AI developers, Anthropic had been uniquely authorized for classified military systems, working alongside data analysis firm Palantir and additional defense contractors. President Trump announced Friday that the Pentagon has six months to eliminate Anthropic’s military applications, coinciding with his approval of Saturday’s Iran strikes.
Cummings, who previously advised Palantir, suggested Claude may have already contributed to military strike planning.
“I just fundamentally hope that there were humans in the loop,” she explained. “A human has to babysit these technologies very closely. You can use them to do these things, but you need to verify, verify, verify.”
This approach contradicts messaging from AI companies suggesting their technology approaches human-like intelligence, she noted.
“If there’s culpability here, I’d say half is Anthropic’s for driving the hype and half is the Department of War’s fault for firing all the people that would have otherwise advised them against stupid uses of technology,” Cummings observed.
One social media user described Anthropic’s government troubles as a “Hype Tax”—a post shared by President Trump’s senior AI advisor David Sacks, who frequently criticizes the company.
Despite potential legal complications that could harm Anthropic’s defense contractor relationships, the controversy has enhanced its reputation as an ethics-focused AI developer.
“It’s applaudable that a company stood up to the government in order to maintain what it felt were its ethics and were its business choices, even in the face of these potentially crippling policy responses,” said Jennifer Huddleston, a senior fellow at the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute.
Consumer response has been immediate, with Claude downloads surging to become the top iPhone application on Saturday and leading all mobile platforms nationwide by Monday, Sensor Tower reported. This success came at ChatGPT’s expense, as OpenAI’s consumer standing suffered following Friday’s announcement of a Pentagon partnership to replace Anthropic in classified environments.
Apple App Store data showed ChatGPT’s one-star reviews—the lowest possible rating—increased by 775% on Saturday and continued climbing into the week, prompting OpenAI to implement crisis management measures.
“We shouldn’t have rushed to get this out on Friday,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged in a Monday social media statement. “The issues are super complex, and demand clear communication. We were genuinely trying to de-escalate things and avoid a much worse outcome, but I think it just looked opportunistic and sloppy.”
Altman scheduled an “all-hands” employee meeting for Tuesday to address the situation.
“There are many things the technology just isn’t ready for, and many areas we don’t yet understand the tradeoffs required for safety,” Altman stated. “We will work through these, slowly, with the (Pentagon), with technical safeguards and other methods.”
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Congressional ethics investigators have launched a formal probe into South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace following accusations that she improperly claimed housing reimbursements from a program designed to help lawmakers cover Washington living expenses.
The third-term Republican congresswoman has rejected the accusations, calling the investigation process “partisan” and claiming ethics officials have “ignored” evidence she provided in her defense.
Following its own review, the Office of Congressional Conduct concluded it found “substantial reason to believe that Rep. Mace engaged in improper reimbursement practices.” The office has now forwarded its findings to the House Ethics Committee for further examination.
The congressional program in question assists House members with the financial burden of maintaining residences both in Washington and their home states, covering expenses like meals, transportation, and housing costs. According to the investigation report, Mace collected approximately $9,500 during her second term in 2023 and 2024 that exceeded “the true costs” of the Washington residence she occupied with her then-fiancé.
The Office of Congressional Conduct noted that because Mace “refused to interview” during their inquiry, investigators “was unable to determine how or why Rep. Mace decided to seek the maximum allowable reimbursement when it exceeded her expenses incurred.”
While acknowledging that “Mace’s lodging expenses may have exceeded the maximum allowable reimbursement for some months,” the report concluded that available evidence “suggests Rep. Mace did not take appropriate measures to ensure she sought reimbursement for expenses actually incurred.”
In a December filing to the committee, Mace’s legal representative William Sullivan Jr. argued that the congresswoman’s former fiancé, from whom she separated in late 2023, has been “engaged in an ongoing campaign to discredit and injure the Congresswoman through false narratives and misuse of legal process, and that any information originating from them would raise serious credibility concerns.”
Sullivan further contended that ethics officials refused to reveal whether the former fiancé participated in their investigation. He argued the referral to the Ethics Committee “appears to rely heavily on unverified materials originating from individuals with personal or adversarial motives.”
Florida Republican Representative Michael Guest, who chairs the Ethics Committee, confirmed his panel received the Mace referral in December. Guest emphasized that launching an investigation does not constitute evidence of misconduct and noted the committee will not provide additional statements until completing its review.
A federal court has rejected President Donald Trump’s attempt to eliminate New York City’s groundbreaking traffic fee designed to ease congestion and fund public transportation improvements.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman ruled Tuesday that the Department of Transportation overstepped its authority when it tried to cancel the $9 charge that was previously approved under Joe Biden’s presidency.
The judge determined the Metropolitan Transportation Authority was correct in claiming the department’s decision was “arbitrary and capricious” due to insufficient justification for the reversal.
In his comprehensive 149-page decision, Liman emphasized that New York’s state legislature enacted the fee, the governor signed it into law, and federal agencies had given proper authorization before implementation.
“The democratic process worked,” the judge stated, while acknowledging that Trump and other critics could pursue additional challenges to the program that started January 5, 2025.
Governor Kathy Hochul praised the ruling as validation of what she called a “once-in-a-lifetime success story” that has delivered significant benefits during its first year, including decreased traffic jams and essential transit funding.
“The judge’s decision is clear: Donald Trump’s unlawful attempts to trample on the self-governance of his home state have failed spectacularly,” Hochul declared. “Congestion pricing is legal, it works, and it is here to stay.”
The Department of Transportation has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The fee applies to most vehicles entering Manhattan below Central Park, with costs varying by vehicle type and timing, typically around $9 in addition to existing bridge and tunnel tolls.
While similar traffic reduction programs operate in cities like London, Stockholm, Milan and Singapore, this marks the first such initiative in the United States.
Trump, whose Trump Tower and other real estate holdings sit within the fee zone, has been a vocal opponent of the program.
He promised during his campaign to eliminate New York’s plan immediately upon taking office. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy followed through in February by withdrawing federal approval.
Duffy characterized the toll as “a slap in the face to working-class Americans and small business owners” and warned of potential federal funding cuts for New York projects if the program continued.
However, Judge Liman issued a temporary restraining order preventing such retaliation while he considered the case. The same judge had previously rejected multiple lawsuits from opponents including New Jersey’s governor, New York City teacher unions, trucking organizations and suburban officials.
Hochul herself had initially expressed doubts about the toll, which was developed years before she became governor. She delayed its 2024 launch due to economic worries before ultimately reducing the fee from $15 to $9.
As the program reached its first anniversary in January, Hochul joined transit officials in highlighting its achievements ahead of her reelection campaign.
Recent Metropolitan Transportation Authority data shows the toll has prevented approximately 27 million vehicles from entering central Manhattan, cutting air pollution by 22% and reducing travel times by 23% for those who choose to drive and pay.
The program has also brought in more than $550 million for the region’s underfunded transit network, surpassing initial estimates.
Economic indicators within the fee zone have improved since implementation, with higher sales tax collections, office lease activity and pedestrian traffic contradicting predictions of economic harm.
“Traffic is down, business is up, and we’re making crucial investments in a transit system that moves millions of people a day,” said MTA CEO Janno Lieber. “New York is winning.”
French President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday his decision to relocate France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean Sea as Middle East tensions escalate.
The Charles de Gaulle will travel with its accompanying air wing and escort frigates, Macron stated.
During a televised address that was pre-recorded, the French leader revealed that Rafale fighter aircraft, air-defense equipment, and airborne radar technology have been positioned in the Middle East within recent hours.
“And we will continue this effort as much as necessary,” Macron declared.
The president referenced Monday’s attack on a British military airfield in Cyprus, emphasizing that Cyprus belongs to the European Union and has recently established a strategic partnership with France.
“This requires our support. That is why I have decided to send additional air-defense assets there as well, along with a French frigate, the Languedoc, which will arrive off the coast of Cyprus later this evening,” Macron stated.
Previously, France, Britain, and Germany declared they had not participated in strikes against Iran, though they expressed readiness to support necessary and proportionate defensive measures to eliminate Iran’s missile and drone capabilities.
Macron emphasized that France maintains defense pacts with EU member states Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, while also holding significant commitments to Jordan and Iraq.
Acknowledging the conflict’s expansion into Lebanon, Macron stated that the Iran-supported Hezbollah militant organization made “the grave mistake of striking Israel” and endangering Lebanese civilians, while cautioning against an Israeli ground invasion.
A Georgia father has become the most recent parent to face criminal conviction after his child was involved in a deadly school shooting, as prosecutors increasingly pursue cases against parents they believe contributed to such tragedies.
Colin Gray was found guilty Tuesday on charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in connection with the 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, located northeast of Atlanta. A jury quickly reached their verdict after prosecutors argued Gray provided his son with access to firearms and ammunition while being aware of the teenager’s declining mental health.
The shooting resulted in the deaths of two students and two teachers. Gray’s son, Colt Gray, was 14 years old when the incident occurred and has entered not guilty pleas to multiple charges against him.
This conviction continues a trend where legal authorities are expanding accountability beyond the actual shooters when evidence suggests parental negligence played a role in enabling the violence.
Several other recent cases demonstrate this pattern:
In Wisconsin, Jeffrey Rupnow faces charges for intentionally providing a dangerous weapon to a minor resulting in death. His 15-year-old daughter Natalie killed a student and teacher at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison in 2024 before taking her own life. Prosecutors revealed that Rupnow acknowledged his daughter was having difficulty dealing with his divorce and purchased firearms as a way to bond with her.
Defense attorney Lisa Goldman argued at a July 2025 hearing that Rupnow acted responsibly, noting that Natalie had completed gun safety training and that her father stored the weapons in a safe.
The groundbreaking case involved Jennifer and James Crumbley, who became the first American parents to face criminal responsibility for a mass school shooting carried out by their child. Both are currently serving 10-year sentences for involuntary manslaughter.
Their son Ethan Crumbley fatally shot four students and injured others at Oxford High School in Michigan during 2021. School officials had shown the parents their son’s violent artwork just hours before the shooting occurred, but the Crumbleys refused to take him home. Nobody searched his backpack for weapons.
While the Crumbleys were unaware of their son’s specific intentions, they had recently given him a firearm as a present. Prosecutors successfully argued that Ethan’s actions could have been predicted and that his parents failed to take steps to prevent the violence.
In Illinois, Robert Crimo Jr. entered guilty pleas to misdemeanor charges for supporting his son’s gun permit application in 2019, despite being aware that Robert Crimo III had previously expressed thoughts of suicide.
Three years following that permit approval, Crimo III opened fire at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, a Chicago suburb, killing seven people.
“He was criminally reckless the moment he submitted that affidavit,” stated prosecutor Eric Rinehart regarding the father’s actions.
The elder Crimo received a 60-day jail sentence, while his son is serving life in prison after pleading guilty to murder charges in March.
Deja Taylor faced prosecution in both state and federal courts following an incident where her 6-year-old son brought her gun to school and shot a teacher in a classroom full of students in Newport News, Virginia, during 2023.
Taylor received a 21-month federal prison sentence for a drug-related offense connected to illegal gun possession. Additionally, she was sentenced to two years in state prison for child neglect.
“That is my son, so I am, as a parent, obviously willing to take responsibility for him because he can’t take responsibility for himself,” Taylor told “Good Morning America” in 2023.
The wounded teacher, Abigail Zwerner, told a judge she wasn’t certain “whether it would be my final moment on Earth.”
A Detroit resident walked out of prison Tuesday after spending more than a quarter-century incarcerated based on what prosecutors now admit was a forced confession extracted by a corrupt police detective.
George Calicut Jr., 56, emerged from the Coldwater, Michigan correctional facility sporting a Detroit Lions sweatshirt and broad grin as he embraced his attorneys. He had been serving life without parole for a 1999 homicide.
Calicut has consistently maintained his innocence in the death of Virgie Perkins, claiming he never laid eyes on the supposed confession statement until it was presented during his trial. The case against him lacked eyewitness testimony and physical evidence linking him to the crime.
Recent DNA analysis has “further supports the lack of any evidence” tying Calicut to the fatal attack at Perkins’ residence, according to a joint statement from Wayne County prosecutors and defense attorneys.
“Clearing Calicut reflects this office’s unwavering commitment to the integrity of convictions and the credibility of the system,” stated Valerie Newman, who leads the conviction integrity unit.
A judge threw out the charges following a request from both prosecution and defense teams, allowing Calicut’s immediate release.
Legal representation came from the University of Michigan Law School’s Innocence Clinic, with additional support from the Cooley Innocence Project at Cooley Law School.
The original charges alleged Calicut strangled Perkins and slashed her throat during a robbery at her home, stealing cash and a telephone. While Calicut acknowledged taking a phone from Perkins’ son the following day, he insisted he retrieved it from a car.
During the original trial, Detroit homicide detective Barbara Simon admitted she had written Calicut’s supposed confession statement before he signed it. Despite Calicut’s testimony denying the confession’s accuracy, jurors convicted him of murder, triggering an automatic life sentence without parole.
“Simon told Mr. Calicut, who had no prior interactions with police, that she could help him by creating a statement that would reduce the charge to manslaughter, which would allow him to get a bond and go home,” prosecutors and defense lawyers wrote in their four-page dismissal agreement.
Attempts to contact Simon, who has since retired from the Detroit Police Department, were unsuccessful as her phone went unanswered.
The city of Detroit has paid out millions in lawsuit settlements connected to Simon’s conduct during her tenure as a homicide detective.
Court records indicate the original prosecutor was Mike Cox, who went on to become Michigan’s attorney general and is currently seeking the Republican nomination for governor. Cox did not respond to requests for comment regarding the exoneration.
The University of Delaware women’s lacrosse squad is set to conclude their current stretch of home games this Wednesday when they face off against the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Retrievers.
The Blue Hens will be looking to finish their homestand strong as they take on UMBC in what promises to be an exciting matchup. The game represents the final opportunity for Delaware fans to see their team play on home turf during this particular series of home contests.
Wednesday’s contest against the Retrievers will cap off what has been an important homestand for the Delaware program as they continue their season campaign.
The University of Delaware women’s tennis squad has maintained its standing in the national spotlight, securing the 63rd position in the most recent Intercollegiate Tennis Association team rankings.
The ITA made the announcement on Tuesday from Tempe, Arizona, revealing that the Blue Hens have held their ground in the competitive national landscape. This ranking reflects the team’s consistent performance as they continue their season.
The latest poll results demonstrate the program’s ability to compete at a high level among collegiate tennis programs across the country. The Blue Hens’ steady position in the rankings showcases the team’s ongoing efforts and dedication throughout their current campaign.
NEWARK, N.J. — After being captivated by Lorne Michaels’ behind-the-scenes tales from “Saturday Night Live” and appearing alongside brother Quinn and women’s team captain Hilary Knight on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Jack Hughes is shifting his focus back to professional hockey.
The Olympic golden goal hero took to the ice Tuesday morning following his Fallon appearance, marking what’s expected to be the final chapter of his celebrity media circuit since capturing America’s attention in Milan. The New Jersey Devils star now turns his attention to the remaining NHL season.
“The best couple weeks of my life and just a lot of fun celebrating with the guys and enjoying it,” Hughes said. “Now, after all this, it’s in the rearview mirror for a little bit. We’ll pull it out back in the summer. But yeah, it’s back to Devils and locking back in here and trying to win some games.”
Just over a week after netting one of the most significant goals in American hockey history, Hughes faces his next challenge: competing against Olympic teammate Matthew Tkachuk and the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. Hughes admitted the quick transition from teammate to opponent feels strange, particularly given the longstanding friendship between the Hughes brothers and the Tkachuk siblings, dating back to their youth hockey days.
That connection has only grown stronger following their achievement of capturing the nation’s third men’s hockey gold medal and first since 1980.
“Now we have that special bond of just accomplishing something so special that we’re linked together forever,” Matthew Tkachuk said. “We’re brothers forever, champions forever.”
Panthers head coach Paul Maurice, who has experience with champions after capturing consecutive Stanley Cups, remains uncertain how this newfound fame will impact Hughes. However, he couldn’t help but notice the 24-year-old’s image displayed on billboards throughout the journey from the team’s Manhattan hotel to the New Jersey arena.
Maurice drew comparisons between Hughes’ moment and Sidney Crosby’s golden goal for Canada against the United States in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Unlike Crosby, who had already claimed a Stanley Cup, Hughes must wait at least another season to pursue hockey’s most prestigious prize given the Devils’ current standings.
“If he becomes part of Stanley Cup champions, it will be as it was with Mr. Crosby: It’ll be a wonderful thing to add,” Maurice said. “Wonderful for our game. We should all celebrate that. How it impacts him, I think he’s got lots of years to write a longer story.”
Those close to Hughes remain confident the spotlight won’t negatively affect his performance.
“Obviously he’s really been around the map lately,” younger brother and Devils teammate Luke said. “I don’t think one goal changes you. … I think he was just really happy to be a part of it.”
Lewes city officials are inviting residents to weigh in on proposed changes to local housing regulations that would affect accessory dwelling units within city limits.
The municipality is accepting public input on a draft ordinance that would modify existing zoning rules found in Chapter 197 of the city’s Municipal Code. Specifically, the proposed changes target Section 197-46.1, which governs accessory dwelling units, commonly known as ADUs.
Community members interested in sharing their thoughts on the zoning modification have until noon on March 6, 2026, to submit their comments to city officials. The proposed ordinance carries the designation Ord 2-26 and was previously identified as Ord 3-24.
Accessory dwelling units typically refer to secondary housing structures on residential properties, such as garage apartments, basement units, or small detached homes that provide additional living space.
The City of Lewes is inviting residents to weigh in on proposed changes to how parking lots must be designed within city limits.
Officials are seeking public input on Ordinance 01-26, which would modify existing zoning regulations specifically related to vehicular parking area design standards. The proposed amendments target Section 197-61(C) of Chapter 197 in the city’s zoning code, which governs off-street parking requirements.
Community members interested in sharing their thoughts on these parking design revisions have until noon on March 6, 2026 to submit their comments to the city.
Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings has teamed up with her counterparts from New York and New Jersey in a federal court battle aimed at protecting existing restrictions on mailing firearms across state lines.
The three state attorneys general stepped into the lawsuit today after the Trump Administration decided not to defend the federal regulations, which could potentially open the door for unrestricted gun shipments through the U.S. Postal Service.
At the center of the legal dispute is a federal statute enacted by Congress in 1927 that places limitations on shipping firearms through the mail. The Delaware AG’s office says defending this law is crucial to preventing an influx of prohibited weapons from crossing state boundaries via postal delivery.
The intervention represents a coordinated effort by the tri-state attorneys general to maintain current federal firearms shipping restrictions that they argue protect public safety in their respective states.
Queen Anne’s County officials have given residents additional time to share their thoughts on local parks and recreational facilities.
The county has pushed back the deadline for its parks and recreation survey to March 15, giving community members more opportunity to participate in planning discussions.
County officials are encouraging all residents, regular park visitors, and community members to take part in the online questionnaire to help guide future decisions about parks, recreational programs, and open space development.
The survey can be accessed through the county’s website at surveymonkey.com/r/QAsLPPRPSocialMedia.
DUNEDIN, Fla. — Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer recently shared a heartwarming story about his 8-year-old daughter’s secret mission to help bring him back to the team.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner revealed that his daughter Brooke penned a touching letter to the Blue Jays organization while the family was preparing Christmas wishes for Santa Claus last December.
Following Scherzer’s agreement to a one-year, $3 million deal with Toronto last week, his wife Erica May-Scherzer shared the handwritten message on Instagram.
“It’s the cutest thing you can possibly imagine when you read that, how much it meant to her to be in Toronto,” the veteran pitcher told media members Tuesday following the completion of his contract.
According to Scherzer, his children were busy crafting their holiday wish lists when Brooke approached her parents requesting a postage stamp. She then sealed her letter in an envelope and gave it to them without revealing its contents.
Once their daughter had gone to sleep, the curious parents decided to peek at what she had written.
“Dear Blue Jays,” the letter started, “I am so sorry that you didn’t win the World Series. I hope that you win next time. I hope my dad is back on the team. My whole family loves spending time in Toronto with our dad. We loved the aquarium, the (CN) Tower and of course the stadium. I am looking forward to come back next season. Love, Max Scherzer daughter.”
The 41-year-old hurler clarified that he and his wife chose not to actually mail the letter to team management.
“That’s a bad negotiating tactic,” Scherzer joked with reporters.
Scherzer’s desire to rejoin the Blue Jays stemmed largely from their near-miss at capturing the championship last season. Toronto held a lead entering the final inning of Game 7 but ultimately lost 5-4 to the Los Angeles Dodgers in extra innings.
“Obviously we came as close as you possibly can to winning the whole thing – something you can never get over, forget or anything of that nature,” explained Scherzer, who previously won championships with Washington in 2019 and Texas in 2023. “That was a huge reason why I wanted to come back. This team can win. I wanted to be a part of it.”
The seasoned pitcher reported that his physical condition is on track for the upcoming season after battling thumb problems throughout much of the previous year.
“I feel healthy,” Scherzer stated.
During the 2024 regular season, Scherzer posted a 5-5 record with a 5.19 earned run average across 17 starts. He also earned a victory in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series against Seattle and took the mound twice during the World Series.
While Scherzer hoped to return to Toronto, he understood the unpredictable nature of free agency. His new agreement with the Blue Jays features up to $10 million in potential performance incentives based on innings pitched.
“Free agency is a weird animal,” Scherzer observed. “I’ve been through it many times. You think it’s going to go one way and it goes another way. I kind of knew not to get my hopes up, but like I said, I was going to be picky about where I went. I wasn’t just going to sign with anybody. There was only a couple of teams I’d sign with at this point in time, and obviously Toronto was one of them.”
Motorists in Sussex County are encountering foggy conditions of different intensities across the region, according to Delaware Department of Transportation reports.
The weather phenomenon is affecting visibility throughout the county, creating potentially dangerous driving conditions for residents and travelers.
Drivers are advised to exercise caution, reduce speeds, and use low-beam headlights when navigating through areas experiencing reduced visibility due to the fog.
Delaware State Police have taken a 42-year-old Dover resident into custody on multiple felony drug charges following the discovery of methamphetamine at his campsite.
Christopher Naylor was apprehended on March 2, 2026, around 2:20 p.m. when members of the Kent County Governor’s Task Force went to the 800 block of Artis Drive in Dover. Officers were initially seeking Naylor due to an outstanding capias warrant for his failure to appear in New Castle County Court of Common Pleas.
When law enforcement arrived at the location, they observed Naylor coming out of a tent situated in the backyard of the property. Authorities took him into custody peacefully. During the arrest process, officers noticed illegal drugs and related equipment visible inside the tent.
A subsequent search of the tent revealed several incriminating items:
• About 10.13 grams of methamphetamine • A digital scale • Various drug paraphernalia
Following his arrest, Naylor was transported to Troop 3 headquarters where he faced formal charges. He appeared before Justice of the Peace Court 11 for arraignment and was subsequently sent to Sussex Correctional Institution. His bond was set at $15,001 secured.
The charges filed against Naylor include:
• Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony) • Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony) • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
NEW YORK — Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar could be sidelined for an entire season after allegedly failing a second drug test for banned performance-enhancing substances, according to a source with knowledge of the situation who spoke with The Associated Press on Tuesday.
The source requested anonymity due to the ongoing nature of the proceedings, which ESPN initially reported.
According to a second anonymous source, Profar plans to have the players’ union file an appeal through baseball’s independent arbitrator, Martin F. Scheinman, to challenge any potential punishment.
Since this would mark Profar’s second violation, any appeal process would occur following the official announcement of a suspension.
The 2024 All-Star previously served an 80-game suspension starting March 31 after testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that boosts testosterone production. At the time, he released a statement saying: “I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.”
Profar’s representative, Dan Lozano, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Following his return to action on July 2 with a home run, Profar posted a .245 batting average with 14 home runs, 43 RBIs and a .787 OPS across 80 games. His 2024 campaign saw him achieve personal bests with a .280 average, 24 homers, 85 RBIs and an .839 OPS.
During spring training, Profar revealed he underwent sports hernia surgery in November, which required six weeks of recovery. This spring, he has participated in four games, recording three hits in 10 at-bats with three RBIs.
The Curaçao native was scheduled to represent the Netherlands in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
A 162-game suspension would make him ineligible for playoff competition and cost him his entire $15 million salary for this season, part of his $42 million contract running through 2027. His previous suspension already cost him half of his $12 million 2025 salary.
If suspended, Profar would join six other players who have received 162-game bans for second PED violations: New York Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia (July 2015), Cleveland outfielder Marlon Byrd (June 2016), free agent catcher Cody Stanley (July 2016), Houston pitcher Francis Martes (February 2020), Mets second baseman Robinson Canó (November 2020) and Milwaukee pitcher J.C. Mejia (September 2023).
Jenrry Mejia remains the only player to receive a permanent ban after his third positive test in February 2016, marking the sole lifetime suspension since drug testing with penalties began in 2004.
This year has already seen four players suspended for positive tests, including free agent outfielder Max Kepler, who received an 80-game suspension for testing positive for Epitrenbolone.
After acquiring left fielder Mike Yastrzemski on a $23 million, two-year contract, the Braves had planned to use Profar primarily as their designated hitter.
Once catcher Sean Murphy recovers from his hip injury, possibly by May, 2025 NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin could rotate between catching and DH duties.
With Yastrzemski, Michael Harris and Ronald Acuña Jr. covering the outfield, Eli White represents another DH possibility. The team is also dealing with the absence of expected starting shortstop Ha-seong Kim due to a finger injury, leaving Mauricio Dubon to start the season at shortstop despite being planned for a utility role.
Profar’s potential absence could open doors for Dominic Smith, who signed a minor league contract on February 17.
A standout athlete from Salisbury University’s women’s lacrosse team has earned prestigious national recognition this week.
Julianna Ott, who plays for the third-ranked Sea Gulls, received the National Offensive Player of the Week award from the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association. The organization made the announcement Tuesday afternoon in Northborough, Massachusetts.
The recognition follows what officials described as an exceptional weekend performance by Ott for the highly-ranked Salisbury University lacrosse program. The Sea Gulls currently hold the third position in national rankings.
This national honor highlights the continued excellence of Salisbury University’s women’s lacrosse program, which has established itself as one of the premier teams in collegiate lacrosse.
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — The old saying that location determines fate couldn’t be more accurate when describing Cyprus and its turbulent history.
For thousands of years, this small Mediterranean island has attracted conquerors from ancient Greece and Persia to the Roman Empire, Ottoman Turks, and British colonizers. The reason remains the same: Cyprus sits dangerously close to what many consider the world’s most volatile region — an area shaped by centuries of religious conflict as the cradle of three major faiths, and more recently by massive oil and gas reserves.
Today, almost 66 years after gaining independence, Cyprus finds itself once again caught in Middle Eastern turmoil, largely due to two major British military installations that remain from its colonial era.
Just after midnight Monday, a Shahed drone slipped past sophisticated radar systems at the Royal Air Force facility in Akrotiri. British forces scrambled Typhoon jets and six advanced F-35 fighter aircraft to intercept the unmanned vehicle, which authorities say caused minimal damage to a hangar structure near the airfield’s main runway.
While no casualties occurred, the assault marked a dangerous escalation of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran onto European soil. The incident also represents the first time any foreign power has attacked Cyprus since Turkey’s 1974 military operation that divided the island between Greek and Turkish communities.
Fighter jets successfully stopped two additional drones in a follow-up attack Monday afternoon, confirming that the morning strike wasn’t an isolated incident.
Neither Cypriot nor British authorities have revealed the drone’s launch location, though many suspect Iran’s Lebanese ally Hezbollah orchestrated the attack. British officials maintain the drone assault wasn’t connected to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Sunday evening decision to permit American use of UK facilities for operations against Iran, noting the unmanned aircraft was already airborne before that announcement.
However, that timing may be irrelevant. If Iran or Hezbollah sought to retaliate against Britain, they wouldn’t target the remote Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean when RAF Akrotiri sits just 160 miles away.
The Akrotiri facility, featuring an enormous runway, anchors Britain’s Cyprus military complex alongside the western Episkopi Garrison and eastern Dhekelia Garrison, covering approximately 99 square miles total.
During the 2003 Iraq War, RAF Akrotiri functioned as a crucial supply center for American forces. The base continues hosting the legendary U2 reconnaissance aircraft that conducts high-altitude intelligence missions throughout the Middle East.
During its early independence years, Cyprus maintained careful neutrality in regional disputes, attempting to balance relationships between East and West, Arab nations and Israel — efforts that frequently fell short. European Union membership firmly aligned the country with Western interests. The decisive shift occurred with President Nikos Christodoulides’ election — an American-educated academic who clearly declared Cyprus’ Western and pro-American stance.
Christodoulides has used Cyprus’ geographic position to establish the island as a diplomatic connector between the EU and Middle East, promoting humanitarian-focused foreign relations while building robust ties with Israel, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, and other regional powers.
Following the Akrotiri drone attack, Christodoulides and other government leaders emphasized that Cyprus “has not, is not and will not take part in any military action.”
Responding to Christodoulides’ request for enhanced air defense support, Greece deployed four F-16 fighters and two modern frigates, while France committed one frigate plus ground-based anti-drone and missile defense systems, officials confirmed. Germany plans to contribute a naval vessel, and Starmer announced Britain would send additional warships and helicopters to protect RAF Akrotiri.
Nevertheless, the British military presence consistently influences Cypriot government decisions. While UK authorities supposedly inform Cyprus before using the bases for military operations, this notification serves more as diplomatic courtesy than binding requirement.
Anna Koukkides-Procopiou, a Yale Fellow and president of the Politeia think tank, compared Cyprus’ predicament to a billiard ball sitting quietly in a corner until other balls suddenly knock it into a pocket.
“We’ve chosen sides and we have to face the music now,” Koukkides-Procopiou told The Associated Press, adding that Cyprus must now determine how to reduce its vulnerability to geographic circumstances beyond its control.
MINNEAPOLIS (TV Delmarva) — Tensions erupted in a federal courtroom Tuesday as a judge confronted Minnesota’s top federal prosecutor during an unusual contempt hearing, describing their interaction as marked by “testy and frosty” moments.
The heated confrontation between U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Bryan and U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen represents part of a broader national trend of mounting friction between federal judges and Justice Department personnel over immigration enforcement issues.
During the proceedings, Rosen directly challenged the judge, declaring “Your honor has made a remark smearing myself.”
Judge Bryan convened the hearing to determine whether Rosen, along with a senior deputy and a local Immigration and Customs Enforcement official, should face contempt charges for allegedly disregarding court directives to return personal belongings to dozens of previously detained immigrants who were subsequently released. These items include money, identification papers, and personal clothing.
“The court cannot ignore the respondents’ unlawful conduct,” Bryan stated when announcing the hearing, pointing to “numerous unlawful violations of court orders.”
The judge characterized the hearing as “an extraordinary measure” and warned it would mark “a historic low point” for the federal prosecutor’s office should contempt citations be issued.
When tensions peaked during the session, Bryan acknowledged that he and the prosecutor had “been a little testy and frosty with each other” before calling a recess. The hearing was scheduled to continue later that afternoon.
This confrontation exemplifies a growing nationwide pattern of judicial criticism regarding immigration enforcement practices. Recent weeks have seen multiple judges across the country issuing sharp rebukes and harsh rulings related to the administration’s mass deportation efforts, with the Justice Department apparently struggling to manage the overwhelming caseload.
Similar incidents have occurred in other jurisdictions. A Minnesota district judge recently took the unusual step of holding a government attorney in contempt for failing to return identification documents to an immigrant. Meanwhile, a West Virginia judge criticized federal and state officials for indefinitely detaining non-citizens, arguing such practices violate constitutional due process rights.
“Continued detention without individualized custody determinations, after this court’s repeated holdings that such detention violates the Fifth Amendment, will result in legal consequences,” U.S. District Judge Joseph Goodwin warned in his ruling.
Minnesota’s chief federal judge has become particularly vocal in his criticism. Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz, a George W. Bush appointee viewed as conservative, recently issued stern warnings to Rosen and ICE officials, threatening criminal contempt charges if they continue ignoring court orders.
“The Court is not aware of another occasion in the history of the United States in which a federal court has had to threaten contempt — again and again and again — to force the United States government to comply with court orders,” Schiltz wrote.
Administration officials have pushed back against judicial criticism, claiming judges are failing to properly apply the law and rushing through cases inappropriately.
JERUSALEM (AP) — An escalating Middle East conflict has spread throughout the region, leaving nearly every nation dealing with missile damage or falling debris, numerous casualties, and the shutdown of crucial diplomatic posts, economic centers, and transportation routes.
International governments are rushing to evacuate their citizens on any available commercial aircraft as Gulf region airspace largely shuts down, cruise vessels cannot navigate the Strait of Hormuz, and major airlines halt service. The U.S. State Department reports evacuating non-essential staff and family members from six nations, adding the United Arab Emirates to that list Tuesday. Officials have also advised citizens in 14 countries to depart immediately. Nations ranging from Russia to Germany and France have organized emergency evacuation flights.
The following details show how each country has been affected by the ongoing conflict.
Flight information comes from Flightradar 24 real-time tracking services as of Tuesday, along with national aviation authorities.
IRAN
Casualties and destruction: Iran reports the region’s highest death count from the conflict. The Iranian Red Crescent Society states that U.S.-Israeli operations have resulted in at least 787 fatalities. This figure includes over 160 people the state-run IRNA news agency reports died when a strike hit an elementary school in Minab. Israel denies involvement in that incident. When reporters questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio about it, he stated he lacked specific information but emphasized the U.S. would not intentionally strike a school.
U.S.-Israeli attacks have focused on nuclear facilities, missile sites, Tehran government buildings, and leadership locations, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior military commanders. Monday satellite photographs of Iran’s Natanz nuclear site reveal multiple damaged structures compared to the previous day’s images, along with widespread destruction throughout the complex.
Aviation status: All airspace shut down.
ISRAEL
Casualties and destruction: Multiple sites have suffered Iranian missile impacts, resulting in 11 deaths. The full scope of damage to Israeli military installations and other critical facilities remains classified, as the military withholds such information.
Aviation status: Commercial aviation suspended.
LEBANON
Casualties and destruction: The Iranian-backed militant organization Hezbollah launched missiles at Israel Monday, triggering Israeli counterstrikes. Lebanese officials report at least 52 deaths and 154 injuries.
Israel conducted additional airstrikes on Beirut early Tuesday, claiming to target “Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage facilities,” while deploying ground forces to southern Lebanese border regions. Hezbollah reported launching drones against an Israeli air base, though the Israeli military confirmed downing two drones.
Israel and Hezbollah engaged in warfare for over a year before a November 2024 ceasefire that significantly weakened the militant organization.
The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon announced Tuesday it would close to the public indefinitely.
Aviation status: Lebanese airspace remains partially operational with some flights continuing, though numerous airlines have suspended service.
SAUDI ARABIA
Casualties and destruction: Iran attacked the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital early Tuesday. Two drones striking the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh created a “limited fire” and minor damage, Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry reported, with the embassy warning Americans to stay away from the facility.
Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery also faced drone attacks, but defensive systems successfully intercepted the aircraft, a military spokesperson told the state-run Saudi Press Agency. The facility processes over half a million barrels of crude oil daily.
Aviation status: Partial closure in areas near Iraq and the Persian Gulf.
KUWAIT
Casualties and destruction: The U.S. Embassy compound in Kuwait was hit Monday. Tuesday, officials announced the embassy would close to the public indefinitely.
A strike in Kuwait killed six U.S. soldiers from a logistics unit, according to a U.S. official speaking anonymously without authorization to comment publicly.
The Kuwaiti Health Ministry reported Sunday that an Iranian strike killed one person and injured 32 others, all migrant workers from unspecified nations.
Aviation status: Complete closure.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Casualties and destruction: Three deaths occurred in the UAE — foreign workers from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Dubai, internationally recognized as the Middle East’s safest location and a global investment center, has experienced damage to its international airport and, according to CENTCOM, coastal hotels. Iran also struck two Amazon data centers in the UAE, the company confirmed Tuesday.
Aviation status: Commercial flights suspended, though evacuation flights started Monday.
EGYPT
Casualties and destruction: The conflict’s economic impact has affected Egypt’s already struggling economy, as international shipping companies redirect vessel routes away from the Suez Canal. The canal, linking the Mediterranean and Red Seas, provides crucial foreign currency for the financially strained nation.
Aviation status: Commercial departures continue despite some cancellations, with most countries recommending travelers use Taba and Sharm al-Sheikh rather than Cairo.
JORDAN
Casualties and destruction: Jordanian authorities announced Sunday that five people sustained injuries from falling debris after Iranian projectiles were intercepted over the kingdom.
Aviation status: The Jordanian Civil Aviation Authority declared airspace closure from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily indefinitely.
QATAR
Casualties and destruction: Iran has targeted energy infrastructure in Qatar.
Aviation status: Complete closure.
IRAQ
Casualties and destruction: U.S. or Israeli strikes on Iranian proxy locations have killed militia fighters. Numerous drone and missile assaults have targeted U.S. bases and the consulate in Irbil, while demonstrators tried to breach the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
Iraq’s Ministry of Oil announced Tuesday it would halt production at a major oil field due to Strait of Hormuz disruptions, causing global crude oil prices to spike. The ministry cited insufficient tankers entering the Gulf, forcing them to “stop production and pumping” from the southern Rumaila fields near Basra.
Aviation status: Complete closure.
BAHRAIN
Casualties and destruction: Bahrain’s Interior Ministry reported a strike killed one Asian worker and critically injured two others early Monday morning. A drone also impacted near an Amazon data center, the company stated Tuesday.
Aviation status: Complete closure.
SYRIA
Casualties and destruction: Multiple individuals, including children, suffered minor injuries in Damascus countryside from Iranian missile debris, Syria’s state news agency SANA reported. Some southern Syrian provinces also experienced missile debris from Iranian projectiles fired toward Israel, with no additional casualties or property damage reported, SANA stated.
Aviation status: Complete closure.
OMAN
Casualties and destruction: Oman has faced multiple drone attacks since the Iran conflict began. The strikes targeted the nation’s largest port of Salalah and Duqm port. At least one vessel was also struck off the country’s coastline.
Aviation status: Operational, though many commercial flights are canceled.
WASHINGTON — In an unexpected policy reversal, the Trump administration announced Tuesday it will continue pursuing legal action against several prominent law firms, just 24 hours after dropping the court case entirely.
The sudden change of direction marks the newest chapter in a year-long campaign by the Republican administration to penalize top-tier law firms whose lawyers previously handled cases Trump disagreed with or were connected to investigations targeting him.
Federal courts have consistently sided against the government when the targeted law firms challenged the executive orders. This led the Justice Department to file an appeal. However, on Monday, Justice Department lawyers submitted paperwork to the federal appeals court in Washington withdrawing their appeal, effectively ending enforcement efforts against Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, Susman Godfrey and WilmerHale.
But Tuesday brought another twist when the Justice Department filed new court documents without explanation, retracting Monday’s withdrawal and stating they would continue the appeal. The department argued that since the appeals court hadn’t yet approved their dismissal motion, the law firms suffered no damage from the position change. Officials noted they informed attorneys representing all four firms about the reversal, and those lawyers expressed opposition.
White House officials directed inquiries about the policy shift to the Justice Department, where representatives refused to provide comment.
Perkins Coie released a statement noting the Justice Department had “offered no explanation to either the parties or the court for its reversal.”
“We remain committed to defending our firm, our people, and our clients,” the firm stated.
Susman Godfrey declared in their response that the firm “will defend itself and the rule of law — without equivocation.”
The series of executive orders, which form part of a wider Trump administration retaliation effort, direct that lawyers at these firms lose their security clearances, have government contracts canceled, and face prohibition from entering federal buildings. The affected firms have characterized these orders as an unconstitutional attack on the justice system.
Several other major law firms have avoided similar orders by negotiating settlements in advance, requiring them to collectively provide hundreds of millions of dollars in pro bono legal services supporting causes favored by the Trump administration.
NEW YORK — New York’s top legal official is directing a major Manhattan medical center to restart transgender healthcare services for young patients after the facility discontinued the program following federal funding concerns.
Attorney General Letitia James sent correspondence to NYU Langone stating the medical center’s choice to close its Transgender Youth Health Program breaks state anti-discrimination regulations by “jeopardizing access to medically necessary healthcare for some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers.”
James’s office warned of “further action” should the medical facility fail to immediately restart hormone treatments, puberty blockers and additional care for transgender minors.
NYU Langone representatives chose not to respond to the correspondence.
The major hospital network revealed last month it would discontinue specific gender-affirming treatments for patients younger than 19 due to the “current regulatory environment” and the recent exit of a medical director.
“We are committed to helping patients in our care manage this change,” the hospital stated previously.
This decision followed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announcing plans to eliminate federal Medicaid and Medicare payments to hospitals offering gender-affirming care to children, as part of broader regulatory measures affecting transgender individuals.
However, these proposals did not formally alter federal statutes and did not affect a “medical institutions’ existing duties and obligations under New York law,” stated the February 25 correspondence signed by health care bureau chief Darsana Srinivasan.
“The sudden discontinuation of medically necessary transgender healthcare can have severe, negative health outcomes,” Srinivasan wrote. “Accordingly, the Attorney General is extremely concerned by your institution’s decision to cease the provision of care to this vulnerable, minority population.”
The correspondence establishes March 11 as the deadline for NYU Langone to show compliance.
Attorney general representatives refused to specify what measures would follow if the hospital maintains its current policy.
Multiple hospitals nationwide have already suspended transgender youth treatments after President Donald Trump issued an executive order threatening to eliminate research and education funding from hospitals permitting the “chemical and surgical mutilation of children.”
This action and its accompanying language faced widespread criticism from transgender advocacy organizations and leading medical associations.
“This sets a very dangerous precedent for all areas of health care, if the government can cherry-pick one area of medicine to use to withhold necessary funding from entire groups of people,” said Dr. Scott Leibowitz, a psychiatrist and board member for the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.
Drone strikes attributed to Iran have damaged three Amazon Web Services data centers in the Middle East this week, exposing the cloud computing industry’s susceptibility to physical attacks and regional conflicts.
Amazon’s cloud computing arm reported Monday night that Iranian drones “directly struck” two of its facilities in the United Arab Emirates, while a third center in Bahrain sustained damage when a drone crashed in the vicinity.
“These strikes have caused structural damage, disrupted power delivery to our infrastructure, and in some cases required fire suppression activities that resulted in additional water damage,” AWS stated in an update posted to its online status dashboard.
By Tuesday evening, the company reported that restoration work at the UAE facilities was showing positive results.
The physical nature of these attacks produced only regional, contained disruptions — a contrast to past AWS software malfunctions that triggered global service interruptions affecting millions of users worldwide.
AWS provides the underlying cloud infrastructure that powers countless online services for government agencies, educational institutions, and corporations around the globe.
The Seattle-based company urged clients operating servers in the Middle East to transfer their operations to different geographic regions and redirect web traffic away from UAE and Bahrain locations.
“Amazon has generally configured its services so that the loss of a single data center would be relatively unimportant to its operations,” explained Mike Chapple, an information technology professor at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business.
Additional data centers within the same geographic zone can assume the workload, and this type of automatic switching occurs routinely to distribute computing demands, Chapple noted.
“That said, the loss of multiple data centers within an availability zone could cause serious issues, as things could reach a point where there simply isn’t enough remaining capacity to handle all the work,” he added.
Amazon keeps the precise count of its worldwide data centers confidential, revealing only that these facilities operate across 39 different geographic regions. The company maintains three such regions throughout the Middle East, spanning the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Israel.
Each AWS region contains a minimum of three separate data center zones, with facilities isolated and positioned “by a meaningful distance” while staying within 100 kilometers of each other. These zones connect through “ultra-low-latency networks” designed to minimize delays in data transmission.
According to AWS, its data centers feature backup systems for water, electricity, telecommunications, and internet connectivity “so we can maintain continuous operations in an emergency.”
While these facilities include physical security measures such as guards, perimeter fencing, video monitoring, and alarm systems, these protections target unauthorized access rather than defending against missile or drone attacks.
Chapple emphasized that the strikes serve as a wake-up call that cloud computing isn’t “magical” and “still requires physical facilities on the ground, which are vulnerable to all sorts of disaster scenarios.”
Data centers operated by AWS and competing companies are enormous structures that cannot easily be concealed, he pointed out.
“Organizations using services from any cloud provider in the Middle East should immediately take steps to shift their computing to other regions,” Chapple recommended.
New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean is bouncing back from dizzy spells that had threatened to sideline him from the World Baseball Classic.
The 24-year-old right-hander, who’s slated to take the mound for Team USA in their fourth pool play game in Houston, reported significant improvement since becoming ill last Friday.
“I haven’t missed any days of throwing. I kind of grinded through it a little bit last week, still feeling the vertigo symptoms, but this week I’m feeling pretty good,” McLean told reporters Tuesday from the Mets’ spring training complex in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
New York has maintained McLean’s normal pitching routine, with another practice session planned for Wednesday’s back fields before finalizing his travel plans to Houston. While Team USA is conducting their preparation camp in Scottsdale, Arizona, McLean may fly directly from Florida to Texas.
“He reported some dizziness, so we just decided to play it smart and keep him here under our watch before he goes out there,” explained Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza. “Talking to the doctors and things like that, as of right now, he’s going to be cleared.”
Team USA’s manager Mark DeRosa has maintained regular communication with both McLean and Mendoza regarding the pitcher’s condition. After calling McLean day-to-day for the WBC on Monday, DeRosa confirmed Tuesday that the hurler remains on track for his assignment.
The United States faces Italy in their fourth WBC contest, scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 – still a full week away. DeRosa has already established his starting rotation, tapping Logan Webb for Game 1 against Brazil this Friday. American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal will start Saturday’s matchup with Britain, while Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes gets the ball Monday evening against Mexico.
DETROIT – General Motors announced Tuesday it’s completely revamping its approach to used vehicle sales at dealerships across the country as it works to stay competitive with rapidly growing online car retailers such as Carvana.
The automotive giant revealed plans to eliminate its existing certified pre-owned program that has long supported dealer used car sales with company-backed warranties. In its place, GM is requiring dealerships to join its CarBravo online platform, which the company introduced in 2023 as a nationwide digital marketplace.
Beginning this June, dealers selling Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC vehicles must participate in the CarBravo program to offer used GM cars with factory warranties, the automaker announced. However, Cadillac dealerships will maintain access to GM’s traditional certified pre-owned system.
According to GM officials, this strategic shift will significantly boost the volume of pre-owned vehicles moving through dealer networks by incorporating non-GM brands and much older inventory. The new framework could provide warranty coverage for vehicles as old as 15 years, a dramatic expansion from current certified programs that typically only cover GM models up to five years old.
The transformation comes as the automotive industry faces mounting affordability challenges, with vehicle prices climbing more rapidly than general inflation throughout the current decade. This pricing pressure has driven explosive growth in the used car market, where approximately 40 million pre-owned vehicles change hands annually compared to roughly 16 million new car sales in recent years.
Used vehicle operations play a crucial role for manufacturers like GM by attracting customers to showrooms and facilitating trade-ins that lead to new car purchases.
“We know these customers that buy certified used vehicles, the propensity for them to come back and buy a new vehicle just increases,” explained John Fitzpatrick, who leads the CarBravo program.
Industry analyst Jeremy Robb from Cox Automotive points to companies like Carvana as catalysts for increased competition throughout the sector. Carvana’s direct-to-consumer model eliminates traditional dealership visits by selling vehicles online and delivering them to buyers’ homes.
Since launching a decade ago in 2013, Carvana moved 596,641 vehicles last year. By comparison, GM’s CarBravo platform has facilitated sales of approximately 216,000 cars since beginning operations in 2023.
Despite having fewer than 25% of GM’s 3,500 U.S. dealerships participating in CarBravo, the company reports the online platform is generating sales at a quicker pace than its broader certified pre-owned programs.
Andy Guelcher, who operates Mohawk Chevrolet in upstate New York, credits the digital selling platform with boosting his used car business by 52% over two years. “I’m talking to people that I’ve never spoken to before,” Guelcher noted.
Federal health officials issued warning letters Tuesday to 30 telehealth companies accused of making deceptive claims about compounded weight-loss medications.
The Food and Drug Administration says these companies marketed compounded GLP-1 medications on their websites in ways that could confuse consumers into believing the products were identical to FDA-approved weight-loss treatments like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Ozempic, as well as Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro.
According to the agency, several companies falsely claimed their compounded medications were equivalent to approved GLP-1 treatments. Some firms also concealed the actual source of their products by using their own brand names, creating the false impression they were the original manufacturers.
“We are paying close attention to misleading claims being made by telehealth and pharma companies across all media platforms — and taking swift action,” stated FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, who described this as part of “a new era of enforcement.”
These warning letters represent the second wave of enforcement actions against telehealth companies since federal regulators began cracking down on deceptive direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical marketing in September, the FDA reported.
WASHINGTON – A top Pentagon official raised serious concerns Tuesday about artificial intelligence agreements that could bring military operations to a standstill, warning that contract limitations threaten the military’s ability to conduct and plan combat missions.
Emil Michael, the under secretary of defense for research and engineering, expressed alarm after examining terms governing AI systems already integrated into highly classified military commands. Michael did not identify which AI company’s contracts prompted his concerns.
Speaking at Washington’s American Dynamism Summit, where technology firms focused on defense and space gathered, Michael’s remarks followed recent tensions over Pentagon use of Anthropic’s AI technology. The dispute led President Donald Trump to prohibit the company from federal contracts, designating it a national security threat.
“I had a ‘holy, holy cow’ moment,” Michael told summit attendees. “There were things … you couldn’t plan an operation … if it would potentially lead to kinetics” or explosions. He outlined numerous limitations embedded within agreements covering commands overseeing aerial operations across Iran, China and South America.
According to Michael, the agreements were designed so that violating service terms could cause the AI system to “just stop in the middle of an operation.” At the time of his assessment, Anthropic’s Claude represented the sole AI platform accessible to Defense Department classified networks.
Michael’s worries intensified when a high-ranking executive from an unidentified AI firm questioned whether their technology had been utilized in what Michael described as one of the military’s most effective recent operations. Reports indicate Anthropic’s Claude assisted in planning the U.S. raid that captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January.
“What we’re not going to do is let any one company dictate a new set of policies above and beyond what Congress has passed,” Michael stated.
These revelations may clarify the conflict between Anthropic and the Defense Department. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled the company a “supply-chain risk” due to its unwillingness to compromise on restrictions regarding autonomous weapons and mass surveillance capabilities.
Shortly afterward, competitor OpenAI secured its own Pentagon agreement. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s statement indicated the Defense Department had accepted similar restrictions for OpenAI’s technology.
Fresh satellite imagery captured on Monday reveals significant structural damage at Iran’s primary nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz, according to new photographs released by a Colorado-based imaging firm.
The company Vantor, previously operating under the name Maxar Technologies, published the satellite photos showing harm to staff housing structures and entry points leading to the underground uranium enrichment operations when compared to images from Sunday.
On Tuesday, the United Nations’ atomic energy oversight body confirmed that the Natanz enrichment facility experienced “some recent damage” after the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation targeting Iran.
Officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that “no radiological consequence expected” would result from the damage.
The Natanz nuclear complex sits approximately 220 kilometers (135 miles) southeast of Iran’s capital Tehran and serves as the country’s primary uranium enrichment location. Israeli forces had previously struck the facility during a 12-day conflict between the two nations in June 2025, with U.S. forces also conducting operations there.
This week’s assault on Natanz represents the first verified attack on an Iranian nuclear installation during the current military confrontation.
After last summer’s short-lived conflict, President Donald Trump and his team declared that Iran’s nuclear infrastructure had been “obliterated.” However, as tensions escalated again, Trump issued fresh warnings about Iran’s atomic program ambitions. On Monday, he asserted that Iran was attempting to reconstruct its nuclear capabilities.
Iran operates four officially recognized uranium enrichment sites. In a classified assessment obtained by The Associated Press last week, the IAEA reported that due to restricted access, it “cannot provide any information on the current size, composition or whereabouts of the stockpile of enriched uranium in Iran.”
Iranian officials claim no uranium enrichment has occurred since June, though they have prevented international monitors from inspecting the bombed locations. Analysis of satellite photographs by AP reporters has detected renewed activity at two targeted sites, indicating Iran may be evaluating damage and possibly attempting to salvage materials.
The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in coordinated U.S.-Israeli military operations over the weekend has ignited widespread unrest throughout Shiite Muslim communities around the globe, sparking fears of escalating violence across the Middle East and beyond.
The 86-year-old Khamenei, who had led Iran’s theocratic government since 1989, represented far more than a political figurehead to the world’s Shiite population. He served as one of their most influential religious and political voices, making his death in the joint operation a catalyst for rage among Shiite communities worldwide.
“There is reason to be concerned about how Shia minorities across the Middle East, and in particular … the Shia majority in Iraq might respond to this,” warned Burcu Ozcelik, a senior research fellow specializing in Middle East security at the Royal United Services Institute, a British defense and security research organization.
Shiite Muslims represent approximately 10% to 15% of the global Muslim community, with major populations in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain and Azerbaijan, plus substantial groups in Pakistan, Lebanon and Yemen.
Pakistani Shiite activist Mamoona Shirazi from Punjab province expressed the deep emotional connection many felt to Khamenei: “He was not only our leader but a leader for all. He raised his voice against oppression. He never bowed to anyone; he spoke the truth and was like a father to us.”
Violent demonstrations erupted within hours of news breaking about Khamenei’s death. In Pakistan, angry crowds attempted to breach the U.S. Consulate in Karachi and battled police near the diplomatic district in Islamabad housing the American Embassy. Protesters also targeted United Nations facilities in northern Pakistani cities. Security forces clashed with demonstrators, resulting in at least 34 deaths and more than 120 injuries.
“If the United States and Israel are not stopped, the entire world will turn into ruins. Peace-loving people must awaken,” declared Syed Hussain Muqaddasi, leader of the Pakistani Shiite political organization Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Fiqh-e-Jafariya.
Violence spread to Iraq, where protesters confronted police near the American Embassy. In Lebanon, the Iranian-backed Hezbollah organization launched missiles toward Israel for the first time in more than a year, prompting devastating Israeli counterstrikes that killed dozens. Tens of thousands of residents evacuated their homes in predominantly Shiite regions of southern and eastern Lebanon as Israel mobilized 100,000 reservists, deployed ground forces to southern Lebanon, and threatened additional attacks.
“I think there’s a psychological, emotional aspect to the killing of Khamenei and we are very much in the early days of trying to make sense of what that might look like,” Ozcelik observed.
However, Ozcelik suggested the violent response might be limited by increasing resentment, even within Shiite communities, toward Iran’s interference in other nations’ internal affairs.
She noted that younger generations in Iraq particularly have demonstrated opposition to Iran’s “overwhelming penetration” of Iraqi domestic institutions, including security agencies, courts, political systems and economic structures over the past decade.
Iran has spent decades building influence in countries with significant Shiite populations as a cornerstone of its foreign policy approach. Tehran developed partnerships not only with governments but also with militant organizations like Yemen’s Houthis and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, plus armed factions in Iraq and Syria.
These interventions, typically justified as protecting Shiite interests, frequently drew accusations of violating national sovereignty and creating instability. The Trump administration had demanded Iran end its support for proxy organizations in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen before this conflict began—a requirement Iran refused.
Given this growing frustration, Ozcelik predicted the current crisis would unlikely produce the “sharp, violent sectarianism that we saw after 2003,” referring to the brutal sectarian warfare between Iraq’s formerly ruling Sunni minority and Shiite majority following the American invasion and removal of Sunni leader Saddam Hussein. That violence eventually spread throughout the region, particularly into Syria’s civil war.
“The Middle East in many ways has moved on. I think there is a strong urge and desire for de-escalation at this point, particularly in the Gulf,” Ozcelik explained.
Recent years have seen American and Israeli forces eliminate several key figures in Iran’s regional network, including prominent Shiite religious leaders. This campaign began with the 2020 assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, head of the Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force, alongside veteran Iraqi militant Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in an American airstrike in Baghdad.
In September 2024, Israeli forces killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, the effective commander of Iran’s alliance spanning Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon, in a massive airstrike south of Beirut.
However, Khamenei’s death represents the most significant loss yet.
“After the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran says it has no red lines left,” noted Trita Parsi, co-founder and executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, an American foreign policy research organization.
Iran’s retaliation has created chaos throughout the region.
Hundreds of missiles and drones have crossed Middle Eastern skies, reaching as far as Cyprus. Typically stable and prosperous nations like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar rushed to intercept Iranian weapons while closing their airspace, canceling commercial flights and stranding hundreds of thousands of travelers.
Many Shiites view the attacks on Iran and Khamenei’s assassination as targeting their entire religious community.
“There is targeting of Muslims in general, but the targeting is specifically directed at Shiites,” said Nasser Khazal, whose building was destroyed in an Israeli airstrike Tuesday in a Beirut suburb.
Lebanese political commentator Qassim Qassir characterized Iran’s fierce retaliation as a battle for Shiite survival against American and Israeli regional ambitions.
“There is targeting of the Shiite community and its political and religious leaders, and today it is an existential war, whether in Iran, Lebanon, or Iraq,” explained Qassir, who authored a book about Hezbollah. “The United States and Israel want to impose their project on the region.”
Iranian military forces have declared the closure of a vital global oil shipping route and issued warnings they will attack any vessels that attempt to navigate through the area.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that serves as a crucial passage for worldwide energy transportation. Ebrahim Jabbari, who serves as a top advisor to the Guard Corps commander-in-chief, delivered a stark warning: “The Strait [of Hormuz] is closed. If anyone tries to pass, the heroes of the Revolutionary Guards and the regular navy will set those ships ablaze.”
Iranian forces initially declared the route closed on Saturday, but this latest statement marks the first time officials have explicitly threatened to launch attacks on passing ships.
The Revolutionary Guard also claimed responsibility for striking a vessel, stating: “The ATHE NOVA tanker, one of the American allies in the Strait of Hormuz, is still on fire after being hit by two drones.”
This strategic waterway, positioned between Iran and Oman, plays a vital role in global fuel supplies. Energy intelligence company Kpler reports that approximately 13 million barrels of oil pass through this channel daily in 2025, representing roughly 31% of all crude oil transported by sea worldwide.
Market experts warn that a prolonged blockade could drive fuel costs dramatically upward, with some forecasting oil prices climbing beyond $100 per barrel. Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, has already risen 2.6% to approximately $80 per barrel and has increased nearly 10% since current tensions escalated.
Iranian officials characterized the waterway closure as a response to combined American-Israeli military actions that occurred after nuclear negotiations collapsed.
The United Kingdom is moving forward with plans to send a Royal Navy destroyer to the eastern Mediterranean Sea following a drone attack by Iran on a British air base in Cyprus. Despite the military response, London continues to emphasize it remains neutral in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.
According to The Times, the HMS Duncan will “likely” be dispatched to safeguard the British sovereign territory after Defense Secretary John Healey held talks with high-ranking military leaders. The publication reported that three sources confirmed Healey’s meetings with top commanders to discuss sending the warship as regional hostilities intensify.
British authorities confirmed that an Iranian-manufactured drone impacted the airstrip at RAF Akrotiri late Sunday evening, resulting in minor damage to the runway and no casualties. The attack represents an uncommon escalation that brought the conflict onto European Union soil. Approximately 12 hours following the initial strike, warning sirens activated once more as two Typhoon fighters and two F-35 jets launched from the facility.
Cyprus officials announced Monday that defense forces successfully intercepted two additional drones approaching the island.
Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer emphasized that Britain’s stance remains unchanged even while permitting American forces to operate from British installations. “The UK is not at war,” Falconer stated to the BBC. He further noted that Iran possesses ballistic missiles “pointed at the Gulf and it is vital that those missile launchers are taken out in the face of these completely reckless attacks.”
RAF Akrotiri functions as Britain’s main aviation hub for Middle Eastern operations and has facilitated missions targeting the Islamic State organization in Syria and Iraq, plus strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen. The United Kingdom maintained authority over this base, alongside another Cyprus installation, following the island’s independence in 1960.
The facility faced a previous assault in 1986 when Libyan militants launched an attack using mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms, wounding three individuals.
Cypriot news outlets previously reported that France intends to deploy anti-missile and anti-drone defense systems to Cyprus in response to the Iranian attacks.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has made unsubstantiated claims about massive American military casualties that US officials are calling completely false.
According to reporting from The Media Line, IRGC spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naini told the Tasnim News Agency late Monday night that 650 US service members had been killed or wounded during the initial 48 hours of current military operations. Naini specifically alleged that “160 American casualties were recorded in the targeting of a US military headquarters in Bahrain alone.”
However, US military officials have only acknowledged six confirmed service member deaths, with three of those fatalities occurring during an attack on an American military installation in Kuwait. The Iranian spokesperson also asserted that IRGC forces launched four cruise missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and repeatedly struck the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain with missiles and drones. Additionally, he claimed Iranian naval missiles “severely struck” the combat support vessel MST.
US Central Command has firmly rejected these assertions, previously stating that IRGC missiles failed to reach American naval vessels and denying reports of significant damage to US military facilities and equipment throughout the region.
This pattern of disputed claims has emerged before. Iranian media outlets initially reported that US fighter jets which crashed in Kuwait on Monday were shot down by Iranian forces, but these reports were later removed when it became clear the incidents involved friendly fire.
On the same day, Tasnim News Agency reported that a Kheibar missile had struck Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, leaving “his fate uncertain.” However, Netanyahu was already making public appearances in Beit Shemesh, which had been targeted by IRGC missiles, with international news networks broadcasting his visit live.
Similar false reporting occurred during last year’s 12-day conflict, when Iranian state media claimed to have shot down Israeli aircraft and captured a female Israeli pilot. These claims were later retracted, becoming a source of widespread ridicule among Iranian social media users.
Criminal proceedings commenced Tuesday in Argentina against four retired naval commanders charged in connection with the deadly ARA San Juan submarine incident from 2017 that resulted in 44 fatalities.
The proceedings are taking place in a Santa Cruz province courtroom, where the former military leaders are confronting accusations of neglecting duties, violating official responsibilities, and causing destruction through negligence — charges that could result in imprisonment. Each defendant has entered not guilty pleas.
Despite the military personnel facing prosecution, no senior government officials from the time period — including the nation’s leader or cabinet ministers — have been brought to court over the November 2017 tragedy.
The German-manufactured vessel vanished beneath South Atlantic waters on November 15th, carrying its full complement of 44 sailors. The submarine was returning to its Mar del Plata home port — located 248 miles from Buenos Aires — after completing training operations near Ushuaia in Argentina’s southernmost region. The crew had earlier radioed about water infiltration affecting the battery system via the snorkel, but subsequently reported the problem fixed. An explosive event was later registered in the vicinity where communications ceased.
Legal investigators determined the vessel experienced multiple operational problems before setting sail from Mar del Plata on October 25, 2017.
Court prosecutors stated Tuesday that following the submarine’s 2015 maintenance overhaul, it suffered from “numerous technical defects” that had been “documented by the various captains who served over the years.”
Based on the court’s findings, seawater infiltrated ventilation systems and flooded a battery compartment, creating an electrical malfunction and small blaze. This sequence caused the submarine to lose navigational control and plummet uncontrollably, resulting in structural collapse when the hull failed under extreme pressure at depths beyond 600 meters.
Family members of the lost sailors, working with lawyer Luis Tagliapietra, contend the current legal proceedings are insufficient for complete accountability.
The families recently criticized Judge Marta Isabel Yañez for not ordering crucial technical examinations or pursuing political figures, particularly targeting the government of former President Mauricio Macri.
Argentina’s highest court ruled separately in October to reject allegations of unlawful surveillance targeting the 44 victims’ families. This decision concluded all legal action against Macri, who held the presidency during the submarine’s destruction.
A federal antitrust trial began Tuesday in Manhattan with Justice Department attorneys arguing that Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation Entertainment have created a stranglehold on the concert ticketing business that hurts both fans and performers.
Attorney David Dahlquist from the Justice Department’s antitrust division delivered opening statements to jurors, explaining that the federal government and 39 states are seeking to break up what they consider an illegal monopoly that inflates ticket prices.
“This case is about power, the power of a monopolist to control competition,” Dahlquist told the jury. “Today, the concert ticket industry is broken.”
Defense attorney David Marriott, representing the companies, challenged the government’s position and promised to present data contradicting the monopoly claims.
“We’ll let the numbers do the talking,” Marriott stated. “We do not have monopoly power.”
Federal Judge Arun Subramanian informed jurors they will hear testimony and review evidence for approximately six weeks before determining whether Live Nation and Ticketmaster violated federal antitrust regulations.
The legal action originated from a 2024 lawsuit claiming the companies have strangled competition and gained control over multiple aspects of the concert business, from event promotion to ticket sales.
Founded in 1976, Ticketmaster became the globe’s dominant ticket distributor for live entertainment, sports events, and theater productions after combining with Live Nation in 2010.
The Justice Department attorney highlighted the public backlash that occurred in November 2022 when Ticketmaster’s website failed during presales for Taylor Swift’s stadium tour.
Company officials blamed the technical failure on overwhelming demand from legitimate fans combined with automated bot attacks designed to purchase tickets for resale on secondary markets. The incident led to congressional investigations and proposed state legislation to strengthen consumer protections.
According to Dahlquist, Live Nation employs anti-competitive tactics including lengthy venue contracts spanning five to seven years that prevent competitors from entering the market, and restrictions that stop venues from working with multiple ticketing services.
The conflict between Ticketmaster and performers spans decades, with Pearl Jam challenging the company’s practices in 1994, though federal prosecutors chose not to pursue charges at that time.
Live Nation maintains that performers and their management teams control ticket pricing and distribution methods.
Defense attorney Marriott described Live Nation as the music industry’s greatest advocate for artists, facilitating 55,000 concerts featuring 11,000 performers for 159 million attendees in 2025.
He disputed government claims about company profits, arguing that while prosecutors claim Ticketmaster earns $7 per ticket, the actual revenue is $5 with net profits under $2 after operating costs.
According to Marriott, Live Nation and Ticketmaster “are all about bringing joy to people’s lives.”
A high-ranking Israeli military official recently provided insight into the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, explaining how current operations differ from previous military engagements between the two nations.
Brigadier General Amir Avivi, who leads the Israel Defense and Security Forum (IDSF), discussed the strategic differences in a recent interview with The Media Line. According to Avivi, the current situation represents a significant shift from last summer’s 12-day conflict in June, which successfully targeted nuclear facilities and reduced Iran’s missile capacity.
However, Iran has recently launched devastating counterstrikes against Israeli territory. A deadly assault on Beit Shemesh resulted in nine fatalities, while Beersheba suffered casualties from another serious missile attack. These strikes have raised questions about the duration and scope of the ongoing military operations.
When comparing the current conflict to last summer’s engagement, Avivi explained that the previous military action had a “very narrow and clear” objective, noting that Iran was nearing what he described as a “decisive threshold” at that time.
The IDSF chairman has previously stated his belief that removing Iran’s current government would allow for the elimination of the country’s nuclear weapons program. This perspective shapes his analysis of the strategic goals in the current military operations.
The interview was conducted as speculation about potential U.S. military involvement with Iran transitioned into actual conflict, highlighting the rapidly evolving nature of the Middle Eastern security situation.
Media outlets throughout the Arab world have entered crisis coverage mode as Iranian missiles and drones have struck multiple nations and the United States and Israel have launched joint military operations against Iranian leadership.
The regional response has revealed deep divisions. Gulf nation governments have issued strong criticism of Iranian strikes on their soil and civilian facilities, while other Arab groups—particularly those with ties to Tehran—have characterized the American-Israeli operations as acts of aggression. A third group of nations has focused on calling for reduced tensions while quietly strengthening their air defense systems and diplomatic communications. This diverse messaging shows a region adjusting its positions in real time.
Gulf state media has focused their reporting on protecting national borders and keeping civilians safe.
Saudi Arabia’s official news service, SPA, released statements criticizing what they called “blatant” Iranian strikes and confirmed that Saudi land would not serve as a launching point for attacks against Iran. Their coverage emphasized violations of national sovereignty and the right to protect airspace, rather than supporting the wider US-Israeli military campaign.
The United Arab Emirates, through the Emirates News Agency, WAM, and official defense updates, highlighted successful interceptions of drones and missiles. Their approach was operational and technical, focusing on containment abilities rather than political positioning.
Qatar’s QNA news service reported Iranian drone attacks on government facilities in Mesaieed and Ras Laffan, noting no casualties occurred while highlighting the severity of targeting essential infrastructure. Editorial pieces in Qatari newspapers characterized Iran’s actions as attempting to expand the conflict to “peaceful countries.”
Al Arabiya, a Saudi state-owned network, reported that “US, Saudi Arabia and Arab allies slam Iran’s ‘reckless attacks,’ vow self-defense,” highlighting that America and several Gulf nations issued joint criticism of Iranian missile and drone attacks and confirmed their right to protect sovereign land. Saudi Arabia also called in Iran’s ambassador over “blatant” Iranian strikes on its territory, strengthening the diplomatic objection. Gulf nations have stated they maintain the right to respond to Iranian aggression when necessary.
Al Jazeera English, a Qatari state-supported network, has reported on the strikes with emphasis on regional consequences and strategic uncertainty, noting “explosions across Qatar, UAE, Kuwait as Iran’s retaliatory strikes continue.” In their analysis, Al Jazeera questioned, “After Iran’s salvo hit their skylines, will Gulf states enter the war?” showing how Gulf capitals are attempting to balance airspace protection with avoiding deeper participation in a conflict they did not start.
The New Arab, a London-based, Qatari-owned publication, reported that “Iran continues to strike Gulf states in retaliation to US-Israel war,” noting that multiple Gulf capitals hosting US military assets have been struck by Iranian missiles or drone attacks. Their coverage presented the attacks as part of an expanding conflict spreading beyond the original US-Israel operation.
Kuwait’s KUNA news service characterized Iranian strikes as violations of international law and the UN Charter, supporting a legal-focused narrative consistent with previous Gulf responses to cross-border threats.
Bahrain’s BNA amplified regional criticism and highlighted unity among Gulf nations.
Beyond political positioning, Gulf reporting has also shown economic worries. Energy infrastructure, shipping routes, and liquefied natural gas production facilities have been featured heavily in coverage, given the closeness of strikes to strategic export centers and renewed discussion of dangers to maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz. The economic aspect, while not always emphasized, helps explain why Gulf media has used urgent language about sovereignty.
However, none of these governments publicly celebrated or openly supported the US-Israeli strike on Iranian leadership. The support they expressed was defensive, not offensive, with focus on protecting national territory and civilians.
Oman, historically positioned as a diplomatic mediator, took a more careful approach. Its Foreign Ministry requested an “immediate halt” to missile strikes throughout the region while expressing concern over the expansion of military operations.
Muscat’s messaging shows a balancing effort: criticism of attacks on Arab nations alongside resistance to full-scale regional escalation.
In Iraq, official statements criticized the US-Israeli strike and warned against further escalation, positioning Baghdad as concerned about regional spillover. The state-owned Iraqi News Agency carried statements from political and militia-connected figures mourning Iranian leadership and describing the strike as aggression, showing how segments of Iraq’s official and semi-official media space presented the event in solidarity with Tehran.
Yemen demonstrates the Arab world’s internal divisions. The internationally recognized Yemeni government criticized Iranian attacks on Gulf states, aligning with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In contrast, the Houthi-controlled Saba news agency characterized the US-Israeli operation as “American-Israeli aggression,” repeating Tehran’s language.
This split highlights how alignment within the Arab world remains closely connected to local power structures and armed-group relationships.
Lebanon’s government response concentrated on internal stability. Officials repeated that only the state can decide on war and peace and indicated intent to prevent any armed group from launching independent attacks from Lebanese territory without government approval. This positioning signals worry over regional spillover, not an ideological position.
Jordan faces a particularly delicate situation. Iranian drones and missiles have traveled through its airspace, and Amman has previously experienced missile debris in populated areas.
Political analyst Amer Sabaileh described the kingdom’s situation to The Media Line: “Jordan … has always tried to avoid this conflict, but this war scenario unfortunately has a geographical reality that involuntarily involves the kingdom,” he said.
Sabaileh explained that Amman has consistently tried to position itself as neutral and to avoid becoming a battlefield, even seeking diplomatic engagement with Tehran in recent months.
“Jordanian politics has wanted to send messages to almost everyone to be considered a neutral country … to explain that in the end the Jordanian territory will not be a theater of war by anyone,” Sabaileh noted.
At the same time, he argued that the broader regional structure Iran has built over recent years is now falling apart. “The concept that Iran has created with the unity of fronts over time against Israel is now living its last days,” he said.
Sabaileh said Israel has spent the past two and a half years, since October 7, gradually weakening those interconnected fronts—in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen—culminating in direct confrontation with Iran itself. “Today, I believe that Israel thinks that this is the right time to get to this confrontation. Since the regime has been weakened and with the help of the US, it is the perfect timing,” he explained.
He also suggested the timing reflects both regional changes and internal pressures inside Iran. “I believe that we are experiencing a very historic moment and in a couple of months we are going to face a completely new Middle East,” he said.
On Jordan’s direct security risks, he pointed to years of hostile policy and operational pressure from Iranian-aligned networks. He cited infiltration attempts, weapons and drug smuggling, and the positioning of hostile armed groups along Jordan’s northern border as part of that sustained pressure.
Regarding civilian protection, he said Jordan now has only one choice: to defend its airspace and try to protect its citizens to the maximum capacity of the country.
While emphasizing the experience and preparedness of the Jordanian military, Sabaileh warned of inherent unpredictability in a missile-and-drone environment. “There is always the risk that this is an uncontrollable situation in terms of being able to control the impacts. … Few hits were reported already in Amman and in the north and south of the country, but likely due to debris,” he noted.
He also cautioned that Iran’s ballistic missile capability extends beyond immediate theaters of confrontation. “Ballistic missiles in Iran can threaten everyone, not only in the region but beyond; they can even reach Europe,” he said.
Sabaileh argued that Arab governments’ months-long caution—or silence—on developments in Iran may not last if Iranian strikes keep expanding. “I believe that this silence, little by little, must change … the aggressive Iranian policy towards the Gulf countries and Jordan … will force these countries to adopt a clearer policy towards Iran. The silence over the killings of the regime was a hopeful way to avoid direct confrontation, but now it is evident that it didn’t work,” he explained.
He further warned that escalation may not remain confined to the Middle East. “There is a risk in Europe and in the US with terrorist cells as well … because this regime thinks that by increasing the risk and spreading the chaos all over is the only way to destabilize the entire world while they fall,” he said.
Throughout official Arab media, three patterns are clear. First, Gulf states are publicly united in criticizing Iranian attacks on their territory, emphasizing sovereignty and civilian safety. Second, Iran-aligned groups characterize the US-Israeli operation as external aggression. Third, mediator states highlight de-escalation while quietly strengthening defense coordination.
Sabaileh summarized the potential transformation directly: “I believe that for the Middle East the 7th of October is like the 11th of September in the world. It is a new reality, and we are witnessing it as we speak,” he concluded.
Whether this escalation remains limited or develops into a broader confrontation will depend on developments in the coming days. For now, the Arab world is neither completely aligned nor entirely divided. It is readjusting—balancing deterrence, diplomacy, and domestic stability in a moment many officials privately describe as historic.
Israeli military forces launched targeted airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in Beirut on Tuesday, according to statements from the Israel Defense Forces. The aerial assault focused on multiple Hezbollah installations, including weapons depots, command centers, and communication equipment connected to the organization’s intelligence operations.
Following reports from Lebanese media sources that the Al-Manar television studios – affiliated with Hezbollah – were among the targets hit, Israeli military officials confirmed they had attacked communication networks that the group uses for coordinating operations, collecting intelligence, and distributing propaganda.
Israeli forces distributed warning notices to civilians before launching the strikes in an attempt to minimize harm to non-combatants, military officials stated.
Warning sirens echoed across Israel’s Galilee region, including the cities of Nahariya and Karmiel, after authorities detected Hezbollah drone incursions in the country’s northern territory.
Emergency responders from Magen David Adom arrived at the scene of a residential building that suffered a direct strike in Kfar Yuval, located in the Galilee Panhandle, during Tuesday morning’s attacks.
Air raid alerts also sounded in Jerusalem due to concerns about drone infiltration, though authorities later determined these warnings resulted from mistaken identification.
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed that both political leadership and military commanders have authorized the Israel Defense Forces to occupy Lebanese territory “to prevent fire on Israeli border communities.”
Lebanese military forces positioned themselves along the Israeli border in reaction to what AFP described as an “escalation” by Israeli forces. Following Hezbollah’s first missile launches into Israel in 18 months – which occurred after the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei – Lebanon’s army announced it was prohibiting military operations conducted by the Iran-supported organization.
FIFA announced Tuesday that fans can purchase tickets for this month’s World Cup playoff matches in Mexico starting at just 200 Mexican pesos, equivalent to $11.33, offering a dramatically more affordable option compared to the main tournament.
Six countries – Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bolivia, New Caledonia, Jamaica, and Suriname – will compete in the inter-confederation playoff tournament scheduled for March 26-31. The matches will take place in Guadalajara and Monterrey, both cities that will also host games during the main World Cup event.
According to FIFA, ticket prices range between 200 to 300 Mexican pesos for the playoff games. This pricing stands in sharp contrast to the main World Cup finals, where the lowest-priced tickets start at $60, with dynamic pricing and resale markets pushing costs even higher and leaving many supporters unable to afford attendance.
The playoff tournament will determine which two teams secure the final qualifying spots for the expanded 48-team World Cup, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Meanwhile, Mexican officials are working to reassure international visitors about safety following recent violence in the Guadalajara region. The unrest occurred after the death of Nemesio Oseguera, a notorious cartel leader known as “El Mencho,” temporarily disrupting local sporting activities and raising security questions.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated there was “no risk” to fans planning to visit the country for World Cup events. Juan Jose Frangie, who heads the Guadalajara Organizing Committee and serves as mayor of Zapopan – home to Estadio Akron, one of Mexico’s World Cup venues – expressed confidence in the security preparations.
“We never thought that in 72 hours the metropolitan area would enter a state of calm,” Frangie told Mexican newspaper Milenio. “There is still a long way to go and there are lingering fears, but by continuing with our activities, we have allowed people to become increasingly confident.”
Frangie emphasized the enhanced security measures in place, telling potential visitors: “We are telling people who are coming to the World Cup that it is a safe state, without problems… The National Guard and Ministry of Defence have sent 2,500 more personnel.”
Local officials report they are collaborating closely with federal authorities as the 2026 World Cup approaches, with just 100 days remaining until the tournament begins.
The Department of Justice made an unexpected about-face Tuesday, announcing it will continue fighting to reinstate former President Donald Trump’s executive orders that penalized four major law firms, just one day after attempting to abandon those legal battles.
Federal courts had previously overturned the Trump administration’s executive orders that targeted the law firms Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, Jenner & Block, and Susman Godfrey. The orders took aim at these firms based on their legal representation work, diversity initiatives, and political connections, prompting the administration to file appeals last year.
In a whiplash series of legal maneuvers, the Justice Department on Monday filed paperwork with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit requesting dismissal of its pending appeals. However, by Tuesday, the department had submitted new documents asking the court to ignore its previous withdrawal request.
BRUSSELS – A comprehensive new study has revealed alarming statistics about violence against women throughout the European Union, showing that approximately one-third of women experience physical or sexual assault during their lifetimes, yet the overwhelming majority of these incidents never reach law enforcement.
Research conducted by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) working alongside the European Institute for Gender Equality discovered that merely 11.3% of women who suffered physical or sexual violence from non-intimate partners contacted police, while an even smaller 6.1% reported abuse committed by intimate partners.
The study identified several barriers preventing women from seeking help, including feelings of shame, self-blame, fear of consequences, and lack of confidence in law enforcement agencies. Researchers also found that many women had insufficient knowledge about available support services or couldn’t access them easily.
Data from across EU member nations showed that 30.7% of women reported experiencing violence, representing a modest improvement from 33% documented in the initial survey conducted in 2012. The research also uncovered widespread instances of psychological abuse, economic control, and digital harassment.
“Violence against women is a fundamental rights violation,” stated FRA Director Sirpa Rautio. “Member states have clear obligations to prevent violence, protect victims and ensure access to justice, and these findings show there is still urgent work to do.”
The survey results revealed dramatic differences between countries, with rates spanning from 57.1% in Finland down to 11.9% in Bulgaria.
Interestingly, Nordic countries renowned for gender equality showed surprisingly high violence rates – Finland led at 57.1%, followed by Sweden at 52.5% and Denmark at 47.5%, while nations with traditionally lower gender equality rankings showed more complicated reporting patterns.
Researchers refer to this phenomenon as the “Nordic paradox,” suggesting it may indicate genuine differences in women’s experiences or varying cultural attitudes toward reporting violence and defining inappropriate sexual behavior across different societies.
This same paradoxical pattern appeared in FRA’s original 2012 violence survey.
The current research involved interviews with almost 115,000 women between ages 18 and 74, conducted from September 2020 through March 2024.
European Commission officials expressed serious concern about the survey results.
“The scale of unreported violence shows systems must be improved and victims must be supported,” the Commission stated, emphasizing that fighting violence against women and domestic abuse represents “a core priority for the EU.”
Defense officials from several Gulf nations have published new data revealing the extent of Iranian aerial attacks on their territories during the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran, according to a March 3 report.
The United Arab Emirates has faced the most intensive bombardment, with their defense ministry reporting detection of 186 ballistic missiles. Of those, 172 were successfully intercepted, 13 dropped into ocean waters, and one actually reached UAE soil. Additionally, UAE forces tracked 812 unmanned aircraft, managing to intercept 755 while 57 crashed within their borders.
Qatar’s military recorded 101 ballistic missiles in their airspace, successfully stopping 98 of them. They also detected 39 drone aircraft and intercepted 24, along with identifying and destroying 3 cruise missiles. Qatari forces even tracked and intercepted 2 Sukhoi SU-24 military aircraft.
Bahrain’s defense forces reported destroying 73 missiles and 91 unmanned aircraft that entered their territory.
Kuwait monitored and successfully intercepted 178 ballistic missiles and 384 drone aircraft targeting their nation.
Military officials from Saudi Arabia and Oman have not yet released comparable statistics for their territories.
Wicomico County residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on their local government’s financial plans during an upcoming public budget hearing.
County Executive Julie M. Giordano has scheduled the session to review the proposed fiscal year 2027 spending plan, which encompasses the county’s operating expenses, capital improvement projects, and both governmental and enterprise fund allocations.
The public hearing will address the appropriation of all county expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year, giving residents a chance to voice their opinions on how their tax dollars will be spent.
All Wicomico County citizens are encouraged to attend and participate in the budget discussion process.
American dairy farmers are getting better access to international markets thanks to four new trade agreements the United States completed in February with Indonesia, Taiwan, Argentina and Bangladesh. The National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council played key roles in advocating for these deals that will eliminate barriers preventing American dairy products from competing overseas.
Under the agreements with Indonesia, Taiwan and Bangladesh, all tariffs on American dairy exports will be eliminated. The deals also remove complex facility registration requirements that have made it difficult for US companies to sell their products, and they protect more than 36 common cheese names such as “parmesan” from being claimed exclusively by European producers.
These three countries purchased $3.6 billion worth of dairy products last year, but only 9% came from the United States. By removing trade obstacles, American suppliers will be better positioned to compete in these important Asian markets where people are consuming more dairy products.
The Indonesia deal builds upon existing relationships, including a memorandum of understanding the National Milk Producers Federation signed last May with Indonesia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry to expand dairy trade and strengthen business connections. Similar partnership agreements were established with Taiwan’s Dairy Association in September to promote local dairy consumption and support school milk programs.
The timing of the Argentina agreement is particularly important as that South American nation prepares to implement the EU-Mercosur trade deal, which would give European suppliers better market access and potentially exclusive rights to certain cheese names. The US-Argentina agreement secures improved market access for several important American dairy products and includes protections for generic cheese terms while preventing additional trade barriers.
Serving as official advisors to US trade negotiators, the National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council stressed the need for lasting access to these expanding markets, ensuring American dairy farmers can compete fairly as the European Union pursues aggressive trade deals worldwide.
Both organizations have collaborated with the current administration to include new opportunities for US dairy exports in all nine reciprocal trade agreements completed so far. They plan to continue working closely with the US Trade Representative and other government partners to ensure complete implementation, though the timeline remains unclear. The organizations will monitor whether Indonesia, Taiwan, Argentina and Bangladesh fulfill their commitments to maintain open and predictable export markets for American dairy producers.
Dairy cooperatives participating in the NEXT assistance program finalized 246 export contracts during February, representing 54.3 million pounds of dairy products scheduled for international delivery in 2026. The shipments will reach customers spanning ten global regions including Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, Middle East-North Africa, Eurasia, South America, Central America, the Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa, with deliveries scheduled from February through July.
The NEXT program serves as a vital resource for participating U.S. dairy cooperatives seeking to expand their international sales reach, an increasingly crucial component for dairy farmers and their cooperatives across the nation. International market expansion remains essential for generating dairy demand, regardless of whether a cooperative currently maintains active export operations. Those interested in learning more about the NEXT Program can reach out to the team at [email protected].
Officials note that the reported dairy product quantities represent active contracts awaiting delivery rather than finalized export volumes. The NEXT program will distribute export assistance payments to successful bidders only after export completion and product delivery are confirmed through proper documentation submission.
The National Milk Producers Federation has intensified its advocacy efforts in preparation for the upcoming U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement review scheduled for this summer, deploying both congressional testimony and coalition-building strategies to push for critical improvements.
Idaho dairy producer Ted Vander Schaaf, who serves on the boards of Northwest Dairy Association/Darigold and the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, appeared before the Senate Finance Committee on February 12th to outline the dairy sector’s priorities for the trade agreement assessment. Vander Schaaf holds a position with an NMPF associate member organization.
During his testimony, Vander Schaaf stressed the critical role USMCA plays in ensuring reliable and transparent market access, especially for exports to Mexico. However, he also pointed to significant deficiencies that require attention. He called out Canada’s ongoing manipulation of dairy tariff-rate quotas and its efforts to bypass USMCA dairy protein export rules, which disadvantage American dairy exporters. Additionally, he addressed Mexico’s delays in fully honoring its commitments to safeguard common cheese names, explaining why this matters to both dairy farmers and processing companies.
The organization also took a central role in establishing the Agricultural Coalition for USMCA on February 5th, a broad industry initiative aimed at supporting the agreement’s renewal while pushing for necessary enhancements. This coalition plans to collaborate with both Congress and the current Administration to address the trade deal’s weaknesses prior to its renewal.
During the coalition’s inaugural press conference, NMPF Executive Vice President Shawna Morris stated, “USMCA is an extremely strong agreement, but it’s not perfect. The USMCA review offers an unmissable opportunity to make targeted enhancements so the agreement can live up to its full intended potential.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $148 million investment on February 19th aimed at supporting dairy farmers struggling with depressed milk prices while increasing consumption of dairy products nationwide. The federal purchase program represents the most significant butter buying initiative in half a decade and directly aligns with advocacy efforts launched by the National Milk Producers Federation last November.
“Dairy farmers have shared in the struggles faced throughout the agricultural economy, and these purchases will provide important relief to producers who will benefit from the additional demand, helping them provide nutritious dairy products to Americans and the world,” stated Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation.
The federal purchasing initiative breaks down as follows:
• Butter purchases totaling $75 million • Cheddar cheese acquisitions worth $32.5 million • Fresh fluid milk purchases of $20.5 million • Swiss cheese buying program valued at $10 million • Ultra-High Temperature shelf-stable milk purchases of $10 million
This investment directly mirrors the funding amount the National Milk Producers Federation requested in correspondence sent to agriculture officials last November, which led to ongoing discussions and formal communications with the USDA. The dairy support package compares well with other recent federal agricultural assistance programs, including $80 million allocated for specialty crops and $100 million designated for seafood industries.
These dairy acquisitions fall under USDA Section 32 authority, established through the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935, which empowers the department to purchase excess domestically-grown agricultural commodities to stabilize farm markets and supply food for federal nutrition programs.
Through this program, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service alerts industry participants and stakeholders about new purchasing opportunities by releasing Purchase Program Announcements year-round. Following this week’s announcement, the USDA will accept bids from certified vendors and distribute purchase contracts accordingly.
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that American military forces have successfully struck numerous Iranian military installations, claiming that “just about everything has been knocked out.”
The president delivered these remarks from the Oval Office prior to his scheduled meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
When questioned by reporters, Trump explained his decision to authorize military action against Iran stemmed from his intuition, stating he ordered the attack because “I had a feeling” that Iran would launch strikes against America while nuclear program discussions remained stalled.
The president offered no supporting evidence for his assessment. Iranian officials had been expecting to resume diplomatic discussions with American representatives following talks conducted in Geneva the previous Thursday.
According to Trump, Iran continues launching missiles, though he expressed confidence that Tehran’s missile capabilities would be eliminated through continued American military operations.
“They’ve shot a lot of them, and we’re knocking out a lot,” Trump stated.
In an unprecedented move, Sudan has directly blamed Ethiopia for permitting unmanned aircraft to launch strikes from Ethiopian territory during February and March, marking the first time the nation has openly implicated its neighboring country in the brutal three-year internal conflict.
The accusation, made public through a Sudanese foreign ministry statement issued Monday evening, signals how one of the globe’s most devastating wars between government forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is increasingly involving regional African powers and international actors.
Ethiopian officials from the prime minister’s office have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding these allegations. Reuters has been unable to independently confirm whether attack drones were indeed launched from Ethiopian soil.
The ongoing battle pits Sudan’s military against the RSF paramilitary organization in a devastating war that threatens to split the nation apart while forcing millions of citizens to abandon their homes.
While the foreign ministry statement didn’t identify specific attack locations, residents in the southeastern Blue Nile state near the Ethiopian border report witnessing minor clashes and drone strikes in recent weeks.
The SPLM-N rebel organization, which joined forces with the RSF last year, maintains control over portions of the Blue Nile region.
Sudan’s foreign ministry characterized the alleged drone operations as “a blatant violation of Sudanese sovereignty and an outright act of aggression against the Sudanese state.”
The statement continued with a stern warning: “The Sudanese government warns the Ethiopian authorities against the consequences of these hostile acts and affirms its right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the right to respond to such attacks by all available means.”
Reuters previously reported exclusively last month about Ethiopia operating a covert training facility for thousands of RSF fighters.
Neither Ethiopian government representatives, military officials, nor RSF leadership provided responses to detailed inquiries about that investigation. Sudan’s Armed Forces similarly remained silent on the matter.
Currently, the RSF maintains dominance over Sudan’s western Darfur region, while government forces control the eastern territories.
Both factions continue battling for supremacy in the central Kordofan region, which sits between their established areas of influence.
Unmanned aircraft have emerged as a crucial element in this conflict, enabling the RSF to challenge the traditional military’s aerial superiority while unfortunately contributing to widespread civilian harm.
A Georgia father has been found guilty on multiple charges including second-degree murder in connection with his teenage son’s deadly school shooting, marking an unusual case where a parent faces criminal consequences for their child’s violent actions.
Colin Gray, 55, was convicted Tuesday on 27 charges following an 11-day trial related to the tragic September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. The jury took less than two hours to reach their decision.
The charges stem from a shooting carried out by Gray’s 14-year-old son Colt, who used a rifle his father had given him as a Christmas present to kill four people and injure seven others at the school located about an hour from Atlanta.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that the elder Gray bore responsibility for arming and enabling his troubled son. “The case was about who armed Colt Gray and who enabled him to take the actions that he did,” prosecutors told the jury.
Gray’s defense team maintained that only the son should face punishment for the shooting. Colin Gray testified in his own defense, stating he was “trying to be a good father in a broken home” and claimed he never anticipated his son would carry out the attack.
The jury found Colin Gray guilty on charges including two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of involuntary manslaughter, and reckless conduct. A judge had previously dismissed two charges of second-degree cruelty to children before jury deliberations began.
The victims of the shooting were 14-year-old students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, along with teachers Cristina Irimie, 53, and Richard Aspinwall, 39.
Colt Gray faces his own separate trial on 55 charges, including four counts of malice murder and four counts of felony murder. No trial date has been set for the teenager’s case.
The New York Jets have secured running back Breece Hall with the franchise tag, according to a source close to the situation, guaranteeing the star player remains with the team for at least another season.
An individual with knowledge of the move confirmed to The Associated Press that New York applied the non-exclusive franchise tag to Hall, which locks in a one-year deal valued at approximately $14.3 million. The source requested anonymity as the organization has not yet made an official announcement.
SNY was first to break the news of this decision.
This makes Hall the third player across the league to receive the franchise tag during this offseason, joining Dallas wide receiver George Pickens and Atlanta tight end Kyle Pitts, who both received their tags well ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
Under franchise tag rules, players can still negotiate offer sheets from other teams once free agency begins March 11, though their original franchises have five days to match any proposal or receive two first-round draft picks in return.
Other players being considered for potential franchise tags include Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones and receiver Alec Pierce, Cincinnati pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, Seattle’s Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III, and Chargers edge rusher Odafe Oweh.
This year’s three franchise tags already exceed last season’s total of two, which marked the lowest number since 1994, according to NFL records. Between 2020-24, teams averaged more than nine franchise tags annually.
The 24-year-old Hall, who will turn 25 in May, was selected in the second round of the 2022 draft from Iowa State. Unlike first-round teammates Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson, Hall did not receive a contract extension last offseason, creating questions about his long-term future with the organization and sparking trade speculation before last year’s deadline.
However, head coach Aaron Glenn emphasized the team’s commitment to keeping Hall as their offensive cornerstone. The Jets had planned to utilize a three-back rotation featuring Hall alongside Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, but Allen’s knee injury that placed him on injured reserve left Davis as a clear backup option.
With new offensive coordinator Frank Reich on board, the Jets face a quarterback search this offseason, but the franchise tag on Hall ensures they retain their dynamic playmaker while potentially working toward a long-term contract extension.
Hall achieved a career-best 1,065 rushing yards in 2025 despite sitting out the season finale due to a knee issue, becoming the first Jets player to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season since Chris Ivory accomplished the feat in 2015. Hall joins just five other players in franchise history to record 1,000 yards from scrimmage in three consecutive seasons.
Among NFL running backs, only 2024 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley is scheduled to earn more than $14 million next season, with the Philadelphia Eagles paying him $16.75 million.
Pickens’ franchise tag carries a value of roughly $27.3 million for the upcoming season as Dallas works to retain the receiver they acquired from Pittsburgh last offseason.
The 25-year-old Pickens, who celebrates his birthday Wednesday, posted career-high numbers with 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns while playing for one of the NFL’s top offenses last season. Despite their offensive success, Dallas struggled defensively and finished 7-9-1, missing the playoffs for consecutive years.
Pitts’ tag is valued at approximately $15 million for next season. The 2021 fourth overall draft pick earned second-team All-Pro recognition after recording a career-high 88 catches and five touchdowns last season. His 928 receiving yards ranked second among NFL tight ends, trailing only Arizona’s Trey McBride.
Organizations have until July 15 to negotiate long-term contracts with franchise-tagged players, otherwise those players will compete under one-year agreements for the 2026 season.
Motorists traveling through Prices Corner should expect continued overnight lane restrictions as the Delaware Department of Transportation works to repair the Route 41 bridge spanning Red Clay Creek near Greenbank Road.
DelDOT officials report that crews are patching the bridge deck during nighttime hours, with lane restrictions in effect from 8:00 PM until 6:00 AM each night. The construction project began on Monday, February 23rd but has encountered weather-related setbacks.
The transportation department now expects the bridge repair work to conclude on Friday, March 20th, representing an extension from the original timeline due to adverse weather conditions that have impacted the construction schedule.
Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays and consider alternate routes during the overnight restriction hours while crews complete the necessary bridge maintenance work.
President Trump is championing new voting regulations that would impose stricter requirements on how Americans cast their ballots, according to recent reports.
The former president is backing enhanced limitations on mail-in voting procedures while also endorsing the SAVE Act, legislation that would mandate voters provide documentation proving their U.S. citizenship before casting ballots.
UCLA election law expert Richard Hasen is examining the potential consequences of these proposed voting changes and what they could mean for future elections.
Skywatchers around the globe were treated to a spectacular celestial display as March’s full moon transformed into a striking blood-red orb during a total lunar eclipse.
The March full moon, traditionally known as the worm moon, aligned perfectly with the lunar eclipse to create the dramatic reddish appearance visible across numerous regions worldwide.
The stunning astronomical event provided photographers and stargazers with remarkable viewing opportunities as Earth’s shadow cast the moon in its characteristic crimson glow.
