Communities throughout Vermont are experiencing a shift in their traditional town hall discussions, as residents increasingly bring contentious national and global topics to local government meetings.
Municipal gatherings that historically centered on neighborhood concerns like road maintenance, budget approvals, and local ordinances are now becoming battlegrounds for debates over divisive issues affecting the broader nation and world.
This trend reflects a growing pattern across New England and other regions, where citizens are using their most accessible democratic forums to voice opinions on matters extending far beyond their town boundaries.
The transformation of these grassroots political meetings demonstrates how national polarization is filtering down to the most local levels of American democracy, changing the nature of community discourse in small towns.
Washington Wizards newcomer Trae Young found himself thrown out of a game before he’s even suited up for his first contest with the team.
The point guard, who is scheduled to take the court Thursday evening when Washington faces Utah, received an ejection during Tuesday’s 123-118 defeat to Houston after leaving the bench area.
Young, a four-time All-Star who joined Washington from Atlanta through a trade completed in early January, walked onto the playing surface during the third quarter to argue what he felt was a missed foul call involving Houston’s Tari Eason. Officials responded by giving Young a technical foul and tossing him from the game.
Eason also received an ejection from the contest.
The veteran guard has been dealing with MCL and quadriceps injuries that date back to before his trade to Washington. His most recent game action came on December 27, when he contributed nine points and 10 assists during Atlanta’s 128-125 defeat to New York.
Throughout his career, Young averages 25.2 points per contest along with 9.8 assists per game. Earlier Tuesday, he used social media to announce his intention to return to action Thursday night.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu provided reassurance Monday that current military operations against Iran will not become a drawn-out conflict spanning multiple years.
Speaking during an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity” show, Netanyahu addressed concerns about the duration of the military campaign that commenced over the weekend with coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran.
“I said it could be quick and decisive. It may take some time, but it’s not going to take years. It’s not an endless war,” Netanyahu stated during the television interview.
The military action began Saturday with airstrikes targeting Iranian positions, resulting in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets and launched missiles at Arab nations hosting American military installations throughout the Middle East.
President Donald Trump had initially estimated the conflict would last approximately four to five weeks, though he later suggested it might extend beyond that timeframe while defending the decision to engage in comprehensive military action against Iran.
Netanyahu dismissed comparisons to other regional conflicts that have stretched on for years, emphasizing this operation would have a more defined endpoint.
The Israeli leader expressed optimism that the military campaign could create opportunities for sustainable peace across the Middle East, potentially including normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
When questioned about prospects for lasting regional stability, Netanyahu responded affirmatively: “Yes I do.”
Recent polling data from Reuters/Ipsos indicates limited American support for the military intervention, with only one-quarter of respondents backing the strikes on Iran that have intensified Middle Eastern tensions.
The lengthy conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have left many Americans wary of extensive military commitments overseas, contributing to skepticism about the current operation.
Netanyahu suggested the joint U.S.-Israeli military pressure could encourage Iranian citizens to challenge their government’s authority.
“Now, of course, it’s up to the people of Iran in the final count to change the government, but we are creating – America and Israel together are creating – the conditions for them to do so,” he explained.
Trump’s stated objectives for the military campaign have evolved since operations began. Initially, he called on Iranians to “take back your country” and suggested regime change as a goal.
However, in more recent statements Monday, Trump focused on preventing Iran’s nuclear weapons development – which Tehran denies pursuing – and dismantling its long-range missile capabilities, without mentioning government overthrow.
Israel is widely regarded as the sole nuclear-armed nation in the Middle East, while the United States also maintains nuclear weapons capabilities.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s basketball squad faced significant challenges protecting the basketball during their recent matchup against North Carolina Central University, ultimately falling to the Eagles in a game where ball security proved decisive.
The Hawks found themselves unable to establish offensive consistency as repeated giveaways disrupted their scoring opportunities throughout the contest. These possession losses allowed NCCU to capitalize on extra scoring chances and maintain control of the game’s tempo.
UMES coaching staff will likely focus on ball handling fundamentals and decision-making in upcoming practice sessions as the team works to address these recurring issues that have impacted their performance.
The defeat adds another loss to the Hawks’ season record as they continue working to find their rhythm in conference play. The team will need to shore up their ball security moving forward to compete effectively in their remaining games.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks softball team concluded their North Carolina road trip in impressive fashion, completing a doubleheader sweep against the Golden Bulls.
The Hawks displayed commanding performances in both contests, demonstrating the kind of consistency that coaches hope to see during away games. The sweep marked a successful end to UMES’s time on the road in the Tar Heel State.
With this doubleheader victory, the Hawks return to the Eastern Shore having maximized their opportunities during the North Carolina swing. The team’s ability to win both games of the doubleheader showcases their depth and preparation as they continue their season.
The successful road trip provides momentum for UMES as they prepare for upcoming contests back in familiar territory.
Delaware State University women’s basketball team has reason to celebrate as two of their players have been selected for Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference weekly recognition.
The MEAC has announced that Huggins and Scott from the Delaware State Hornets have earned weekly honors for their exceptional performances on the court.
The conference regularly recognizes standout student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in their weekly basketball performances across member institutions.
This recognition highlights the continued success of Delaware State’s women’s basketball program within the competitive MEAC conference.
The Delaware State University Hornets softball program has made adjustments to their competitive schedule, according to a recent announcement from the athletics department.
The team’s planned twin bill against Holy Cross has been called off, requiring the Hornets to modify their upcoming slate of games.
No additional details were provided regarding the reasoning behind the scheduling modification or potential makeup dates for the cancelled contests.
GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Mexican authorities conducted the burial of one of the country’s most notorious drug kingpins Monday, as Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as ‘El Mencho,’ was laid to rest in an elaborate gleaming gold coffin surrounded by massive floral arrangements and heavy military security.
A federal source verified that the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was interred at a burial ground in Zapopan, located on the outskirts of Guadalajara, Mexico’s second most populous city. The funeral procession drew dozens of attendees, with many holding black umbrellas despite clear skies while a traditional banda ensemble performed regional Mexican music.
The source speaking about the burial site asked to remain unnamed as they lacked permission to discuss the matter publicly. Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office refused to verify where El Mencho was buried, citing safety concerns.
Enhanced security measures had been in place since Sunday at a mortuary where massive floral displays began arriving without identification. Several arrangements featured rooster imagery made from flowers, referencing Oseguera Cervantes’ nickname as the ‘Lord of the Roosters.’
Mexican military forces fatally shot Oseguera Cervantes just over a week ago during an operation to apprehend him. According to his death certificate reviewed by The Associated Press, he succumbed to numerous gunshot injuries.
His death triggered widespread violence spanning approximately 20 states. The death certificate aligns with Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla’s account of the capture mission, in which he stated that the cartel boss and two security personnel sustained severe injuries during a firefight with troops near a residence in Tapalpa, Jalisco. All three perished while being transported to medical facilities.
The official document detailed that Oseguera Cervantes sustained gunshot trauma to his torso, stomach, and lower extremities.
Following his death, his remains were transported to Mexico City for forensic examination before being released to relatives on Saturday, according to a brief Attorney General’s Office announcement.
The death certificate also indicates that Oseguera Cervantes was designated for burial, which is typical protocol in violent death cases to preserve potential forensic evidence for future investigations. The paperwork did not specify the intended burial site.
Law enforcement’s security worries about the burial location are justified. The cartel leader’s death prompted revenge attacks by the organization across multiple states. Over 70 individuals lost their lives between the initial military action and subsequent violence. Officials report that enforcement operations targeting other senior cartel members remain ongoing.
Mexican drug lord burials are traditionally shrouded in secrecy, which their followers exploit to build legendary status around these figures. Within hours of El Mencho’s death, songwriters had already composed ballads called narcocorridos commemorating his demise.
In Culiacan, located in adjacent Sinaloa state and headquarters of the similarly named cartel, a graveyard is famous for its opulent tombs and monuments housing former drug bosses including Ignacio Coronel — a former El Mencho partner — and Arturo Beltrán Leyva.
One drug leader, Nazario Moreno of the violent, religiously-themed Knights Templar cartel, gained notoriety for being reportedly killed twice — first in 2010, then actually eliminated in 2014.
Some remains vanish entirely, such as Heriberto Lazcano, the notorious Zetas leader whose corpse was taken in 2012. Others meet unusual ends, like Amado Carrillo Fuentes, the ‘Lord of the Skies,’ who perished during failed cosmetic surgery.
BEIJING — While China showcases impressive technological achievements including martial arts-performing robots and vehicles that park themselves, the nation’s economic modernization efforts are encountering significant obstacles as the property sector remains in decline, small enterprises face hardships, and young adults find employment increasingly scarce.
The contrast between President Xi Jinping’s vision of a high-technology, AI-powered future and the stark reality of decelerating economic expansion forms the setting for this week’s National People’s Congress gathering, China’s primarily ceremonial legislative body that convenes Thursday.
Approximately 3,000 representatives will travel to Beijing for the sessions, where senior officials will reveal China’s yearly economic growth objectives and legislators will approve a five-year policy roadmap extending through 2030.
“What we’ll see is the trade-off between whether it’s going to be industry and tech, or looking after domestic demand,” said Alexander Davey, an analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies. “These are the two priorities that are juggling for Xi Jinping right now.”
In Guangdong province’s southern region, households reduced major expenditures during February’s Lunar New Year celebration. Even traditional good-luck plants such as orchids, typically purchased as symbols of wealth and fortune, saw price reductions of up to 40% compared to the previous year.
This budget-conscious behavior has prompted small business operators to voice concerns about difficult economic conditions.
Chinese officials announced the country achieved “around 5%” economic expansion in 2025, though economists express skepticism regarding certain government statistics.
The moderately strong growth rate received support from robust industrial output as overseas sales increased, withstanding tariff increases imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and additional trade disruptions.
“Hitting the 2025 growth target is hardly reassuring as the Chinese economy is losing growth momentum, with rising imbalances and enormous structural problems being papered over by a surge in export-driven growth,” Eswar Prasad, a professor of economics and trade policy at Cornell University, told The Associated Press in emailed comments.
China’s real estate sector downturn started multiple years ago, with fragmented recovery attempts showing only sporadic improvement. Numerous property companies failed to meet debt obligations as government officials restricted excessive lending practices. With home values declining 20% or more since 2021, market recovery remains distant.
The collapse of this major industry eliminated hundreds of thousands of positions, and with 12.7 million university graduates entering employment markets this year, over 16% of young Chinese remain jobless. Some are abandoning competitive pursuits entirely, choosing to “lie flat.”
Households whose primary wealth consists of property ownership have become hesitant about spending, undermining consumer demand and complicating long-term plans to transition the economy toward greater domestic consumption.
The congressional session may introduce new initiatives to strengthen social services and additional support measures, which economists describe as overdue and essential for sustained, stable growth.
Export dependency currently helps maintain China’s economic activity. The country generated a $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025, with overseas sales keeping manufacturing facilities operational. Despite ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions, shipments have increased to markets including Europe and Latin America, though trading partners are expressing resistance.
Under Xi’s leadership, China has emphasized developing cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, semiconductors, electric vehicles, and clean energy. Extensive government backing has enabled companies to produce more EVs, televisions, solar panels, and other goods than China and its partners require.
“To achieve those goals, the government is going to have to continue to provide subsidies and preferential support for high-tech and strategic industries,” said Leah Fahy, a China economist at Capital Economics. “(That) will, in turn, continue to fuel overcapacity.”
The International Monetary Fund recently recommended China reduce extensive state subsidies and support for industries that numerous Western nations claim provide unfair competitive advantages over international competitors. Meanwhile, social welfare and other economic sectors remain underdeveloped.
The emphasis on what the governing Communist Party calls “high quality development” will likely persist under the 2026-2030 five-year plan that lawmakers are expected to approve during the congress.
Throughout recent decades, China’s evolution into a manufacturing powerhouse was supported by explosive construction of residential buildings, commercial structures, transportation networks, harbors, and rail systems. However, technology supply chains are more limited, generating fewer employment opportunities. The economic spillover effect is considerably weaker, according to Lynn Song, chief economist for Greater China at ING Bank.
“If anything, the more successful the so-called future industries become, the more they will draw resources away from the traditional sectors that still provide the bulk of employment and livelihoods for most people,” said Henry Gao, a professor of law at Singapore Management University.
The yearly congressional gathering presents an elaborate spectacle. Thousands of representatives occupy Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. Military musicians perform while delegates representing various ethnic communities attend wearing traditional attire.
Despite the ceremony, the meeting functions largely as political theater. The congress spans just one week, with nearly unanimous final-day voting that formalizes decisions previously made by party leadership. The event demonstrates unity while confirming established policies and direction.
This leadership has increasingly focused on Xi, who has concentrated authority since assuming control in 2012. Now 72, he ranks among modern China’s most influential leaders. Some observers believe Xi may follow Mao Zedong’s example, the revolutionary founder of communist China, and govern indefinitely.
Congressional reports contain numerous references to the party’s essential function, “with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core.”
Following his rise to power, Xi intensified existing anti-corruption efforts, compelling many officials to resign for investigation and prosecution, including senior military leadership.
Prior to the congress opening, the national legislature expelled nine military officers from membership, expanding a multi-year military cleanup. Last month, Gen. Zhang Youxia, the highest-ranking military official below Xi, was removed due to suspected disciplinary infractions.
Xi’s measures may diminish China’s military preparedness in the near term, but he is also ensuring the armed forces will demonstrate greater political loyalty over time, according to a Center for Strategic and International Studies analysis.
The anti-corruption campaigns have eliminated potential political opponents, and his firm control over power significantly reduces the likelihood that other officials will contest his vision of transforming China into a technologically self-reliant leader and 21st-century global superpower.
WACO, Texas (AP) — As Texas voters prepared for Tuesday’s Senate primary election, candidates found themselves navigating the delicate topic of recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran during their final campaign push Monday.
The developing international conflict created an unexpected backdrop for the hotly contested race, with Republican hopefuls showing stronger backing for the Trump administration’s military response compared to their Democratic counterparts. However, given the uncertain nature of the situation and America’s unclear long-term strategy, most candidates approached the subject with notable restraint.
During a brief 15-minute speech at a Waco restaurant, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton barely acknowledged the overseas military action at his final campaign stop before election day.
When pressed by journalists following his remarks, Paxton defended President Trump’s decisions while acknowledging his limited access to classified information as a state official. He expressed confidence that the military response wouldn’t alienate Trump’s core supporters, despite the president’s previous promises to avoid what he terms “forever wars” – conflicts lacking clear withdrawal plans.
However, Paxton sidestepped questions about whether Trump had effectively communicated the strikes’ objectives to the public.
“An open-ended war? I don’t have any intelligence, but I don’t think that’s Trump’s idea,” Paxton stated. “He wants to get this over with.”
Among Paxton’s supporters gathered at George’s Restaurant and Bar in Waco, enthusiasm for the administration’s approach was evident.
Local resident Connie Stamps praised the action, particularly the elimination of Iranian leadership, saying it “is going to be good for the whole world.”
“I’m very thankful we have a president who does what he says he’s going to do,” she declared, rejecting suggestions that Trump was contradicting his anti-war campaign promises. “He cares about the whole world. He’s the peace president.”
Throughout his three presidential campaigns, Trump has consistently opposed extended foreign military involvement, though his administration has shared limited details about long-term objectives beyond dismantling Iran’s power structure. Recent weeks had seen ongoing diplomatic discussions between the U.S. and Iran regarding nuclear program agreements.
Senator John Cornyn, facing primary challenges from both Paxton and Congressman Wesley Hunt, similarly gave minimal attention to Iran during his campaign event in Schertz, near San Antonio.
When questioned afterward, Cornyn endorsed the strikes, which the Trump administration launched without prior congressional authorization. Asked about Trump’s communication of war objectives, Cornyn offered a measured response.
“We’ll have a debate in Congress what the goals and objectives are,” he explained, while asserting, “I am completly satisfied in the president’s explanation.”
Cornyn praised Trump’s video announcement regarding the attacks, saying: “I think the president made a cogent and good explanation. I think there will be more debate.”
The senator revealed that during a recent Air Force One trip to Texas with Trump, the president sought input from the state’s congressional delegation about potential strikes, with the group expressing unanimous support.
Veteran Elton Hartwich, identifiable by his Vietnam War cap, voiced strong support for the military action and urged broader public backing.
“I think it should be backed by more poeple,” he said. “I think we as Americans gotta look back at what Iranians did to our people.”
Conversely, David Ozuna from New Braunfels, who attended Cornyn’s gathering, opposed the strikes and criticized Trump’s explanations as insufficient. His stance stems from personal experience with family members who were killed or injured during military service.
“I think that we as citizens, before we send our sons and daughters, mothers and fathers to support this thing, deserve to have a good explanation as to what we’re doing, what the objective is and where we’re going,” Ozuna emphasized.
On the Democratic side, Senate candidate James Talarico, competing against Representative Jasmine Crockett for the party’s nomination, briefly addressed the conflict during a University of Houston rally, focusing solely on mourning three fallen U.S. service members.
Houston resident Charles Padmore offered harsh criticism of the Iranian strikes, describing them as “absolutely horrible.”
“It shouldn’t have happened. It’s illegal. We’re the aggressor. They didn’t do anything to us, really, so we shouldn’t have been so aggressive in attacking them, and a lot of people have died,” Padmore argued.
He criticized Trump’s failure to clearly articulate national objectives and expressed concern about prolonged conflict. “This could go for years to come if they don’t have a clear exit strategy,” he warned.
Hennepin County’s chief prosecutor revealed Monday she is pursuing criminal charges against federal immigration agents following alleged misconduct during recent enforcement operations across the Twin Cities area.
County Attorney Mary Moriarty disclosed during a press briefing that her office is examining 17 separate incidents, including one where Border Patrol official Greg Bovino allegedly hurled a smoke device at demonstrators on January 21st. A separate January 7th incident involved federal agents conducting an arrest near a school while using chemical spray with students and faculty nearby.
“Make no mistake, we are not afraid of the legal fight, and we are committed to doing this correctly,” Moriarty declared. “Operation Metro Surge caused immeasurable harm to our community.”
Neither the Department of Homeland Security, which supervises Border Patrol operations, nor Bovino responded to requests for comment.
Bovino has become a prominent figure in the current administration’s immigration enforcement strategy, implementing aggressive methods during operations in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago and Los Angeles. During the Chicago operation, federal agents repeatedly used chemical agents for crowd control in residential areas, prompting a judge to require Bovino to wear recording equipment and make daily court appearances regarding the enforcement actions. However, that judicial order was reversed before his initial required appearance.
Federal agents adopted confrontational methods when managing protesters in Minneapolis-St. Paul and arrested multiple individuals who were whistling and filming arrests.
Bovino was ultimately reassigned from his leadership position in the Minnesota operation following fatal shootings by federal officers of two individuals: 37-year-old mother Renee Good and 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti, both killed on separate days in January. These deaths sparked nationwide protests and criticism of Department of Homeland Security force policies.
Moriarty’s office has established a digital platform where photographs, video footage and witness statements from any period during Operation Metro Surge can be submitted.
While the current administration has supported federal officers’ actions, Moriarty is clearly signaling that her office is “collecting evidence about all sorts of possible crimes,” according to Rachel Moran, who teaches criminal law and policing at University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis.
In situations where officers inappropriately deployed chemical weapons, forcibly threw individuals down or destroyed vehicle windows, Moran cited as examples, prosecutors might be examining assault or property destruction charges.
“These would be situations where the state has to determine: Is there evidence that agents acted unlawfully and outside the scope of their authorized duties?” Moran explained. “I think agents did illegal things here. I watched it.”
While federal officers carried out immigration enforcement across the entire Twin Cities region, Moriarty’s investigation will concentrate solely on events within Hennepin County, encompassing Minneapolis and numerous surrounding communities.
Her office is simultaneously investigating the deaths of Good and Pretti, and she expressed being “confident” about pursuing charges. Moriarty stated Monday that her office is ready to take legal action against the federal government to obtain requested evidence for the investigations if they don’t respond by Tuesday.
“The question is, should we charge in federal court? Do we expect the federal government to obstruct us? I would say they’re already doing that,” Moriarty commented.
The Department of Justice initiated a civil rights investigation into Pretti’s death but determined no civil rights probe was warranted for Good’s death. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has prevented state investigators from examining evidence in her case.
The DOJ and FBI did not respond to requests for comment.
Despite acknowledging the obstacles her office faces in prosecuting federal agents, Moriarty emphasized their dedication to transparency and accountability.
Mark Osler, who worked as criminal division director under Moriarty for one year during 2023 and 2024, believes the public can expect greater clarity regardless of whether charges result.
“One of the most important roles that prosecution has … is truth-telling, is to bring to the surface what actually happened at a given time,” stated Osler, currently a law professor at University of St. Thomas. “We’ll all know more than just what we saw in those initial videos by the time she’s done. I’m confident of that.”
A collection of America’s most treasured historical documents launched an unprecedented cross-country tour Monday as part of celebrations leading up to the nation’s 250th birthday milestone.
Documents that normally remain secured in climate-controlled storage facilities at the National Archives, including the 1783 Treaty of Paris that officially concluded the Revolutionary War and the 1774 Articles of Association encouraging colonists to refuse British products, are seldom relocated from their protected environment.
However, these priceless papers bearing the signatures of George Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and other founding fathers will travel nationwide for public viewing at no cost in community museums.
“It’s tangible history, and tangible history inspires,” said Jim Byron, senior adviser to the acting archivist of the United States. “These documents have not traveled, and they’ve certainly not traveled collectively, ever. They are here in vaults.”
The specially designated Boeing 737 “Freedom Plane” carrying these artifacts represents just one element of numerous nationwide activities planned to commemorate America’s approaching 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signing on July 4, 1776. Two separate organizations – the congressionally established America 250 commission and a White House-coordinated Freedom 250 program – are organizing commemorative events, creating some overlap that has drawn criticism in Washington.
Planned commemorative activities include traveling mobile museums touring the nation, a storytelling collection project, and a Great American State Fair scheduled for Washington D.C.’s National Mall. President Donald Trump has also revealed plans for “Patriot Games” featuring high school athletic competitions and UFC mixed-martial arts matches at the White House.
The aircraft departed Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Monday morning, heading first to Kansas City, Missouri, where the historical materials will be transferred to the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The collection features an original 1823 Declaration of Independence engraving created from the original copperplate, 1778 Oaths of Allegiance bearing signatures from George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and fellow Continental Army officers, plus a draft Constitution manuscript containing handwritten delegate annotations.
Additional tour destinations include Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, Miami, Dearborn (a Detroit suburb), and Seattle.
“The reality that these documents are leaving D.C. and coming to the heartland is fantastic,” said Matt Naylor, president and CEO of the National World War I Museum and Memorial, where they will be on display for a little over two weeks starting Friday. “There’s a lot of excitement about that and a lot of talk in and around the city about what that means.”
Naylor reported exceptional early interest, with area schools already scheduling visits for over 5,000 students.
“That’s indicating that there’s a lot of enthusiasm for this,” he said.
The “Freedom Plane” concept draws inspiration from the “American Freedom Train” that visited 48 states during 1975 and 1976 for the nation’s bicentennial celebration, transporting various American historical artifacts including original Louisiana Purchase documents, Judy Garland’s Wizard of Oz costume, and Jesse Owens’ 1936 Olympic gold medals.
MATHURA, India — The ancient Indian town of Mathura erupted in vibrant celebration as hundreds of devotees marked Holi, the beloved Hindu spring festival known for its explosion of colors and joyful traditions.
Crowds of participants, both men and women, converged on a local temple in this northern Indian community, which holds special significance as the legendary birthplace of Lord Krishna, a deeply cherished deity in Hindu tradition who is intimately connected to this colorful celebration.
The festival-goers, their faces painted with brilliant colored powders and their damp clothing clinging to their bodies, moved rhythmically to pulsing music that filled the air. The vibrant hues symbolize the abundance of spring, while the festival serves as an opportunity to release past resentments and strengthen bonds of friendship.
Behind the celebrating crowd, a large performance stage featured traditional folk performers who brought to life stories from Krishna’s mythology, particularly focusing on his romantic and playful relationship with Radha, his beloved companion.
According to Hindu legend, the dark-complexioned Krishna would playfully apply colored powder to Radha’s lighter skin to make her appearance more similar to his own, establishing the cherished custom of applying colors to one another’s faces during this festive occasion. This divine romance has long been celebrated in traditional Indian miniature artwork.
The theatrical performances continued with additional episodes depicting the Krishna-Radha story, much to the enjoyment of the enthusiastic audience.
While Mathura and other locations connected to Krishna’s legendary life story host extended celebrations lasting multiple days, March 4 represents the primary day of Holi observance, with festivities taking place throughout India.
AUSTIN, Texas — Federal investigators revealed Monday that the shooter who attacked patrons outside a busy Texas bar, leaving three dead and more than a dozen injured, had never been flagged by law enforcement agencies prior to the deadly incident.
Both FBI officials and Austin police emphasized it remains too early to determine what drove the mass shooting that occurred in the early morning hours Sunday. The federal bureau is examining the case as a possible terrorist act, particularly given the timing following recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran.
“Our ultimate goal in everything we do is to determine the motive,” Alex Doran, the acting agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio office, said during a news conference.
Authorities identified the deceased shooter as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, who was fatally shot by responding officers. According to a law enforcement source speaking to The Associated Press, Diagne wore clothing decorated with Iranian flag imagery and text reading “Property of Allah” during the assault.
The investigation involves reviewing thousands of hours of surveillance footage, with police reporting more than 150 witnesses requiring interviews.
“We are still in the early hours of this investigation,” said Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis.
Chief Davis confirmed that Diagne had legally purchased the firearms used in the attack several years earlier in San Antonio. She indicated that additional details about the suspect and police body camera recordings might be made public later this week.
The three victims were identified as 21-year-old Savitha Shan, 19-year-old Ryder Harrington, and 30-year-old Jorge Pederson.
Harrington had recently joined the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Texas Tech University in 2024, according to the organization’s Instagram statement.
“Ryder had a rare ability to truly enjoy life to make people laugh, to make moments feel bigger, and to make ordinary days unforgettable,” the fraternity said. “If anyone embodied what it meant to live fully and love deeply, it was Ryder.”
Texas Tech confirmed in their statement that Harrington was registered for the fall 2025 semester but wasn’t currently enrolled in classes.
“Our thoughts are with Ryder’s family, friends, and all those affected by this devastating situation,” the statement said.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Shan was pursuing dual degrees in management information systems and economics at the University of Texas at Austin.
University President Jim Davis called her death “devastating” and noted that several other students sustained injuries in the attack.
“Some of these are very serious and we are hoping for the best outcomes, while others are on the path to recovery,” he said in a statement. “I have met with many of these families and will continue to pray for them.”
Austin Police announced Monday evening that Pederson had died from his injuries.
Multiple sources familiar with the investigation, speaking anonymously due to restrictions on public discussion, revealed that the shooter originally hailed from Senegal.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Diagne initially arrived in the United States in 2000 using a B-2 tourist visa and gained lawful permanent residency six years later following his marriage to an American citizen.
Associated Press reporters were unsuccessful Monday in contacting Diagne’s family members in the Austin region or his former spouse, who was recently listed as residing near San Antonio. Someone at a residence associated with his ex-wife refused to provide comments and directed reporters to speak with investigators.
The violence erupted outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on Sixth Street, a popular entertainment district packed with bars and music venues near the University of Texas at Austin campus.
Police described how the gunman initially drove past the student-filled establishment before turning around and opening fire from his SUV at people on the sidewalk and inside the venue.
Witnesses inside the bar and across the street near a food truck either dropped to the ground for protection or stood frozen, struggling to comprehend the unfolding situation.
After a brief pause in the shooting, the suspect parked his vehicle, exited with a rifle, and continued firing at bystanders before officers arrived at the scene and fatally shot him, according to the police chief.
Within hours of the incident, FBI officials stated they had discovered “indicators” on the gunman and in his vehicle that prompted them to investigate potential terrorism connections.
Virginia’s structured hunting organizations trace their roots back over 150 years, with fox hunting groups being the first to establish formal competitive events through organized associations. In modern times, deer hunting organizations and their members oversee the majority of private hunting grounds across Virginia. Given that more than 95 percent of the state’s territory remains in private hands and whitetail deer stands as the primary big game species, these hunting organizations represent the vast majority of the deer hunting population.
The crisp November and December dawns continue to transport me back to the weekend mornings and holiday excursions I experienced as a young hunter in the late 1950s and early 1960s. During those formative years, I accompanied my Uncle Dickie and participated with his Chesterfield County Oakland Hunt Club.
Throughout that period, hunting with hounds in eastern Virginia was our standard approach, and most of rural Chesterfield County’s countryside remained accessible for hunting, with minimal posted restrictions. Property owners frequently welcomed a holiday ham or turkey as appreciation, and providing a deer hindquarter from animals harvested on their land was deeply valued. Club members owned the hunting dogs, and rather than formal membership fees, regular hat-passing for contributions was the customary funding method.
Following my high school graduation in 1968, I became a member of Spears Hunt Club located in the Skinquarter area of Western Chesterfield County. At the time, I was employed part-time at Vepco (currently known as Dominion Energy) while pursuing studies at John Tyler Community College. My colleague Bobby Moore became a close friend and facilitated my club membership. The yearly membership cost upon joining was $25.
During this time, formal hunting agreements with private property owners and hunting organizations began gaining popularity. When I assumed one of the club leadership positions, I would meet with area landowners prior to season opening to establish these agreements. The property owners from that era, similar to those I encounter currently, provided tremendous support.
Among my initial experiences as an organized hunt club member involved actively participating in the hunting process. Coordinating drives with the hounds and ensuring hunting stands were positioned in secure locations were responsibilities handled with utmost seriousness.
Nevertheless, the most meaningful aspect of hunt club membership has been developing relationships with fellow hunters who share similar interests and the positive experiences we create together.
Over the years, I have participated in two separate hunt clubs and maintained active involvement in both organizations. Previously, I authored a piece called “Safety Should Always Be The #1 Priority,” which highlighted the senior member of my Amelia Springs Hunt Club, who suffered an 11-foot fall from his elevated hunting structure in 2023, resulting in fractures to both legs.
Walter Link celebrated his 89th birthday on December 13, 2023. Following three surgical procedures and extensive prayers for his healing, our fellow hunter returned to club activities on the opening day of general firearm season. Walter represents not only a lifelong hunting enthusiast but also a skilled heavy equipment specialist. Throughout our club’s existence, he has operated bulldozers and backhoes for major projects under his supervision. Walter has consistently been dependable, and following his accident, the club decided to honor him with something meaningful.
Understanding his hunting structure’s deteriorated state, we proposed providing him with a Red Neck Elevated Blind. However, he preferred restoring his existing structure. When he expressed this preference, Allen Wells and Jack Bergman assumed responsibility for the renovation. With over $1,500 in supplies and multiple days of labor, the old hunting house was completely renewed.
The concluding portion of this extraordinary story occurred on the Friday after Thanksgiving Day. Walter harvested the largest buck taken on club property that season from the identical hunting structure he had fallen from the previous year. This became the highlight of the club’s 2024-2025 season, and we arranged for the buck to be mounted for display in the clubhouse dining area.
We maintain awareness of everyone’s hunting locations through our property map and magnets displaying club members’ names indicating their positions. Shane Rudd, who was hunting near Walter that afternoon, explained, “When I heard him shoot, I went straight to him to see if he needed any help.” This demonstrates how we care for one another and establish an example we can take pride in.
Membership Costs and Property Agreements
Circumstances have dramatically transformed since I joined a hunt club over 57 years ago and paid $25 in membership fees. Current membership costs frequently depend on the total number of club participants and overall acreage to be leased. I observe that some organizations’ membership fees begin at $500, while others exceed $2,000. Certain clubs organize fundraising events to help reduce expenses and support projects beyond what membership dues can cover. Hunt Club participants who collaborate effectively maintain strong unity.
Virginia hunting lease expenses can vary significantly, influenced by property size, game quality, and additional factors. Limited partnerships, corporations, timber companies, along with farms and family-owned properties, supply the hunting agreements for these clubs. Private landowners serve as the foundation of hunting and the opportunities we all appreciate.
Wildlife Management
When I began deer hunting, the statewide regulation established a two-buck maximum, and antlerless deer harvesting was gradually developing. “Traditional” deer hunting involved harvesting any legally antlered buck, which characterized my early hunting experience. Hunt club leadership during that period opposed shooting does, and this perspective persisted.
Currently, deer management goals have shifted toward population control and stabilization throughout much of Virginia. The transformation in deer management approach—from establishing and permitting herd growth to controlling population expansion—has been guided by cultural carrying capacity. Hunt clubs serve a significant function in achieving these goals.
The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has over 700 clubs and landowners participating in the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). Many of these hunting organizations implement Quality Deer Management by allowing young bucks to mature. These same clubs harvest more does to establish improved herd balance. DMAP was established in 1988, and the program has been essential in contemporary deer management for hunt clubs.
Hunt Club Brotherhood and Community Support
When hunt clubs assemble during and following hunting seasons, the fellowship creates the genuine spirit of brotherhood. Those days spent around the processing area, exchanging stories and celebrating others’ achievements, make all the effort and preparation worthwhile. The special club gatherings that include family, friends, and landowners create memorable occasions we can all appreciate.
I have discovered that membership in a respected hunt club proves extremely rewarding. When hunt clubs extend their reach beyond their organization to the community and those in need, it establishes a standard we can be proud of. The Hunters for the Hungry Program depends on hunt clubs for this assistance, which provides another opportunity to support the less fortunate. Clubs maintaining these standards receive recognition in public perception, and the organizations setting this example represent our values.
I have encountered hunters who maintain strong friendships, yet during hunting season would seldom communicate. Envy has no role in a hunt club. I am happy to report that the clubs I have participated with believe that harvesting a quality buck represents an achievement that all members value. Sharing the success with fellow club members truly unites a group of hunters and establishes the foundation for a solid, meaningful organization.
Participation in an established hunt club provides a very positive experience and has developed into year-round involvement. From pre-season and post-season scouting to constructing and maintaining food plots—these represent labors of love. The satisfaction of assisting another member in recovering and transporting their trophy buck to the processing area creates the enjoyment upon which memories are formed.
Virginia has never experienced a greater need for organized hunt clubs, and the support of our private landowners represents what we value most. With the backing of ethical, safety-conscious hunters who adhere to fair chase principles, this enduring tradition maintains a bright future!
Recommended Guidelines for Effective Hunt Clubs
Club participants and visitors must comply with all club regulations and state hunting laws; Members and visitors must maintain proper hunter ethics and safety practices; Members must share work responsibilities and club activities; Members will cooperate and avoid creating disputes; Members will support youth and guests for hunting’s future; Members and visitors will adhere to the club’s management protocols; Members and visitors will be prohibited from alcohol consumption while hunting; Members will assist fellow hunters with deer transportation and recovery; Members must ensure another club member knows their hunting location for emergency purposes; Members should consistently show courtesy to participating landowners and neighboring hunt clubs. Remember that hunting private land represents a privilege and each hunter bears the responsibility to protect those rights.
WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior is threatening disciplinary action against staff members who leaked internal documents showing how the Trump administration intended to alter historical narratives at national park locations across the country.
The leaked government database, initially covered by the Washington Post and published on public websites Monday, exposed extensive plans by the Trump administration to modify or eliminate content related to African-American history, LGBT rights, climate change, and other subjects at hundreds of national park facilities.
A spokesperson for the Interior Department dismissed the revelations, stating: “The narrative being advanced is false and these draft, deliberative internal documents are not a representation of final action taken by the department.” The National Park Service operates under Interior Department oversight.
President Trump has made targeting cultural and historical venues – including museums, monuments, and national parks – a priority in his effort to eliminate what he describes as “anti-American” ideology.
These directives and executive actions have resulted in the removal of slavery-related exhibits, the restoration of Confederate monuments, and other measures that civil rights organizations argue could undo decades of advancement.
The Interior Department spokesperson claimed the internal working papers were manipulated in a misleading manner prior to their public release. The spokesperson further characterized the leak as both inappropriate and unlawful, though did not cite which specific statute was allegedly broken.
“Employees who altered internal records and leaked in an effort to hurt the Trump administration will be held accountable,” the spokesperson stated.
The current administration has worked to suppress internal opposition within federal agencies and has taken disciplinary measures against workers who have spoken out against its initiatives.
In recent months, several Federal Emergency Management Agency staff members were placed on administrative leave following their signatures on a public letter criticizing agency leadership, while certain Environmental Protection Agency workers faced termination after signing a letter condemning government actions.
Japanese companies significantly increased their spending on factories and equipment during the final three months of last year, according to new government data released Tuesday by the Ministry of Finance.
Business investment climbed 6.5% compared to the same period in 2022, demonstrating continued strength in corporate spending even as Japan’s overall economic growth remains sluggish.
The positive investment figures will factor into updated economic growth calculations set to be released March 10, potentially boosting Japan’s gross domestic product numbers. This development arrives as Japanese officials work to encourage more business investment through targeted government funding in sectors considered crucial for national economic security.
“The data shows that overall capital expenditures have been firm,” said Kazutaka Maeda, an economist with Meiji Yasuda Research Institute, noting that the GDP numbers will likely see upward revisions.
Earlier preliminary reports indicated Japan’s economy expanded at just a 0.2% annual rate during the fourth quarter, falling short of predictions as rising prices hurt consumer spending and a trade deal with the United States failed to significantly boost exports.
Corporate investment in equipment and facilities reached 15.4 trillion yen ($97.9 billion) from October through December, setting a new quarterly record. This marked the fourth consecutive quarter of growth, with the pace accelerating from the prior quarter’s 2.9% yearly increase. When adjusted for seasonal factors, investment grew 3.5% from the July-September period.
The Ministry of Finance data also revealed that company sales increased 0.7% in the fourth quarter year-over-year, while recurring profits jumped 4.7%.
Japanese business investment has remained relatively strong in recent years as companies upgrade outdated, inefficient equipment to address persistent worker shortages caused by the country’s declining population.
The end of Japan’s long period of falling prices has also encouraged businesses to accelerate their investment plans, expecting higher equipment costs in the future.
Economic analysts suggest upcoming government initiatives designed to stimulate corporate spending – including direct capital investments, subsidies, and tax incentives – could meaningfully boost the economy.
Mizuho Research & Technologies projects these measures will increase business investment by approximately 1%, counteracting any negative effects from rising interest rates.
The research firm anticipates real business investment growth of 2.7% in fiscal year 2026, beginning April 1, followed by 2.5% growth in fiscal 2027.
However, Meiji Yasuda’s Maeda questioned whether government funding alone would directly motivate companies to invest more, noting that businesses already possess adequate profits to fund capital spending if they choose to do so.
“By putting in some money, the government hopes to nudge firms toward becoming investment‑oriented, but I’m not entirely convinced,” Maeda explained. “Growing external risks, such as tensions in the Middle East and tariff issues, complicate firms’ willingness to invest.”
American soccer midfielder Weston McKennie has committed his future to Italian soccer powerhouse Juventus, inking a new deal that will keep him in Turin until 2030.
The U.S. men’s national team star finalized his contract extension with the Serie A giants on Monday, just one week after reports surfaced that negotiations were nearing completion. According to ESPN, McKennie’s new agreement guarantees him $7 million annually over four years with no additional options included.
McKennie joined Juventus in 2021 and has remained with the club since then, except for a brief loan spell with Leeds United in 2023. His previous deal was scheduled to run out following this season.
During his tenure with Juventus, McKennie has found the back of the net 26 times across 220 matches in all competitions since arriving in 2021. This campaign has been particularly productive for the midfielder, who has netted eight goals in 38 appearances. On the international stage, McKennie has contributed 11 goals over 62 matches for the United States since earning his first cap in 2017.
The timing of McKennie’s contract extension positions him as a key figure for the U.S. national team heading into this summer’s World Cup, where all American matches will take place on American territory.
Global oil prices continued their upward climb Tuesday, marking three consecutive days of increases as tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran intensify, sparking fears of major supply chain disruptions from the crucial Middle Eastern oil-producing region.
Brent crude futures reached $78.83 per barrel, gaining $1.10 or 1.4% by early Tuesday. The previous day saw the contract spike to $82.37, marking its peak level since January 2025, before settling with a 6.7% increase despite losing some ground.
Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed 74 cents to $71.97 per barrel, representing a 1% increase. Monday’s trading session initially pushed the contract to its highest point since June 2025 before pulling back, though it still closed up 6.3%.
Market analyst Tony Sycamore from IG warned of continued risks in a recent note, stating: “With no quick de-escalation in sight, the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed and Iran showing a willingness to target energy infrastructure in the region, upside risks remain and they grow the longer the conflict drags on.”
Monday brought an expansion of the ongoing air campaign between the U.S. and Israel against Iran, with Israeli forces launching attacks on Lebanon while Iran retaliated by striking energy facilities in Gulf nations and targeting vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway typically handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s daily crude oil shipments, along with tankers transporting diesel, gasoline and other petroleum products to major Asian consumers like China and India. Additionally, roughly 20% of global liquefied natural gas passes through this crucial shipping lane.
Maritime traffic has begun avoiding the area as insurance companies have withdrawn coverage for vessels attempting passage through the strait.
Concerns about safe passage have intensified following reports from Iranian media Monday, where a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards official declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and threatened to attack any vessel attempting to transit the waterway.
Earlier Monday, the Revolutionary Guards reported that a fuel tanker flying the Honduran flag, the Athe Nova, caught fire in the strait after being struck by two drone attacks, according to Iranian news outlets.
Market experts anticipate oil prices will stay elevated in the coming days as traders monitor the impact of the escalating Middle Eastern conflict.
Investment firm Bernstein revised its 2026 Brent crude price forecast Monday, raising it from $65 to $80 per barrel, while projecting potential prices of $120-$150 in scenarios involving extended conflict.
Refined petroleum product futures are also climbing since the Middle East serves as a major fuel supplier and processing facilities face potential threats. Saudi Arabia was forced to shut down its largest domestic oil refinery Monday following a drone attack.
U.S. ultra-low-sulfur diesel futures increased 3.1% to $2.991 after hitting a two-year high Monday, while gasoline futures rose 1.1% following the previous session’s 3.7% gain.
European gasoil futures jumped 2.7% to $909.50 per metric ton, after Monday’s dramatic 18% surge.
Job seekers across the Eastern Shore will have access to numerous employment opportunities at an upcoming career fair scheduled for April 1st in Snow Hill, Worcester County officials announced.
The comprehensive employment and resource event will bring together employers from various industries looking to fill positions, offering attendees a chance to explore different career paths in one convenient location.
Worcester County is organizing the fair to help connect local residents with available jobs and provide access to career resources that can assist in professional development and job placement.
The timing of the fair comes as many businesses continue seeking qualified workers across different sectors, making it an opportune moment for those looking to advance their careers or find new employment.
Additional details about participating employers, specific job openings, and event logistics are expected to be released as the April 1st date approaches.
Motorists traveling on Route 7 should prepare for traffic disruptions as the Delaware Department of Transportation begins construction work that will require periodic lane restrictions.
The project will affect both northbound and southbound lanes along the stretch of roadway between Christiana Meadows and East Songsmith Drive. DelDOT officials indicate the lane closures will occur intermittently as construction crews complete their work.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes when possible during the construction period. The department has not provided specific dates or times for when the lane restrictions will be in effect.
SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis remains out of action due to an ongoing health condition that has kept him off the court for more than a week.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr described the situation as puzzling before Monday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. “It’s a little mysterious,” Kerr explained. “We’re obviously working with him and hoping that he can get some clarity and he can kind of break through and get to a point to where he’s consistently healthy. But that’s something that the medical staff is working hard on with him.”
The towering center had rejoined team practice on Friday and appeared on the injury report as questionable for Saturday’s home defeat to the Lakers. However, he was unable to suit up Monday night, marking his fifth consecutive absence due to illness. Team officials haven’t confirmed whether Porzingis will join the squad for their upcoming three-game road series.
Kerr revealed he had a conversation with Porzingis on Monday morning. “We had a good chat. He’s doing fine,” the coach stated. “He’s obviously wanting to be back and wanting answers and we’ll keep supporting him.”
The 7-foot-2 player from Latvia first took the court for Golden State on February 19th against his previous team, the Boston Celtics, following a trade deal with Atlanta. Since that debut performance, he hasn’t been able to return to game action. This season, Porzingis has only participated in 18 contests, posting averages of 16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
PHOENIX (AP) — Team USA manager Mark DeRosa announced Monday that San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb will take the mound as the starting pitcher when the United States faces Brazil in their World Baseball Classic opener this Friday evening.
DeRosa also revealed his pitching rotation for the tournament’s pool play phase, naming two-time American League Cy Young Award recipient Tarik Skubal as Saturday’s starter against Britain, while National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes is slated to pitch against Mexico on Monday.
The manager indicated that New York Mets right-handed pitcher Nolan McLean is provisionally set to start Tuesday’s final pool game against Italy, though McLean missed Monday’s team practice due to illness and his status remains uncertain.
“It’s set up,” DeRosa explained. “There are obviously guardrails for the tournament to begin with, pitch-count wise, but there’s also guardrails for guys having to throw on certain days to get ready for their team’s opening day.”
Before heading to Houston for the Brazil matchup, Team USA will participate in a pair of exhibition contests in Arizona on Tuesday and Wednesday. Skenes is scheduled to start Tuesday’s exhibition against the Giants, with DeRosa confirming that Matthew Boyd, Gabe Speier, David Bednar, Griffin Jax and Mason Miller will also see action on the mound.
According to DeRosa, Skubal will make only one World Baseball Classic appearance for the United States before returning to the Detroit Tigers to continue spring training preparations.
Recent headlines about international conflicts and other troubling events have left many people feeling overwhelmed as they wake up to news alerts, social media feeds, and dinner table discussions dominated by distressing stories.
Mental health professionals emphasize that experiencing stress and anxiety from current events – or feeling like the world has suddenly become chaotic – represents a completely normal human response, though finding healthy ways to manage these feelings remains crucial for psychological well-being.
“Fear, sadness, confusion… these are very normal reactions to very extreme circumstances,” explained Michael S. Ziffra, a Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine professor and psychiatrist, in comments to The Associated Press. “People shouldn’t feel guilty, or they shouldn’t feel like it’s wrong to feel anxiety. It’s a very normal human response. The key is to know how to manage it.”
Ziffra reports that beginning in 2020 – when the COVID-19 pandemic, social upheaval, and natural disasters dominated headlines – he has “absolutely, without question” observed more patients discussing heightened anxiety triggered by current events.
His patients describe various responses: some need to vent their feelings, others discuss compulsive social media browsing, while many express emotions of powerlessness and frustration.
Mental health experts stress that these reactions are completely expected and natural. Sometimes these feelings can even lead to constructive outcomes – motivating people to engage in advocacy work, participate in social or political groups, or reach out to elected officials.
Many individuals respond by seeking additional information about unfolding events. However, like most aspects of life, maintaining balance proves essential.
“The problem is, for a lot of people, they just kind of wallow in it. They ruminate and obsess and just sort of stew in it,” Ziffra noted.
Today’s digital environment places virtually unlimited information just one click away – or even closer, with social media algorithms automatically delivering content and phone notifications interrupting daily routines. People now have constant access to round-the-clock news coverage, while smartphone cameras can instantly capture and spread disaster footage and images within moments.
Dana Rose Garfin, a psychologist and professor at University of California, Los Angeles, has spent years examining “cascading collective traumas” and studying how continuous media coverage of COVID increased public anxiety. She observes that modern news consumption patterns differ dramatically from past habits.
Rather than reading a daily newspaper or watching evening news once per day, people today experience “much more exposure” to current events.
This increased exposure leads to distress as people learn about disasters and breaking news developments.
“In terms of any kind of crisis, people turn to the media for information. And that’s a very logical, rational and helpful reaction,” Garfin explained.
“But, what we’ve seen in our research is there’s this sort of reciprocal effect. An event happens, people learn about it, they turn to the media to learn more about it, and they’re really distressed,” she continued, describing how this creates a difficult cycle to escape. “It sort of activates these processes where then they’re both more distressed and want to know more about this event because they’re distressed.”
While experts acknowledge people’s natural desire to stay informed about current events, they offer guidance for consuming news responsibly without becoming overwhelmed or emotionally drained. Their primary recommendation involves reducing or eliminating social media use and compulsive “doomscrolling.”
“I don’t immerse myself in social media, and that’s a very conscious decision on my part to protect my own mental, and physical, health,” stated Roxane Cohen Silver, a University of California, Irvine psychologist who collaborated on research with Garfin. She expressed particular concern about disturbing images and videos that spread rapidly on social media platforms, potentially causing distress and lasting anxiety through repeated viewing.
“I think that one can stay informed without immersing oneself in graphic images,” she emphasized.
Garfin recommends discovering more “enjoyable” methods for staying informed, such as reading thoughtful news articles, listening to podcasts, or watching news programs. “That’s different than this kind of letting the algorithm suck you in for eternity in a mindless fashion.”
Experts also encourage people to use timers when browsing their phones. Both iPhone and Android systems offer built-in features to help monitor and limit screen time.
Ziffra advises selecting unbiased news sources. “Try to avoid things where it’s very partisan and where there’s going to be a lot of inflammatory content, because that’s going to likely exacerbate your anxiety and make you feel anxious, angry, scared.”
Even when concerning news events occur thousands of miles away and don’t directly affect someone reading about them, they can still trigger significant stress and anxiety. For this reason, medical professionals encourage people to develop alternative coping strategies.
“People have a lot of inherent knowledge of what helps them… and things that they find comfort in, which is different for everybody,” Garfin observed.
Mental health professionals recommend various approaches for redirecting attention, including breathing techniques, walking, pursuing hobbies, socializing with friends, consulting therapists, engaging in creative activities, and practicing self-care.
“Things that are going to get your mind off of all of the obsessing and worrying and really putting your thoughts on something more positive,” Ziffra suggested.
Pop superstar Justin Timberlake has taken legal action to prevent police body camera footage from his 2024 drunk driving arrest in New York’s Hamptons from becoming public.
Legal representatives for the former NSYNC member filed a lawsuit on Monday targeting the village of Sag Harbor and its police force, claiming that making the video public would “devastate” Timberlake’s privacy by exposing “intimate, highly personal, and sensitive details.”
The attorneys further contended that releasing the footage would inflict “severe and irreparable harm” on his standing by exposing him to “public ridicule and harassment.”
According to court documents, “The footage at issue depicts Petitioner in an acutely vulnerable state during a roadside encounter with law enforcement, capturing intimate details of Petitioner’s physical appearance, demeanor, speech, and conduct during field sobriety testing, the subsequent arrest, and Petitioner’s confinement following arrest over the next several hours.”
During Monday’s court session in Riverhead, Judge Joseph Farneti did not issue an immediate decision, according to Vincent Toomey, who represents Sag Harbor. The judge instead requested both parties work toward a potential agreement and provide an update later this week.
Timberlake’s legal team did not respond to requests for comment.
The Tennessee-born entertainer entered a guilty plea to impaired driving charges in September 2024. Law enforcement reported that he failed to stop at a stop sign in the village center, drifted from his lane, and exited his BMW with the smell of alcohol on him that June.
The performer informed officers that he had consumed a single martini and was driving behind friends to their destination in Sag Harbor, a historic whaling community nestled among the exclusive coastal towns of the Hamptons, located about 100 miles east of New York City.
As part of his plea agreement, which reduced his original misdemeanor charge to a non-criminal traffic infraction, Timberlake committed to recording a public safety message warning against drunk driving. His sentence also included a $500 penalty, 25 hours of community service, and a 90-day driver’s license suspension.
“Even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car,” Timberlake stated after his court hearing. “This is a mistake that I made, but I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have.”
Timberlake’s lawyers revealed in their filing that they received notification on Sunday that village authorities planned to release portions of the footage with certain information blacked out to satisfy public records requests.
The complete video recording spans approximately eight hours and contains Timberlake’s traffic stop, police interrogation, field sobriety test administration, and his arrest.
The Associated Press joined several news organizations in requesting access to the video footage.
Sag Harbor Mayor Thomas Gardella stated that village leadership has thoroughly examined the footage to guarantee that nothing released would endanger police officers or community members.
“We’re trying to be as transparent as can be with this footage,” he explained, pointing out that state public records legislation typically mandates the release of police body camera recordings.
A major private equity company is reportedly on the verge of finalizing a massive acquisition that could reshape the shipping technology industry, according to Bloomberg News sources with knowledge of the negotiations.
Thoma Bravo, a Chicago-based investment firm specializing in software companies, is in final discussions to acquire WWEX Group, a logistics services provider, in a transaction that would establish a shipping technology giant valued at up to $12 billion.
The acquisition deal places WWEX’s worth at approximately $5 billion, with sources indicating an announcement could come as early as Tuesday, Bloomberg reported on Monday.
According to the report, Thoma Bravo intends to merge WWEX with Auctane, an existing company in their investment portfolio that provides shipping software solutions for online retailers.
When contacted for verification, representatives from Thoma Bravo did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment. WWEX Group, which operates under the Worldwide Express brand among others, also declined to offer any statement regarding the potential deal.
The company behind ChatGPT is updating its partnership with the Pentagon to establish clearer boundaries on how its artificial intelligence technology can be used, CEO Sam Altman announced Monday.
Altman revealed on social media platform X that OpenAI is collaborating with the Department of Defense to incorporate new provisions into their existing contract that will better define the company’s operating principles.
“We have been working with the DoW (Department of War) to make some additions in our agreement to make our principles very clear,” Altman stated in his online post.
According to Altman, a key modification ensures that intelligence agencies such as the National Security Agency will be prohibited from accessing OpenAI’s services under the current arrangement. He explained that any future work with these agencies would necessitate separate contract adjustments.
The announcement follows last week’s revelation that the artificial intelligence company had struck a deal to implement its technology within the Defense Department’s secure, classified computer systems.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney landed in Australia Tuesday for diplomatic talks focused on strengthening the partnership between two nations he describes as “middle powers” navigating what he calls a “rupture” in global stability.
Both countries, which maintain strong alliances with the United States, are conducting these discussions as conflicts intensify in the Middle East. The leaders plan to enhance collaboration, particularly as both nations serve as major suppliers of essential minerals.
Carney’s current diplomatic tour spans multiple destinations across the Asia-Pacific, including Japan and India, where he has already secured trade agreements and worked to repair relationships with New Delhi following a year of tensions over Sikh separatist issues.
The relationship between Canada and Australia remains strong, with both governments planning to expand partnership efforts in defense operations, maritime security, essential mineral resources, commerce, and artificial intelligence development, according to statements from Carney’s administration prior to his arrival.
During his visit, Carney will speak before Australia’s parliament and hold discussions with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Last week, Albanese characterized Canada as among Australia’s “closest friends, built on generations of trust” and advocated for stronger connections to advance mutual national objectives.
Western governments are working to establish their own reserves of critical minerals essential for semiconductor manufacturing and defense equipment production, as China—currently the world’s leading producer—restricts supply chains.
“There’s a lot Canada and Australia can do together on critical minerals as producer nations,” Australian Resources Minister Madeline King stated Monday when discussing Carney’s diplomatic visit.
During a prominent address at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, Carney emphasized the importance of “middle powers” forming closer partnerships.
“Middle powers must act together because if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu,” he declared.
At Wednesday’s scheduled appearance at Sydney’s Lowy Institute think tank, Carney plans to expand on these themes, discussing changes in international dynamics and the potential advantages they present for nations like Canada and Australia.
Ocean Pines utility customers in several neighborhoods should prepare for water service interruptions scheduled for Tuesday, March 4th.
The planned outage will impact residents living in the Windjammer, Sandyhook, Capetown, and Essex Court communities within Ocean Pines.
The utility disruption notice was posted on Monday evening, March 2nd, giving residents advance warning to make necessary preparations for the temporary loss of water service.
Residents in these specific areas should plan accordingly by storing water for drinking, cooking, and other essential needs during the scheduled maintenance period.
Worcester County’s Fire Training Center will be the site of an emergency services training event next month.
The training session is set for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, running from 12:00 p.m. through 6:00 p.m. at the county’s fire training facility.
The event was announced by Worcester County officials on Monday, March 2nd. No additional details about the specific nature of the emergency services training or participating agencies have been released at this time.
Worcester County officials have scheduled a human resources training session for Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Fire Training Center.
The HR Classroom event is planned to run from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., providing a four-hour educational opportunity for participants.
The training session was announced on Monday, March 2, 2026, and will be held at Worcester County’s Fire Training Center facility.
Additional details about the specific curriculum, registration requirements, or target audience for the HR training have not been released at this time.
Drivers using Interstate 495 southbound in New Castle County are facing lane restrictions due to active construction operations.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that the right travel lane is currently blocked between Exit 4 and Exit 3 on the southbound side of I-495. The lane closure is scheduled to remain in effect until 5 a.m.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when navigating through the construction zone. Traffic may experience delays during the closure period.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials announced that construction activities will force the temporary shutdown of a key turning lane in New Castle County.
The right turn lane connecting westbound US Route 40 to northbound Delaware Route 7 will be unavailable to drivers during the construction period. DelDOT has not specified the duration of the closure or provided details about the nature of the construction work taking place.
Motorists who regularly use this route should prepare for potential traffic delays and consider using alternative paths to reach their destinations. The closure affects one of the busier intersections in the area, where US-40 meets Route 7.
DelDOT continues to monitor traffic conditions and will provide updates as the construction project progresses.
Weather officials have issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Delmarva Peninsula, alerting residents to prepare for challenging conditions through Monday morning.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey announced the advisory Saturday evening at 8:49 PM, with the warning set to remain in effect until 8:00 AM on Monday, March 3rd.
Local residents should monitor weather conditions closely and take appropriate precautions during the advisory period. The warning suggests that winter weather conditions may create hazardous situations for travel and outdoor activities across Delaware and the surrounding Delmarva region.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on changing weather conditions and plan accordingly for potential impacts to their Monday morning commute and weekend activities.
The nation’s highest court has prevented New York state from moving forward with plans to redraw congressional district boundaries, delivering a victory to Republican party interests.
The legal dispute focuses on New York’s 11th congressional district, which covers Staten Island along with a portion of Brooklyn. State officials had sought to modify these district lines during the current term.
This Supreme Court decision blocks those redistricting efforts, maintaining the current congressional map configuration in New York. The ruling represents a significant development in ongoing nationwide battles over electoral district boundaries.
Congressional redistricting has become a contentious political issue across the United States, with both major parties seeking to influence how district lines are drawn to potentially affect election outcomes.
WASHINGTON – Federal officials issued an urgent evacuation order Monday, directing American citizens to leave 15 Middle Eastern nations immediately following escalating military actions between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The State Department’s assistant secretary for consular affairs, Mora Namdar, instructed U.S. nationals to utilize any available commercial flights to exit the region “due to safety risks.”
The evacuation directive encompasses Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. This follows the department’s recent updates to regional travel advisories warning Americans against visiting these areas.
Earlier Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan, confirmed its staff had evacuated the facility “due to a threat.”
Federal authorities have established an inter-agency emergency task force to handle the crisis and coordinate America’s response to the expanding conflict, according to a U.S. official.
The escalation began Saturday when American and Israeli forces launched coordinated attacks on Iranian targets, resulting in the deaths of numerous high-ranking officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with counter-strikes against U.S. and Israeli positions throughout the region.
President Donald Trump indicated Monday that military planners initially estimated the conflict would span four to five weeks, though he acknowledged it could extend beyond that timeframe.
The regional warfare has claimed numerous lives and triggered a surge in energy costs after Iranian leadership threatened to target vessels attempting passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Energy Secretary Chris Wright plan to unveil measures Tuesday aimed at addressing rising energy prices, according to the nation’s top diplomat, Marco Rubio.
“We anticipated this could be an issue, and Secretary Wright and Bessent will begin to roll out those steps, starting tomorrow, to mitigate, to mitigate against the impact that could have,” Rubio stated before briefing congressional leadership about the strikes.
Former President Bill Clinton has revealed that Donald Trump once spoke to him about enjoying ‘great times’ with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender, according to sworn testimony released Monday.
The revelation came during Clinton’s videotaped testimony before the House Oversight Committee, where he described a conversation with Trump at a golf tournament sometime between 2002 and 2003.
During that exchange, Clinton testified under oath, Trump mentioned their past friendship before it deteriorated. ‘Somehow he knew I had flown in Jeffrey Epstein’s aircraft,’ Clinton recounted to lawmakers. ‘He said, ‘You know, we had some great times together over the years, but we fell out all because of a real estate deal.”
According to Trump’s previous statements, his friendship with Epstein ended after the financier recruited young women who were employed at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.
Clinton emphasized that Trump’s comments did not suggest any improper conduct involving Epstein. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Clinton’s testimony.
Both former presidents had connections to Epstein prior to his 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Neither Clinton nor Trump has faced criminal charges related to Epstein, and both have maintained they witnessed no evidence of sex trafficking activities.
The wealthy financier, who hosted numerous business and political figures at his luxury properties in New York, Florida, and the Caribbean, was taken into custody again in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges. He died in his jail cell later that year in what authorities determined was suicide.
During the Trump administration, the Justice Department made public millions of documents from Epstein investigations, including photographs showing Clinton with women whose identities were concealed.
Clinton has consistently denied any wrongdoing while expressing regret about his past association with Epstein.
In his recent testimony, Clinton explained that former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers introduced him to Epstein, describing the financier as a philanthropist willing to provide private jet transportation for Clinton’s global AIDS foundation work. Clinton acknowledged using Epstein’s aircraft for international trips to Asia, Africa, and Europe, plus one domestic flight, but said he stopped accepting such assistance after 2003.
‘I thought Mr. Epstein was an interesting man, but I didn’t think he was really interested in what I was doing,’ Clinton stated during his testimony.
The former president denied having any sexual contact with individuals connected to Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, though he did acknowledge receiving a neck massage from a flight attendant who was later identified as an Epstein abuse victim. Clinton said he was unaware of Epstein’s history of abusing young women recruited as masseuses.
‘I didn’t think it was anything unusual. I can’t tell you how many airplanes I’ve been on where rich people asked me to go and they had someone offering massage. All these boats that you go on and all that, they all do that. And usually I don’t do that,’ he explained.
Clinton also testified that he never traveled to Epstein’s private Caribbean island and was unaware that Epstein had visited the White House 17 times during his presidency from 1993 to 2001.
The Republican-controlled committee also issued a subpoena to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who testified last week that she had no recollection of ever meeting Epstein.
AUSTIN, Texas — Federal and local authorities are investigating a weekend shooting at an Austin nightclub as a possible terrorist attack after a gunman killed two people and injured 14 others before police shot him dead.
The violence erupted early Sunday morning when the shooter targeted Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden in Austin’s popular Sixth Street entertainment area. According to a law enforcement source who spoke to The Associated Press, the attacker wore clothing featuring an Iranian flag pattern and text reading “Property of Allah.”
The incident occurred following recent military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. FBI agents and Austin police continue examining what motivated the deadly assault, which caused panicked patrons and pedestrians to flee for safety.
According to police reports, the shooter initially drove by the establishment before returning and opening fire from his vehicle at people both inside the venue and on nearby sidewalks early Sunday morning.
University students present during the attack either dropped to the ground seeking protection or froze in place inside the bar and near a food truck across the street, struggling to comprehend the unfolding violence.
After a brief pause in gunfire, authorities say the attacker parked his vehicle, exited with a rifle, and continued shooting at bystanders until responding officers arrived at the scene and fatally wounded him.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis named the deceased victims as Savitha Shan, 21, and Ryder Harrington, 19.
According to a social media statement from the organization, Harrington had recently become a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Texas Tech University in 2024.
The targeted establishment sits along Sixth Street, a popular entertainment corridor packed with drinking establishments and live music venues near the University of Texas flagship campus. The institution ranks among America’s largest universities, serving approximately 55,000 students.
Nathan Comeaux, a 22-year-old senior who was at the location with friends that evening, described the scene: “full of college students, probably mostly UT kids, shoulder to shoulder, hundreds just enjoying their nights.”
University President Jim Davis acknowledged that some of those impacted were “members of our Longhorn family,” referencing the school’s mascot.
Following the shooting, law enforcement cordoned off multiple city blocks surrounding Sixth Street. Federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives worked alongside local investigators at the crime scene.
Both FBI officials and Austin police stated Monday that determining the shooter’s motivation remains premature.
Authorities identified the gunman as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne. Police Chief Davis confirmed that Diagne had legally purchased both the handgun and rifle used in the attack years earlier in San Antonio.
Multiple sources familiar with the investigation, speaking anonymously due to restrictions on public discussion, revealed that Diagne originally came from Senegal.
Department of Homeland Security records show he initially arrived in the United States in 2000 using a B-2 tourist visa, later obtaining permanent residency status in 2006 following his marriage to an American citizen.
Associated Press journalists were unsuccessful Monday in contacting Diagne’s local family members or his former spouse, who was recently documented as residing in the San Antonio area. An individual at a residence associated with his ex-wife refused to provide comments and directed reporters to speak with investigators.
The entertainment zone maintains substantial police coverage during weekends, enabling officers to engage the shooter within sixty seconds of receiving the initial emergency call, according to the police chief.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson commended the rapid response from law enforcement and emergency personnel.
“They definitely saved lives,” he said.
Comeaux, the University of Texas Austin student, recorded video of the suspect approaching Buford’s while aiming his weapon at officers before police returned fire.
“The shooter was walking towards where I was and towards where the bar was, where there could have been 10 times as much damage if he’d gone back to the bar where hundreds of students were hiding,” Comeaux said. “So I’m just very grateful for the heroic police officers who were able to stop the suspect.”
Minneapolis-area prosecutors announced Monday they are examining possible criminal conduct by federal immigration enforcement officers during a controversial operation that resulted in the deaths of two American citizens.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty revealed her office has launched an investigation into what she termed “potentially unlawful behavior” by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge, an immigration crackdown that faced strong community opposition earlier this year.
The prosecutor’s office has established an online portal where residents can submit video footage and other evidence of incidents involving Gregory Bovino, a Border Patrol official who previously referred to himself as “commander at large,” along with other federal agents suspected of criminal activity.
“We will investigate and pursue charging where appropriate, and we’ll seek collaboration with local law enforcement wherever and whenever needed,” Moriarty stated during a news conference. “Make no mistake, we are not afraid of any legal fight.”
While recognizing the challenges in prosecuting federal agents who have substantial legal protections, Moriarty emphasized: “There is no absolute immunity for federal agents.”
The Department of Homeland Security, which supervises both Border Patrol and ICE operations, has not yet responded to requests for comment. Moriarty noted that federal authorities have provided no information to her office regarding the investigation.
The county attorney had previously created similar evidence-gathering portals concerning the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents. Those death investigations remain active, according to Moriarty.
The immigration enforcement campaign started in early December. Following the controversial shootings, President Donald Trump’s Border czar Tom Homan assumed control of the operation in late January, replacing Bovino, who has faced significant criticism from Democratic officials and civil rights advocates for his management of enforcement actions in Minnesota and other states.
According to a January report in The Atlantic, citing a Homeland Security official and two knowledgeable sources, Bovino was reassigned from his traveling enforcement role back to his previous position as Border Patrol sector chief in El Centro, California. Neither the White House nor the Department of Homeland Security has confirmed Bovino’s current assignment status.
After taking over, Homan met with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, establishing a more cooperative approach. In February, Homan announced the departure of thousands of agents from the area, while stating that immigration enforcement activities would continue.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has responded to Iranian allegations that more than 160 people were killed when a girls’ elementary school was struck during weekend military operations between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Iranian state media claimed the deadly incident occurred at a school in Minab, a town in southern Iran, on Saturday during the opening day of coordinated U.S. and Israeli military action against Iran. The reported casualties would make it the most lethal single event in the current conflict.
When questioned by reporters Monday about the alleged school strike, Rubio emphasized that American military policy prohibits such attacks. “The United States would not deliberately target a school,” Rubio stated, adding that “The Department of War would be investigating that if that was our strike, and I would refer your question to them.”
Rubio acknowledged the severity of the allegations while noting the lack of confirmed details. “It will be very tragic, but I can’t speak to the details behind it because I just don’t have it. It will be a tragic outcome if it’s happened. I don’t have the details as to what led to it but what is clear is that the United States will not deliberately target a school,” he explained.
The Pentagon and U.S. Central Command have not provided official statements regarding the specific incident. However, Central Command informed media organizations over the weekend that it was “looking into” reports concerning “civilian harm resulting from ongoing military operations.”
The alleged attack has drawn sharp criticism from international figures and organizations. Both UNESCO, the United Nations’ cultural and educational agency, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Malala Yousafzai have denounced the reported strike. Under international humanitarian law, intentional attacks on schools, hospitals, and other civilian infrastructure constitute war crimes.
U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Rosemary DiCarlo confirmed Monday that she was aware of the Iranian reports regarding the deaths and noted that American officials have indicated they are examining the claims.
Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon, when asked about the strike that Iranian media attributed to both Israel and the United States, said he had encountered varying accounts of the incident, including reports suggesting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was responsible for targeting the school.
Reuters has been unable to verify the reports independently.
The current air campaign by U.S. and Israeli forces against Iran commenced Saturday with strikes on Tehran and has expanded as Iran has launched retaliatory attacks.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed during the weekend operations. President Donald Trump has indicated the military campaign may continue for several weeks.
Detroit Lions management decided Monday to part ways with veteran offensive lineman Graham Glasgow, ending his seven-year tenure with the franchise.
The decision will provide Detroit with $5.5 million in salary cap relief, coming on the same day the organization traded running back David Montgomery to Houston.
Glasgow, who became a cornerstone of Detroit’s offensive line throughout his time there, shared an emotional goodbye message on social media following his departure.
“I’m grateful for the 7 years I’ve spent as a Detroit Lion,” he wrote. “I’m thankful for the great teammates, coaches, and friends I had along the way. I love this city and the fans that have supported me for the better part of a decade. There truly was no place I would have rather been.”
The veteran lineman continued his heartfelt message, reflecting on his entire experience with the organization.
“Whether the times were good or bad, I’m proud of the time that I was able to spend here. Detroit and being a Lion has had a huge impact on making me into the man that I am today, and because of that, it will always hold a special place in my heart,” Glasgow added.
He concluded by expressing his continued support for his former team and teammates.
“I wish the Lions, especially my former teammates, nothing but the best. I will always be a fan of the guys who I took the field with, and I’ll always be a fan of the team that changed my life. Thank you!”
At 33 years old, Glasgow now faces the choice of either hanging up his cleats or seeking opportunities with another NFL franchise.
Detroit selected Glasgow in the third round of the 2016 draft, and he immediately established himself as a reliable starter, playing both guard and center positions. After his initial four-year stint with the Lions, he joined Denver as a free agent in 2020, spending three seasons with the Broncos before rejoining Detroit in 2023 as the team was building momentum as an NFC contender.
Throughout his NFL career, Glasgow has participated in 147 games with 136 starts to his credit. Last season demonstrated his discipline, as he was flagged for only two penalties across 895 total snaps, including 872 on offense.
WASHINGTON – Federal intelligence officials are warning that the United States could face retaliatory strikes from Iran and its allied groups following the weekend death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to a government assessment obtained by news outlets.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis issued the threat evaluation on February 28, stating that Iranian forces and proxy organizations “probably” present a risk for targeted strikes within American borders, though officials believe a major physical assault remains improbable.
Intelligence analysts indicate their primary immediate worry centers on Iran-supported “hacktivists” launching smaller-scale digital warfare against American computer systems, including website vandalism and coordinated service disruption attacks.
“Although a large-scale physical attack is unlikely, Iran and its proxies probably pose a persistent threat of targeted attacks in the Homeland, and will almost certainly escalate retaliatory actions — or calls to action — if reports of the Ayatollah’s death are confirmed,” the DHS document stated.
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet provided a response to requests for additional information.
Iranian officials on Sunday verified reports confirming Khamenei’s death during Saturday’s military operation, which was first disclosed by Israeli forces and President Donald Trump.
The homeland security evaluation further indicated that Iran would likely maintain its offensive operations against American and coalition forces throughout the Middle East region and would almost certainly hold top U.S. leadership responsible for any domestic unrest triggered by Trump’s statements advocating for governmental overthrow.
The combined U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began Saturday expanded Monday as Israeli forces struck Lebanese targets following Hezbollah counterattacks, while Tehran continued launching missiles and unmanned aircraft against Gulf nations housing American military installations.
Meanwhile, law enforcement officials investigating a deadly shooting at an Austin, Texas establishment Sunday that claimed at least two lives say it remains premature to determine whether the perpetrator acted in response to the Iranian conflict.
The deceased shooter, who was fatally wounded by responding officers, was photographed wearing clothing displaying the Iranian flag with “IRAN” written in the nation’s colors of green, white and red, along with a sweatshirt bearing the phrase “Property of Allah,” according to a federal law enforcement source.
The nation’s highest court delivered a significant ruling Monday, temporarily suspending California regulations that can prevent schools from sharing details about transgender students’ gender identity with their parents unless the student agrees to the disclosure.
The Supreme Court sided with Christian families and educators who filed suit against these safeguards, arguing the policies infringed upon their constitutional rights to religious freedom and parental authority under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. The court approved an emergency petition to restore a lower court’s decision while the legal battle moves forward, overturning an appeals court’s previous suspension of that ruling.
The court’s three liberal members opposed Monday’s action.
This California case represents one of numerous legal battles nationwide involving efforts to safeguard the privacy of transgender and gender-nonconforming students in educational settings.
The justices are simultaneously weighing whether to hear a separate case involving a Massachusetts school district regarding staff support for students’ gender identity. In 2024, the court declined to review similar legal challenges from Wisconsin and Maryland.
The Supreme Court, dominated by a 6-3 conservative majority, has faced repeated requests to rule on President Donald Trump’s administration and Republican-controlled states’ efforts to limit transgender individuals’ rights.
Last year, the high court supported Tennessee’s prohibition on gender-affirming medical treatment for transgender minors and also permitted Trump’s military ban on transgender service members. On January 13, justices heard arguments about Idaho and West Virginia laws preventing transgender athletes from competing on female sports teams, with conservative justices seemingly prepared to support those limitations.
California’s statutes include multiple provisions, such as privacy rights under the state constitution, which officials say could apply when transgender students oppose revealing their gender identities to parents or guardians, sometimes due to concerns about hostility, rejection, or potential violence.
Those bringing the 2023 constitutional challenge argued the policies force public schools to enable “secret gender transition” and to “hide children’s expressed transgender status at school from their own parents – including religious parents.”
The Democratic-led state has maintained the provisions don’t actually prohibit sharing information with parents and sometimes even permit or mandate disclosure when withholding such information could threaten the student’s wellbeing.
Christian educators from the Escondido Union School District in San Diego County initiated the lawsuit, contending that following these policies violated their First Amendment protections for free speech and religious practice.
Two deeply Catholic married couples also joined the litigation, claiming their children identified as transgender boys at school without parental knowledge or approval, violating their religious freedoms and their parental rights under the 14th Amendment’s due process clause to guide their children’s care.
U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez ruled for the plaintiffs in December and issued an injunction blocking these policies.
“A child’s gender incongruity is a matter of health. Matters of a child’s health are matters over which parents have the highest right and duty of care,” Benitez stated in his decision.
Benitez prohibited the state regulations that would stop school staff from notifying parents “about their child’s gender presentation at school” or permit using names or pronouns that don’t “match the child’s legal name and natal pronouns” without parental approval.
The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals suspended Benitez’s decision on January 5, pointing to numerous flaws in the judge’s reasoning.
“A preliminary review of the record shows that the state does not categorically forbid disclosure of information about students’ gender identities to parents without student consent,” the 9th Circuit stated in its ruling.
First Lady Melania Trump made history Monday by becoming the first spouse of any world leader to preside over a United Nations Security Council session, leading discussions about protecting children and education during armed conflicts.
The groundbreaking meeting, titled “Children, Technology, and Education in Conflict,” took place just two days following U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran that have raised UN concerns about child welfare in the region.
The session occurred as the United States assumed the Security Council’s monthly rotating leadership role, representing another example of how President Trump has integrated family members into significant foreign policy matters.
According to her office, the First Lady’s goal was to highlight education as a pathway to promoting tolerance and global peace. During her address to the council, she stated: “The U.S. stands with all of the children throughout the world. I hope soon peace will be yours.”
The timing proved controversial following Iran’s accusations against Israel and the U.S. regarding a Saturday attack on a girls’ elementary school in Minab, a southern Iranian community. Iran’s UN representative Amir Saeid Iravani reported that 165 female students were killed in the strike, though Reuters has been unable to verify these claims independently.
Iravani criticized what he called the “deeply shameful and hypocritical” nature of the U.S. hosting a meeting about child protection in warfare “while at the same time launching missile strikes against Iranian cities and bombing schools and killing children.”
Following the Iranian allegations, UNICEF released a statement Saturday acknowledging the reports and warning that the Middle East military escalation “marks a dangerous moment for millions of children in the region.” The statement supported UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ appeal for immediate hostilities to end.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded Monday, telling reporters that “the United States will not deliberately target a school.”
Israel’s UN representative indicated he had received conflicting accounts, including reports that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps was responsible for targeting the school, while expressing regret over any civilian casualties.
During Monday’s Security Council session, China’s UN ambassador Fu Cong addressed school attacks without directly referencing Iran’s claims, noting that such strikes represent serious violations against children as defined by the United Nations. He emphasized the need for thorough investigations and accountability measures from the international community.
President Trump has consistently criticized the United Nations throughout his political career, describing the 193-nation organization as inefficient and requiring significant reforms. Under his administration, the United States has accumulated billions in unpaid UN budget contributions, with the debt increasing substantially during Trump’s tenure.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric commented last week that Melania Trump’s decision to chair the meeting demonstrated “the importance that the United States feels towards the Security Council and the subject at hand.”
Last month, President Trump adopted a more cooperative approach toward the UN during the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace, an initiative he claims will address global conflicts, though many international leaders worry it’s intended to supersede the United Nations.
While the First Lady has maintained a relatively low public profile throughout Trump’s presidencies, she has previously championed children’s issues, including sending a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2025 requesting the return of Ukrainian children relocated to Russia during the ongoing conflict.
Two University of Delaware track and field athletes have been recognized with prestigious conference honors announced this week.
Conference USA revealed on Monday that Blue Hens competitors Olamide Ayeni and Marie-Theres Gruber have both earned spots on the league’s third team all-conference squad.
Ayeni competes in throwing events for Delaware, while Gruber specializes in distance running competitions. Both athletes’ performances throughout the season were strong enough to merit recognition among the top performers across the conference.
The all-conference selections highlight the continued success of Delaware’s track and field program within Conference USA competition.
Good evening, Delmarva! We’re tracking a messy weather pattern moving through our area tonight that’ll keep things interesting through midweek.
Tonight’s the story of transition – we’re starting with a chance of light snow before 1am, then expect a mix of rain and snow between 1am and 3am before settling into steady rain and snow. Temperatures will hover right around the freezing mark at 31°F with light easterly winds. There’s an 80% chance of precipitation, and while we could see less than an inch of snow accumulation, most of it will likely melt as we transition to rain.
Tuesday brings much milder conditions with temperatures climbing to 46°F and light rain continuing. The warming trend continues Tuesday night with temps holding around 44°F and more light rain expected.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, we’ll see temperatures reach a pleasant 56°F, though light rain remains likely.
Bottom line: grab your umbrella and maybe keep a light jacket handy for the next few days. Drive safely tonight during that snow-to-rain transition!
Stay warm and dry, Delmarva!
A compassionate volunteer working with a Sonoma County school district has discovered an innovative approach to addressing teenage clothing needs. Rather than simply distributing any available donated items, she takes the time to carefully select, wash, and organize clothing contributions to ensure teenagers from low-income families receive fashionable options they genuinely want to wear.
The volunteer recognized that traditional clothing donation programs often fall short when it comes to meeting the style preferences of teenage recipients. By curating the donated items and presenting them in an appealing way, she’s helping to bridge the gap between necessity and personal expression for young people who might otherwise feel self-conscious about their clothing options.
The United States Supreme Court is currently examining a complex constitutional question involving Second Amendment rights and marijuana use, as justices consider whether cannabis users can be prohibited from owning firearms.
The legal proceedings are occurring against the backdrop of the Court’s landmark 2022 Bruen ruling, which established that any firearm regulation must have historical precedent dating back to America’s founding period in the late 18th century to be deemed constitutional.
This standard requires lawmakers and courts to find comparable restrictions that existed during the nation’s establishment in the 1700s when evaluating modern gun control measures.
WASHINGTON — A comprehensive look at President Donald Trump and his administration’s public communications regarding Iran reveals a pattern of contradictory and evolving messaging spanning several months.
Following military action against Iran last summer, Trump and his team consistently proclaimed that the operations had completely eliminated Iran’s nuclear capabilities and would prevent weapons development for years to come. However, in the days leading up to recent coordinated strikes with Israel, the same officials began issuing increasingly urgent alerts about Tehran’s nuclear threats.
The mixed messaging extends beyond nuclear concerns. When widespread demonstrations broke out across Iran in January, Trump initially issued strong military threats through social media, only to retreat from those positions after claiming he received assurances that Tehran had stopped killing demonstrators and canceled planned executions. International monitoring groups, however, reported that more than 7,000 people died during the government’s suppression of the protests.
Additionally, despite years of criticizing previous conservative administrations for pursuing “regime change” policies, Trump appeared to shift his position and embrace such concepts.
Following recent weekend attacks, administration officials have provided various justifications for the latest military action against Iran, some of which contradict their previous eight months of statements.
Key statements from Trump include a June 24, 2025 Truth Social post declaring: “THE NUCLEAR SITES IN IRAN ARE COMPLETELY DESTROYED!”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told CNN on June 25, 2025: “Based on everything we have seen — and I’ve seen it all — our bombing campaign obliterated Iran’s ability to create nuclear weapons.”
A White House press release from June 25, 2025 stated: “The precision strikes perfectly hit their targets and destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities, resulting in the total obliteration of Iran’s ability to create a nuclear weapon.”
However, when intelligence reports suggested Iran’s nuclear program had only been delayed by months, Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed these accounts in a June 25, 2025 Politico interview, calling it “a false story and it’s one that really shouldn’t be re-reported.”
By June 30, 2025, Trump told Fox News: “They’ve been trying it for 25 years. The last thing they’re going to do is nuclear. We had to hit them, though. They were close to getting a nuclear bomb. Absolutely.”
Trump reinforced his claims in a July 19, 2025 Truth Social post: “All three nuclear sites in Iran were completely destroyed and/or OBLITERATED. It would take years to bring them back into service and, if Iran wanted to do so, they would be much better off starting anew, in three different locations, prior to those sites being obliterated, should they decide to do so.”
During his February 24 State of the Union address, Trump stated: “They’ve rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can’t take it anymore.”
Speaking to reporters in Texas on February 27, 2026, Trump expressed frustration with negotiations: “They have to say ‘we’re not going to have a nuclear weapon, and they just can’t quite get there.”
On regime change, Trump posted on Truth Social June 22, 2025: “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”
Vice President JD Vance offered a different perspective to NBC News on June 22, 2025: “Our view has been very clear that we don’t want to regime change. We do not want to protract this or build this out any more than it’s already been built out. We want to end their nuclear program, and then we want to talk to the Iranians about a long-term settlement here.”
Regarding Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the weekend strikes, Trump posted on Truth Social June 27, 2025: “I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, ‘THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!’” This came after Trump claimed knowledge of Khamenei’s location during June strikes.
When asked about regime change on February 13, Trump told reporters: “Seems like that would be the best thing that could happen. For 47 years, they’ve been talking and talking and talking. In the meantime, we’ve lost a lot of lives while they talk. Legs blown off, arms blown off, faces blown off.”
On Friday, when questioned about potential military-driven regime change, Trump responded: “There might be, and there might not be,” adding “It would be nice if we could do it without, but sometimes you have to do it with.”
Following Khamenei’s death, Trump posted on Truth Social February 28: “He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”
In a February 28 video message, Trump stated: “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.”
Trump issued a direct appeal to Iranian citizens in a Sunday video statement: “I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment—to be brave, be bold, be heroic, and take back your country.”
Defense Secretary Hegseth addressed the regime change question at a March 2 Pentagon briefing: “This is not a so-called regime change war, but the regime sure did change.”
Regarding Iran’s missile capabilities, Secretary of State Rubio told reporters February 25: “Iran possesses a very large number of ballistic missiles, particularly short range ballistic missiles, that threaten the United States and our bases in the region, and our partners in the region, and all of our bases in the U.A.E. and Qatar and Bahrain.”
Trump expanded on the missile threat during a March 2 White House Medal of Honor ceremony: “The regime already had missiles capable of hitting Europe and our bases — both local and overseas — and would soon have had missiles capable of reaching our beautiful America.”
Hegseth explained during Monday’s Pentagon briefing that Iran “was building powerful missiles and drones to create a conventional shield for their nuclear blackmail ambitions.”
Concerning the January protests in Iran, Trump posted on Truth Social January 2: “If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”
On January 10, Trump posted: “Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
Trump intensified his rhetoric on January 13: “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING — TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!!”
However, by January 14, Trump’s tone shifted during White House remarks: “We’ve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping — it’s stopped, it’s stopping. And there’s no plan for executions, or an execution, or executions — so I’ve been told that on good authority.”
On January 16, Trump told reporters while departing the White House: “You had yesterday scheduled over 800 hangings. They didn’t hang anyone. They canceled the hangings. That had a big impact.”
At Monday’s Medal of Honor ceremony, Trump adopted a markedly different approach: “This was our last, best chance to strike — what we’re doing right now — and eliminate the intolerable threats posed by this sick and sinister regime. And they are indeed sick and sinister.” He concluded: “You can’t deal with these people. You got to do it the right way.”
WASHINGTON — During oral arguments Monday, Supreme Court justices signaled they may strike down the federal prohibition preventing marijuana users from possessing firearms, creating unexpected bipartisan agreement on the bench.
Most justices appeared inclined to support a limited decision favoring Ali Danial Hemani, a Texas resident who challenged his criminal prosecution for gun possession while using cannabis several times weekly.
The Trump administration urged the nation’s highest court to uphold criminal charges against Hemani based on federal statutes prohibiting firearm ownership by illegal drug users. However, justices across the ideological spectrum expressed doubt about the law’s validity.
Conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett questioned the government’s position, asking: “What is the government’s evidence that using marijuana a couple of times a week makes someone dangerous?”
While the Trump administration previously challenged various gun regulations, Principal Deputy Solicitor General Sarah Harris defended this particular statute as necessary protection against potentially hazardous individuals obtaining weapons. The same law formed the basis for Hunter Biden’s gun conviction related to cocaine addiction, though he received a presidential pardon from his father, former President Joe Biden.
Justice Neil Gorsuch highlighted the contradictory nature of current marijuana policy, noting: “What do we do with the fact that marijuana is sort of illegal and sort of isn’t, and that the federal government itself is conflicted on this?” Cannabis remains federally prohibited despite legalization in approximately half of all states.
Gorsuch helped establish the conservative majority’s 2022 landmark ruling in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, which requires gun regulations to demonstrate strong historical precedent from America’s founding era.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, representing the court’s liberal wing, argued the cannabis firearm prohibition lacks sufficient historical foundation. “I think your argument sort of falls apart under the Bruen test,” she told government attorneys.
Federal lawyers referenced historical statutes disarming “habitual drunkards” as precedent supporting their position. However, Gorsuch countered by citing founding fathers’ drinking habits, including John Adams consuming hard cider at breakfast and James Madison’s daily whiskey ration. “Are they all habitual drunkards who would be properly disarmed for life under your theory?” he asked.
Hemani’s attorney Erin Murphy distinguished historical alcohol restrictions as targeting extreme cases, arguing modern cannabis consumers who use products like sleep-aid gummies can safely handle firearms.
The litigation created uncommon political partnerships, with both the American Civil Liberties Union and National Rifle Association supporting Hemani alongside marijuana advocacy organizations like NORML. Conversely, gun safety organizations such as Everytown, typically opposing Trump administration Second Amendment positions, backed the federal prohibition.
Several justices worried that ruling for Hemani might enable weapon access for users of more dangerous substances including methamphetamine or heroin. Eliminating current restrictions could force courts to repeatedly evaluate individual drugs’ danger levels.
Chief Justice John Roberts expressed concern about judicial overreach, stating: “It just seems to me that this takes a fairly cavalier approach to the necessary consideration of expertise and the judgments we leave to Congress and the executive branch.”
This represents the court’s second firearms case this term following their 2022 decision. Justices also seem prepared to invalidate Hawaii’s law restricting weapons in commercial establishments and hotels.
The court will issue its final ruling before June’s conclusion.
The House Oversight Committee’s Republican members have made public recorded testimony from former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as part of their continuing examination of Jeffrey Epstein-related materials.
The recorded depositions were released as the committee continues its investigation into documents connected to the Epstein case.
WASHINGTON — Point guard Trae Young is gearing up to take the court for his inaugural game with the Washington Wizards when they face off against the Utah Jazz on Thursday evening.
The basketball star signaled his readiness through social media, sharing an Instagram video of his workout session while wearing his new Wizards uniform, concluding the post with “3/5” — referencing Thursday’s date.
Speaking to reporters on Monday prior to Washington’s matchup against Houston, head coach Brian Keefe indicated that Young was progressing well toward being cleared for game action against Utah. Keefe noted that the point guard would face playing time limitations of approximately 17 to 20 minutes, with most of his court time coming during the opening half.
Before joining Washington, Young appeared in 10 contests for the Atlanta Hawks during the current season, putting up 19.3 points per game while dishing out 8.9 assists on average. His season was cut short due to injuries affecting his knee and quadriceps. Washington obtained Young through a January trade deal that sent CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert to Atlanta.
Leaders of traditional Anglican churches worldwide are wrestling with fundamental questions about their future: Should they remain united despite deep disagreements, or have their theological disputes damaged centuries-old bonds beyond healing?
The future of the Anglican Communion, representing one of Christianity’s most extensive church networks globally, hangs in the balance as key decisions may be reached before week’s end.
Traditional church leaders from multiple Anglican denominations began meeting Tuesday in Nigeria for a four-day conference. Their discussions center on a proposal that could trigger an unprecedented division within one of the world’s most significant Christian organizations.
Meanwhile, officials from the established Anglican Communion revealed Monday their own modified reorganization proposal. This alternative plan would shift leadership authority away from its traditional English headquarters and could allow collaboration despite deep theological divisions.
Whether this restructuring proposal will influence Gafcon members remains unclear. The Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans is convening in Abuja, Nigeria, bringing together multiple primates — top Anglican national leaders — alongside other bishops, ministers, and laypeople.
This coalition — primarily representing Global South nations and some of Anglicanism’s most populous church regions — forms a traditional alliance functioning independently of the official London-headquartered Anglican Communion, though most Gafcon churches maintain communion membership.
Gafcon leadership has resisted progressive developments including same-sex marriage and ordaining openly LGBTQ+ ministers within European and North American Anglican churches, particularly the U.S. Episcopal Church. These divisions have grown so severe in recent years that several national churches have boycotted Anglican Communion conferences.
Last year, Gafcon’s leader, Rwanda’s Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, released a declaration effectively demanding separation from the current communion structure, stating that “the Anglican Communion will be reordered.”
His vision outlined a restructured “Global Anglican Communion” governed by a new council headed by elected leaders from any nation. Traditionally — though churches operate independently and collaborate voluntarily — Canterbury’s archbishop in England has served as “first among equals,” providing symbolic spiritual guidance.
Although some Anglican leaders within Gafcon supported Mbanda’s blueprint last year, others stayed quiet or reconfirmed their dedication to maintaining traditional Anglican Communion connections. The Abuja conference could see Mbanda’s strategy accepted, altered, or dismissed.
Last year’s declaration was “not the final word,” stated Bishop Paul Donison, Gafcon’s general secretary. The proposal requires thorough consideration in Abuja, he explained in a conference website video.
“There is much to iron out, much to discern, much to structure carefully and faithfully,” he stated. “But we will do that work together.”
Despite widening Anglican divisions, tensions haven’t produced a complete separation. This situation could shift if church leaders approve a definitive Canterbury break, though Gafcon officials claim they’re proposing communion reform rather than creating something entirely new.
The Anglican tradition originated during the Reformation with the Church of England’s establishment, combining Protestant beliefs with Catholic-style ceremonies and sacraments. It expanded globally through British colonial influence and missionary work, followed by successful evangelistic efforts under local leadership, especially throughout Africa.
Anglican Communion Office data shows approximately 85 million members spanning 165 nations, encompassing over 40 independent provinces.
This conference occurs shortly after the Church of England appointed Archbishop Sarah Mullally as Canterbury’s first female archbishop.
While some traditional Anglican leaders internationally criticized her appointment based on gender, they primarily objected to her LGBTQ+ positions. Mullally has supported the Church of England’s current marriage definition as between men and women, but endorsed same-sex couple blessing ceremonies and acknowledged “the harm that we have done” to LGBTQ+ individuals as a church.
Homosexuality remains forbidden across many African nations, sometimes criminalized through colonial-era statutes or recent laws. Uganda passed 2023 legislation mandating death penalties for certain homosexual acts.
The Anglican Communion is pursuing its own decentralization strategy, becoming “less Canterbury-centric,” according to proposal summaries, acknowledging that most Anglicans now reside in the Global South, distant from England.
These proposals — developed over years with some Monday revisions — involve complex technical details. Essentially, Canterbury’s archbishop would share numerous leadership responsibilities with other national leaders. The plan faces Anglican Consultative Council review this summer, with representatives from throughout the communion participating.
Bishop Graham Tomlin, who leads the commission developing these changes, said he’s uncertain whether the proposal will influence Gafcon’s discussions. The objective is maintaining cooperation while “acknowledging the depth of the disagreements among us,” he explained during Monday’s online press conference.
“The history of the church tells us that when we do make radical breaks from one another, it’s very hard to mend those walls, and this is a way of hopefully keeping us together,” he stated.
Over 400 attendees — ministers and lay members plus bishops — are anticipated at the Gafcon meeting in Abuja, Donison reported.
Though Global South churches dominate Gafcon, other participants include the Anglican Church in North America, established by traditionalists who separated from the U.S. Episcopal Church and Anglican Church of Canada.
CHARLESTON, S.C. — While progressive Democrats nationwide are pushing for bold liberal policies to help regain Congressional control this year, centrist party members are sounding a different alarm — warning that strategy could backfire.
At Third Way’s recent gathering, moderate Democratic leaders repeatedly emphasized that the party must avoid shifting too far to the left during midterm elections and future presidential nominations if they want any chance of reclaiming the White House.
The exclusive two-day event, titled “Winning the Middle,” offered strategic guidance for appealing to centrist voters.
Speakers advised attendees to communicate simply rather than using academic language, maintain genuine social media presence without living entirely online, and embrace patriotic symbols like the American flag without worrying about conservative associations.
Third Way co-founder Matt Bennett explained that his moderate Democratic organization intends to hold frequent meetings as the 2028 presidential race draws near, bringing together individuals who will shape and support Democratic candidates.
“We’re doing it early, and we’re doing it much, much more aggressively than we did last time,” Bennett stated. “We’ve got a team in place that is talking every day to the 2028ers.”
Jim Messina, who directed Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election effort, argued that Democrats haven’t yet figured out how to connect with voters effectively.
“In 2026, we’re going to win, because we have one great nominee, and his name is Donald Trump,” he explained, suggesting Trump’s low approval ratings will benefit Democrats. “But we’re going to lose the presidential election in 2028 if we can’t find an economic message that identifies with most people.”
When pressed to deliver the “brutal truth” to Democrats, Messina responded, “We have no economic message, and if we don’t get one, we’re not going to win.”
The Charleston venue was strategically chosen. South Carolina has played a crucial role in Democratic presidential primaries, notably helping propel Joe Biden to his 2020 victory. Though the Democratic National Committee’s updated primary calendar remains months away from completion, Bennett anticipates the state will continue wielding significant influence.
“We need to socialize these ideas immediately, so that they can begin to take hold and be widely shared by the time we get to the main part of their primary cycle,” Bennett noted.
Conference participants received abundant advice on presentation style.
“Democrats come across as like professors, academics, elites — I mean, my God, rip off your freaking sport coat and talk to me,” declared Joe Walsh, a former tea party Republican congressman from Illinois who switched to the Democratic Party last year. “Voters in general are just crying out for authenticity.”
However, Walsh cautioned against mimicking politicians like California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has started touring early primary states including South Carolina. Newsom has adopted Trump’s confrontational social media approach, using similar all-caps messaging to criticize the former president.
“I think the mimicking and the copying a lot of the Trumpism isn’t the way you’re actually going to reach a lot of folks,” Walsh observed. “Voters in general are just crying out for authenticity.”
Policy messaging also received attention during the conference. Only a handful of the more than 100 attendees indicated they had incorporated “affordability” — currently a popular campaign term — into their communications materials.
“I think some of you are lying,” joked Gabe Horwitz, who oversees Third Way’s economic initiatives, suggesting the actual number was much larger.
Melissa Morales from Somos Votantes, an organization focused on Latino voter engagement, urged Democrats to eliminate that word from campaign language.
“It barely makes sense in English, and it is a nightmare to translate into Spanish, so can we please call it something else?” she requested.
“They’re not asking us for economic theory, they’re asking us for a set of everyday solutions,” Morales continued. “And if we want to connect with them, that’s how we’re going to have to do it.”
WASHINGTON — Democrats who had been feeling discouraged about their lack of control in the nation’s capital have found reasons for hope in recent months.
The party, which has historically struggled with internal ideological conflicts, has largely come together in opposing President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration approach, especially following the deaths of two American citizens in Minneapolis. With midterm elections approaching and Democrats needing only a handful of additional seats to regain control of the House, the party has successfully kept the administration playing defense through attacks on Trump’s economic record and his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier.
However, recent military action by the United States and Israel targeting Iran threatens to fracture this newfound solidarity. At first, Democratic leaders tried to strike a balance — condemning Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died over the weekend, while simultaneously pushing for Congress to approve war powers legislation that would limit Trump’s military options.
“We need a strong, clear, vocal united opposition party to fight back and put a check on his power,” Daniel Biss, the mayor of Evanston, Illinois, who is competing in a Democratic congressional primary this month, said in an interview.
Yet cracks are beginning to show as several Democrats, particularly those with strong pro-Israel positions, are expressing doubts about the war powers measure. Ohio Representative Greg Landsman refuses to support an Iran resolution. Representative Josh Gottheimer had already announced his opposition before the strikes occurred.
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, who supported war powers legislation regarding Venezuela in January, has now split from his party colleagues on the Iran measure and dismissed claims that the attack violated international law, creating tension with party leadership.
“John Fetterman knows better,” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Monday on CNN as he pressed for an Iran vote this week.
The Republican Party is also experiencing internal conflict, with prominent supporters of Trump’s “America First” agenda openly questioning how these strikes align with his long-standing criticism of military involvement overseas.
Trump, who provided little advance warning to Americans about the possibility of such significant military action, announced Monday that the operation might continue for four to five weeks. He has not outlined a clear strategy for ending the conflict and has cautioned that American military deaths could increase, which will severely test public support for the engagement.
The military action could also drive up gasoline prices and create economic instability that may strengthen Democratic claims that the president is disconnected from the financial struggles of ordinary Americans.
Nevertheless, this situation creates difficulties for Democrats, who have been engaged in intense internal discussions about the party’s stance toward Israel following the Gaza conflict. Former President Joe Biden’s strong support for Israel during the heated 2024 campaign season conflicted sharply with younger voters who were angry about the situation facing Palestinians in Gaza. When Kamala Harris became the party’s nominee that year, she had trouble winning over some younger voters who are essential for Democratic victories.
When asked whether he was concerned those divisions could resurface, Paco Fabian, the political director for the progressive advocacy group Our Revolution, said “definitely” and acknowledged that Democrats “aren’t monolithic.” But he also suggested a shift was underway, noting the results of a New Jersey special election last month.
During that race, the super PAC connected to the pro-Israel American Israel Public Affairs committee tried to defeat the moderate candidate, Tom Malinowski, after he criticized unconditional aid to the Israeli government. Those tactics seemed to backfire when the more progressive candidate, Analilia Mejia, won the primary.
“A lot of folks are waking up to that influence,” Fabian said. “Given what’s going on right now, I don’t think the moment is doing AIPAC and Israel any favors.”
Public opinion regarding Israel appears to be changing. Three years ago, 54% of Americans had greater sympathy for Israelis compared with 31% for Palestinians, according to Gallup polling released last month. Currently, their support is roughly equal, with 41% saying they sympathize more with Palestinians, and only 36% expressing the same sentiment about Israelis.
Initial public reaction to the airstrikes seemed more critical than supportive, early surveys indicated. Approximately 6 in 10 American adults opposed the U.S. decision to launch military operations in Iran, according to a CNN poll conducted through text messaging over the weekend. A separate quick survey from The Washington Post conducted via text message on Sunday found that roughly half of respondents opposed the strikes, while 39% supported them. About 1 in 10 remained undecided.
Democrats and independents accounted for most of the opposition in those early surveys, while Republicans showed much stronger support.
The CNN survey revealed that most Americans believe Trump should be required to obtain congressional authorization for any additional military action in Iran. About 8 in 10 Democrats and roughly 7 in 10 independents agreed with this position, compared to about 3 in 10 Republicans.
The immediate political consequences of the Iranian attacks could become apparent as early as Tuesday during the first primary contests of this year’s midterm election cycle.
In North Carolina, Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam was already entering her campaign to challenge two-term Representative Valerie Foushee with endorsements from Our Revolution and other leading progressive organizations. After accepting support from AIPAC-connected groups during her 2022 race, Foushee’s campaign has refused such contributions this time around. Over the weekend, she stated she does not support “Trump’s illegal war with Iran” and would back the war powers resolution.
Still, Allam, who would become North Carolina’s first Muslim member of Congress if elected, quickly released a video before Tuesday’s election criticizing Trump for “starting another endless war” and vowing to never accept support from “the pro-Israel lobby.”
Before the March 17 primary in Illinois, AIPAC-aligned organizations have also attacked Biss, the Evanston mayor who hopes to become the Democratic nominee to replace retiring Representative Jan Schakowsky. In the interview, Biss discussed the “backlash I’m hearing people have against AIPAC, their MAGA-aligned money and their Trump-aligned policy agenda.”
When asked about such predictions, Patrick Dorton, a spokesman for AIPAC’s affiliated super PAC, said “the key distinction will be between those who recognize that Iran is a murderous regime that tortures women for leaving their hair uncovered, hangs gay people, and executes peaceful democratic protestors, and those who will turn a blind eye to the regime’s atrocities.”
WASHINGTON — The nation’s highest court delivered a win to Republicans on Monday by determining that New York’s sole GOP-controlled congressional seat in New York City can maintain its current boundaries through the 2026 election cycle, overturning a lower court decision that found the district undermines minority voting rights.
The high court’s decision blocks a state court order that would have required New York’s redistricting commission to redraw the boundaries of the district represented by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, which encompasses Staten Island and a portion of Brooklyn.
This decision represents a significant win for the GOP in the ongoing nationwide battle over congressional map-drawing that may ultimately decide which party controls the narrowly divided U.S. House. Republicans maintain a slim majority in the chamber.
Both New York’s Republican leadership and the Trump administration had requested the Supreme Court’s involvement in the matter. Congressional candidate filing periods in New York commenced last week.
A lower court judge had determined that the district’s boundaries were configured to weaken the electoral influence of Black and Hispanic communities and directed the state’s Independent Redistricting Commission to create new district lines.
This New York controversy represents one piece of a broader redistricting conflict that began when President Donald Trump encouraged Texas Republicans to redraw their state’s congressional maps for partisan advantage. Democratic leaders responded with similar redistricting efforts in California, with additional states joining the practice.
The Supreme Court has permitted both the California and Texas redistricting plans to proceed in current elections while legal challenges remain pending.
Following his characteristic non-traditional style, President Trump’s administration delayed making direct, live public statements to Americans for more than two days after initiating military action against Iran.
Trump explained his decision to launch the military operation before a White House ceremony celebrating military heroes on Monday, though he declined to take any reporter questions. Earlier that same day, Pentagon officials Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine conducted a media briefing for journalists.
During the preceding two days, Trump released a pair of pre-recorded videos through Truth Social, his media company’s social platform, and conducted phone conversations with over a dozen news reporters. Several of these telephone interviews resulted in incomplete answers that some observers felt created more confusion than clarity.
This communication approach drew criticism that Trump failed to adequately explain the war’s reasoning and goals, particularly as American forces began experiencing their first combat losses. In comparison, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who partnered with the U.S. in the Iran operation, made two public statements on the conflict’s opening day and spoke with reporters Monday at a missile strike location where nine people died. Israeli military officials have conducted multiple daily press conferences.
“The American people need a commander in chief, and he has been absent in that role,” former Obama White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel stated during a CNN appearance Monday. Emanuel, a Democrat considering a 2028 presidential campaign, criticized Trump’s leadership approach.
New York Times chief White House correspondent Peter Baker posted on social media that “after Trump launched a new war on Iran, he did not rush back to the White House to make an Oval Office address to rally the nation as other presidents have done. He stayed at Mar-a-Lago to attend a glitzy political fundraiser.”
White House communications director Steven Cheung responded to Baker’s criticism: “Imagine being a reporter so consumed with Trump Derangement Syndrome that he wants President Trump to mimic the failed policies of the past. The truth is that President Trump spent the majority of his time monitoring the situation in a secure facility, in constant contact with world leaders, and made multiple addresses to the nation that garnered hundreds of millions of views. He also took dozens of calls with reporters.”
Among those calls was one with Baker’s Times colleague Zolan Kanno-Youngs. Many reporters covering Trump have access to his cell phone number, and the president frequently accepts their calls for impromptu interviews. Following the attack, he spoke with journalists from ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, CNBC, Fox News Channel, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Axios, Politico and an Israeli television network.
The majority of these conversations were short and provided limited insight; Politico’s Dasha Burns reported that Trump answered her call but said he was too occupied to speak. The public couldn’t directly hear Trump’s comments and relied on journalists’ reporting of the conversations.
“I spoke to President Trump today and he told me that the operation in Iran is going to go very fast,” Israeli Channel 14 News reporter Libby Alon wrote about her interview on X. “It’s doing very well, and (will) make the people of Israel very happy, and the people of the world very happy.”
The Times described its six-minute conversation, reporting that Trump “offered several seemingly contradictory visions of how power might be transferred to a new government — or even whether the existing Iranian power structure would run that government or be overthrown.”
During one of his two Trump conversations, ABC News’ Jonathan Karl asked about Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, and the president responded: “I got him before he got me. They tried twice. Well I got him first.” CNN’s Jake Tapper went live shortly after his Monday call, reporting Trump told him “the big one is coming soon,” apparently referring to a planned future strike.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly responded to requests for comment: “President Trump is the most transparent and accessible president in American history. The American people have never had a more direct and authentic relationship with a president of the United States than they have with President Trump.”
Pentagon journalists received short notice about Hegseth’s Sunday evening briefing. While reporters from The Associated Press, Reuters, ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, Fox News Channel and Stars & Stripes gained access to the briefing room, Hegseth didn’t acknowledge them for questions. He instead fielded inquiries from NewsNation and Trump-supporting outlets including the Daily Caller, Daily Wire, One America News and the Christian Broadcasting Network. Most traditional news organizations abandoned their regular Pentagon positions last fall rather than accept Hegseth’s new restrictions on their reporting.
Hegseth criticized the “foolishness” of those seeking advance operational details, such as whether Americans would deploy beyond air support, and stated the operation would persist until achieving its goals. He initially disregarded NBC News’ Courtney Kube when she shouted a question: “President Trump put a four-week time limit on it. Are you saying he’s wrong?”
Hegseth later criticized Kube for posing “the typical NBC sort of gotcha-type question. President Trump has all the latitude in the world to talk about how long it might take — four weeks, two weeks, six weeks, it could move up, it could move back. We’re going to execute at his command the objectives he set out to achieve.”
Differing from previous administrations’ Pentagon briefings, reporters received designated seating assignments, with Trump-supporting outlets placed in front rows. Jennifer Griffin, Hegseth’s former Fox News Channel colleague who departed the Pentagon with other reporters after rejecting his new regulations, sat by herself in the back row.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A United Airlines aircraft made an emergency return to Los Angeles International Airport on Monday morning, approximately 40 minutes into its journey, following reports of an engine fire that required immediate passenger evacuation, officials confirmed.
Airport operations at LAX came to a temporary halt for roughly 30 minutes while the aircraft completed its emergency landing and evacuation procedures, based on Federal Aviation Administration notifications. Officials confirmed that no passengers or crew members sustained injuries during the incident.
The aircraft, originally headed to Newark, New Jersey, was forced to circle back to Los Angeles due to a potential engine fire situation, United Airlines confirmed in an official statement. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and successfully contained the fire within an hour of the plane’s emergency landing.
Flight tracking data from FlightAware shows the aircraft departed at 10:43 a.m., initiated its return course around 11 a.m., and completed its emergency landing at 11:19 a.m.
Fire department officials assisted in evacuating more than 250 individuals, including passengers and crew members. The evacuation took place on the airport taxiway, with people exiting through emergency slides and stairs before being transported to the terminal building, according to the airline’s statement.
The aircraft involved in the incident was identified as a Boeing 787-9, part of Boeing’s widely-used 787 Dreamliner series designed for long-distance travel.
While military tensions escalate in the Middle East with ongoing missile exchanges, Americans across the region are voicing their opinions about recent U.S. military strikes targeting Iran.
Citizens in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania shared their perspectives on the unfolding international crisis and what they think about America’s military response to the situation.
The developing story continues to draw attention as the conflict between the two nations intensifies, prompting discussions among local communities about the implications of the military action.
KATHMANDU, March 3 – Last September 8th, 23-year-old student Rashik Khatiwada joined hundreds of demonstrators outside Nepal’s parliament, protesting government corruption and joblessness with a sign declaring “FUCK THE SYSTEM!”
Two hours later, he was fatally shot.
Khatiwada became one of 77 casualties during two days of deadly demonstrations that ultimately toppled Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s government and transformed Nepal’s political landscape ahead of Thursday’s national elections.
The youth-driven protests have intensified calls for political reform throughout Nepal, particularly among families who lost relatives during the violence.
“What have past leaders done for this country over the last three decades? They accumulated wealth for themselves and placed their own people in positions of power to benefit from it,” Rashik’s mother, Rachana Khatiwada, questioned. “What did they truly do for the nation?”
This widespread frustration with established politicians has opened doors for newcomers like 35-year-old former rapper Balendra Shah, now a leading candidate for prime minister. Khatiwada has thrown her support behind his campaign.
The 46-year-old homemaker joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party as a proportional representation candidate after Shah became a member in January, despite having little previous political involvement.
Khatiwada explained her political engagement stems from wanting justice for her son and other protest victims’ families.
“We demanded accountability for those responsible for the deaths of so many children, and the interim government failed to deliver,” she stated.
A government-appointed investigative commission examining the protests, including authorities’ use of live rounds against young protesters, has received three deadline extensions. The commission’s conclusions won’t be published until after the election.
ARTIST WHO NEVER RETURNED
On September 8th morning, 34-year-old Binod Maharjan completed his usual routine of feeding pigeons on his family’s rooftop before suddenly departing, abandoning his breakfast of rice and lentils.
“My son said he would return home and eat the meal he had left behind,” recalled his 75-year-old mother, Lata Maya Maharjan. “He never came back.”
The family learned of Binod’s protest participation only after his older brother got a call from a childhood friend and rushed to Kathmandu’s Everest Hospital.
“My mind went completely silent,” Kaji Ratna Maharjan remembered, describing the bullet wound near his brother’s mouth and exit wound behind his head. “I still cannot put into words what I felt when I saw his lifeless body.”
Though Binod left school early, he devoted himself to artistic pursuits. His painted murals decorate virtually every surface of the family’s three-story brick home.
His bedroom featured a hand-drawn Nepal map and artwork depicting Shiva, his favored Hindu god, while he slept on yak hide with horns positioned near his pillow.
In his mother’s bedroom, Binod created a self-portrait showing his characteristic long dreadlocks and cigarette, surrounded by his nieces and nephews.
“We do not understand politics, but those who do and are actively involved in it must focus on ending corruption and creating jobs in this country,” said Kaji Ratna Maharjan, who plans to vote Thursday alongside his mother. “Only then can we prevent another protest like the September uprising in Nepal.”
WIDOW CAMPAIGNS FOR CHANGE
Each day before sunrise, Parbati Subedi begins work as a house cleaner before reporting to her primary job in a major Nepali corporation’s sanitation department.
Though exhausting, this demanding routine provides the 28-year-old widow with 30,000 Nepalese rupees ($206) monthly to support herself and her daughter following her husband’s death during September’s uprising.
Security officer Dev Kumar Subedi, 29, suffered a fatal stomach gunshot wound on September 9th while participating in the second day of anti-government demonstrations.
“I believe this protest happened because people wanted change in Nepal and change in our leaders,” Subedi said. “Those in power forgot about families like ours, for whom putting two meals on the table is a daily struggle.”
Subedi received 1.5 million rupees compensation from the interim government that replaced Oli’s administration, payment made to families of 42 among the 77 killed who were designated as martyrs.
However, additional commitments including job opportunities for relatives, ongoing medical assistance, and pension benefits remain unfulfilled, according to multiple families of the deceased, including Subedi.
Following her late husband’s political preferences, Subedi supports the RSP and Shah based on his mayoral performance in Kathmandu, even creating social media content encouraging voters to back their campaign.
“I believe they will genuinely work towards improving the country,” she said. “But if it’s any of the other parties, I have little hope that things will change.”
The cloud computing giant’s data services division has completed a $427 million purchase of George Washington University’s Science and Technology campus located in Ashburn, Virginia, university officials announced Monday.
According to the campus student publication, property documents indicate Amazon Data Services plans to construct a data processing or information technology facility at the Northern Virginia location. The tech company has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding their specific development plans.
The Washington D.C.-based university confirmed that terms of the sale include provisions allowing GWU to maintain current academic programs at the Ashburn facility for as long as five years if needed.
The transaction represents another significant expansion of Amazon’s data center footprint in the Virginia region, where the company has been building out infrastructure to support its cloud computing operations.
The American dollar experienced its strongest performance in seven months on Monday, climbing nearly 1% as investors sought safety following U.S. military action against Iran, signaling the currency maintains its protective role during international crises.
This surge provides reassurance to global markets after recent months of uncertainty about whether the dollar could still serve as a reliable refuge during turbulent times. Those doubts emerged when the currency stumbled during last year’s widespread market decline triggered by tariff disputes.
“Today is, I would say, a classic risk-off day from a U.S. dollar perspective,” stated Eric Theoret, a foreign exchange strategist at Scotiabank.
Theoret referenced the challenges the dollar faced during what he called “Liberation Day” – the April 2, 2025 announcement of comprehensive U.S. tariffs that sparked global market chaos. “I think ‘Liberation Day’ was obviously a bit of a break with the historical analogs that we’ve had,” he explained.
The dollar’s recent strength represents welcome news for the currency, which had seen its traditional safe-haven status questioned as investors increasingly turned to alternatives like the euro, Japanese yen, and gold during periods of uncertainty.
Market experts point to the scale and stability of American financial markets as key factors supporting the dollar’s appeal. “If you’re looking to de-risk and de-risk in size, the U.S. Treasury market is really the only one that can handle those flows,” Theoret noted. When international investors purchase Treasury securities during crises, it naturally increases demand for dollars.
Don Calcagni, chief investment officer at Mercer Advisors in Denver, emphasized the limited options available to investors during volatile periods. “So, I’m perhaps not surprised that we’re still seeing the dollar perform as a safe-haven asset,” Calcagni observed.
The currency’s struggles during previous market stress largely resulted from the United States being the source of global uncertainty, leaving investors reluctant to seek protection in the dollar when American policies were creating the instability.
“Liberation Day forced the USD’s centrality to diminish … investors started to favor the (rest of world),” explained Benjamin Ford, a researcher at macro strategy firm Macro Hive. “The oil shock then has scared global investors out of positions that they have been chasing over the past three months and landed them net long USD.”
John Velis, Americas macro strategist at BNY, distinguished between domestic and international sources of crisis. While the dollar’s protective appeal might weaken when concerns originate within the U.S., “when it’s an international geopolitical crisis, its safe-haven appeal seems intact,” he said. “Certainly, the evidence today suggests that.”
However, some analysts remain cautious about declaring the dollar’s safe-haven status fully restored. “I think there will be some reassurance from today’s activity that the USD still has safe-haven characteristics,” said Jane Foley, head of foreign exchange strategy at Rabobank. “However, I think the debate is not over yet.”
Monday’s dollar strength benefited not only from safety-seeking flows but also from America’s position as a net energy producer, which shields the U.S. economy from oil price increases that typically damage import-dependent nations.
Aaron Hurd, senior portfolio manager for currency at State Street Global Advisors, questions whether the dollar would maintain its strength facing different types of economic shocks. “If it’s just a general kind of economic fear, I think the dollar will be far less effective,” he predicted.
Citing America’s substantial fiscal deficits, policy uncertainty, and extensive global exposure to U.S. investments, Hurd anticipates the dollar will likely show stronger correlation with risky assets during major market disruptions going forward.
Looking ahead, Ford from Macro Hive sees oil prices as crucial to the dollar’s trajectory. “If we continue in this oil up, risk appetite down world, then USD will continue to find a bid,” he projected. “However, if oil sinks, you could see typical safe-havens return to the forefront,” potentially favoring the Swiss franc and Japanese yen instead.
A Georgia jury began deliberations Monday in the unprecedented murder trial of a father whose teenage son allegedly carried out a deadly school shooting using a weapon the father provided.
Colin Gray, 55, faces 29 criminal charges including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter connected to the September 2024 attack at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. His 14-year-old son Colt allegedly used a rifle given to him as a Christmas present to kill four people and injure seven others at the school.
During closing arguments, prosecutor Patricia Brooks emphasized the case centers on determining “who armed Colt and who enabled him to do what he did.”
The September attack claimed the lives of two 14-year-old students, Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, along with teachers Cristina Irimie, 53, and Richard Aspinwall, 39.
Gray entered a not guilty plea and testified in his own defense during the 11-day proceedings before Piedmont Circuit Superior Court Chief Judge Nicholas Primm. Taking the witness stand Friday, he became emotional while acknowledging “I could have done more.” He described himself as a father attempting to hold together a fractured household while raising three children apart from his estranged spouse.
Defense attorney Jimmy Berry urged jurors to base their verdict on evidence and legal standards rather than emotions, recognizing the community’s desire for explanations following the tragedy.
Prosecutors presented evidence that Gray disregarded concerning behaviors from his son, including the creation of a shrine honoring previous school shooters in the teenager’s bedroom, along with disruptive conduct at school and violent episodes at home.
Body camera recordings from responding deputies showed Gray’s reaction upon learning of the shooting. “God. I knew it, man. My little girl just texted me,” he was heard saying. The footage also captured him telling officers, “We’re trying to get him into counseling.”
However, Gray’s estranged wife Marcee testified that her husband dismissed counseling efforts and ignored her pleas to secure firearms in their home away from their son.
The defense argued Gray purchased the weapon as a Christmas gift to strengthen his relationship with Colt through shared hunting and target shooting activities.
Colt Gray, who was 14 during the shooting, awaits his own trial on 55 charges including multiple counts of malice murder and felony murder.
This prosecution follows a similar 2024 Michigan case where parents of school shooter Ethan Crumbley received 10 to 15-year prison sentences for manslaughter. Jennifer and James Crumbley were convicted after jurors determined they provided their son with a firearm and overlooked warning indicators before he killed four students at his Detroit-area high school in 2021.
Legal experts note such parental prosecutions remain uncommon but are increasingly pursued by prosecutors and communities seeking accountability and potential deterrence in school shooting cases where parental negligence appears evident.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — March 2, 2026
DELMARVA — Prairie plants could offer Delaware farmers a new tool for improving soil health and water quality on their operations. Judd McCullum from Hoksey Native Seeds in Iowa says incorporating native plant varieties into farming areas adds valuable organic matter to the soil. These indigenous plants build soil structure year after year, potentially boosting productivity while addressing environmental concerns. It’s an approach gaining attention as producers look for ways to enhance land quality.
Markets
Commodity trading closed mixed Monday. May corn futures settled at $4.45¾ per bushel, down 2¾ cents. May soybeans dropped 6¾ cents to $11.64 per bushel. May Chicago wheat declined 4½ cents, closing at $5.37¼. Meanwhile May soybean oil climbed 89 points to 62.74 cents per pound.
Forecast
Light snow is possible through Monday evening across Delmarva with temperatures around 37°. Tonight expect rain and snow likely with lows near 30°. Tuesday brings light rain with highs reaching 45°. Rain continues Tuesday night with temperatures holding around 41°.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, March 2, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — The largest labor union organization in Argentina took legal action Monday to stop major workplace reforms championed by President Javier Milei that would dramatically reshape employment laws across the South American nation.
Congress gave final approval to the legislation on Friday, which provides business owners with increased authority over employment decisions, terminations, compensation packages and union negotiations while reducing the traditional influence labor organizations have wielded.
“This law represents a serious infringement of collective and individual rights that expressly violate constitutional principles,” the General Confederation of Labor, known as CGT, declared in their official statement following the court filing in Buenos Aires.
The legal challenge questions whether the reforms comply with Argentina’s constitution, claiming they breach the “principle of progressivity” that protects existing worker benefits from being rolled back, as well as the “protective principle” designed to prevent workplace exploitation and maintain fair employer-employee relationships.
“The damages are not collateral effects of an isolated decision, but are consistent with the national government’s economic and social program,” CGT officials stated, pointing to more than 300,000 job losses that have occurred since Milei assumed the presidency in late 2023 with promises of fiscal discipline and major economic changes.
Following the legislation’s passage on Friday, Milei described the overhaul as “historic” and declared, “We have a labor modernization.”
The path to approval was marked by significant conflict between Milei’s administration and opposition lawmakers. Tensions reached a peak last month as the bill moved through the lower chamber, with CGT organizing a day-long national work stoppage while protesters from multiple left-wing organizations fought with law enforcement officers near the congressional building.
Milei views these modifications to Argentina’s five-decade-old employment laws as essential for attracting international investment, enhancing worker productivity and generating new employment opportunities in a nation where approximately 40 percent of the workforce operates without official documentation.
Labor representatives contend the legislation will undermine worker safeguards that have been fundamental to Argentina since Peronism, the nation’s influential populist movement, emerged in the 1940s.
The judicial system will now determine whether to accept or reject the CGT’s legal challenge, a ruling that might lead to a temporary halt of the reforms while judges deliberate on a final decision.
An agricultural producer from Missouri is sounding the alarm about the need to strengthen the market for American corn as Brazil emerges as a formidable competitor in the global grain trade. Brian Willott shared his concerns with Brownfield, emphasizing that the competitive pressure from South America shows no signs of letting up.
“And every year they are able to produce more and more soy and more and more corn, both, because a lot of their double cropping,” Willott explained. “So we have to be sharp.”
The farmer’s comments highlight the challenges facing American grain producers as Brazil leverages its climate advantages to harvest multiple crops annually, significantly boosting their agricultural output and market presence.
Schools looking to add whole milk back to their cafeteria offerings will need to navigate several logistical hurdles, according to a nutrition education specialist.
Brianna Henton, who serves as director of youth engagement and outreach for the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, explained that educational institutions already have permission to include whole milk in their meal programs. However, she noted that federal guidelines from the USDA are still being developed to provide clearer direction.
“Schools do have the option to put this on their menu today, (but) the USDA still needs to come up with” additional guidance, Henton stated.
The transition faces practical challenges including increased expenses and refrigeration capacity issues that could delay widespread adoption across school districts nationwide.
Michigan’s efforts to manage its deer population are showing mixed results, according to a representative from the Michigan Farm Bureau who says more focused strategies are essential moving forward.
The organization’s lobbyist Justin Tomei explained to Brownfield that maintaining stable deer numbers requires harvesting roughly 40 percent of Michigan’s estimated two million deer annually. “We need to be up over around 800,000,” Tomei stated when discussing the target harvest numbers needed for proper herd management.
Despite some advancement in deer population control measures, Tomei emphasized that the state must implement more precise approaches to achieve the desired results. The declining harvest figures for 2025 highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing wildlife management with agricultural and environmental concerns.
Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings is praising a federal court ruling that has once again prevented the collection of private information from food stamp recipients across the country.
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a decision blocking federal demands that states hand over confidential details about millions of people who apply for or receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
This marks another legal victory for Jennings, who earlier joined with other attorneys general in challenging the data collection requirements through federal court action.
The ruling protects sensitive personal information of SNAP participants from being turned over to federal authorities, continuing a pattern of successful legal challenges to these data demands.
NEW ORLEANS — Louisiana military officials announced Monday they will keep 120 National Guard troops stationed in New Orleans until August, extending their mission by six months.
The soldiers are part of a larger group of 350 Guard members who arrived in the city in late December to provide security for New Year’s celebrations and major events including the Sugar Bowl. Originally concentrated in the famous French Quarter area, these troops were initially set to return home following the conclusion of Mardi Gras festivities.
New Orleans joins other Democratic-led cities including Washington and Memphis, Tennessee, where federal authorities have positioned armed military personnel under President Donald Trump’s administration. Separately, hundreds of federal agents also arrived in Louisiana last December as part of an immigration enforcement operation in the New Orleans area.
Trump highlighted the New Orleans military presence as a “big success” during his recent State of the Union speech. Last month, the president claimed the troops helped reduce violent crime in the city within their first week of arrival. However, New Orleans police statistics indicate violent crime has dropped substantially over the past three years, following broader national patterns.
A Louisiana National Guard statement explained that the remaining troops will maintain a “visible presence to deter criminal activity in New Orleans.”
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, a Democrat who initially resisted the deployment, now says the military personnel will help the city in upcoming weeks. She noted that National Guard soldiers provided valuable assistance during last year’s Mardi Gras celebration following the tragic New Year’s Day vehicle attack in the French Quarter that claimed 14 lives.
“I continue to support the partnership with the LA National Guard to assist in our major events and there are several coming up in the next few weeks,” Moreno stated.
Though Moreno didn’t specify which events she meant, New Orleans typically sees large crowds during spring celebrations like the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Republican Governor Jeff Landry, a strong Trump supporter, first requested National Guard assistance last September, pointing to concerns about violent crime despite data showing decreases.
“This continued deployment will help us combat violence in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana,” Landry posted on X Monday, mentioning that Louisiana also sent Guard troops to Washington, D.C., previously.
Kate Kelly, speaking for Governor Landry, confirmed federal funding will cover the extended deployment costs. She didn’t answer questions about potential Guard operations beyond New Orleans.
Major General Thomas Friloux, who leads the Louisiana National Guard, said the troops have successfully collaborated with various city, state and federal agencies to enhance public safety during major events, including the busy Mardi Gras period and carnival season.
“We remain committed to those partnerships as we continue supporting efforts to keep the City of New Orleans safe for residents and visitors,” Friloux stated.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump defended his military strategy against Iran on Monday as criticism grows over his administration’s handling of the expanding Middle East conflict.
The backlash isn’t limited to political opponents — some of Trump’s own supporters are questioning the war effort as fighting spreads across the region, energy costs climb, and casualties mount in what officials say could be just the beginning of a prolonged campaign.
Speaking to the New York Post on Monday, Trump declined to rule out deploying American ground forces to the conflict zone. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later told reporters the administration wouldn’t engage in what he called the “foolish” practice of revealing military plans in advance.
“I don’t have the yips with respect to boots on the ground — like every president says, ‘There will be no boots on the ground.’ I don’t say it,” Trump stated. “I say ‘probably don’t need them,’ (or) ‘if they were necessary.’”
The president and his senior staff worked to justify their approach as Iran launched retaliatory drone and missile attacks against Israel, U.S. military installations throughout the region, and Persian Gulf allies. Monday also saw Israel and Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy force in Lebanon, exchange fire, creating another battlefield in the widening conflict.
Trump returned to the White House promoting an “America First” agenda focused on avoiding the extended military engagements that characterized previous administrations. His foreign policy platform has consistently emphasized rejecting “the failed policy of nation building and regime change.”
During a Saudi Arabia visit last year, he reiterated this position, stating that “so-called ‘nation-builders’ wrecked far more nations than they built — and the interventionists were intervening in complex societies that they did not even understand themselves.”
However, Trump now faces a military engagement of his own making that has raised concerns about another lengthy Middle Eastern entanglement for America.
“I’m not happy about the whole thing. I don’t think this was in America’s interests,” said Erik Prince, a Trump supporter and private security executive, during Sunday’s appearance on former Trump advisor Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast. “It’s gonna uncork a significant can of worms and chaos, and destruction in Iran now.”
Prince continued, “I don’t see how this is in keeping with the president’s MAGA commitment. I am disappointed.”
Additional Trump supporters expressing doubts about the Iran strike include YouTube personality Benny Johnson, social media influencer Andrew Tate, and media figure Tucker Carlson.
Nevertheless, numerous Trump loyalists continue supporting the president’s choice, dismissing suggestions of internal division within their political movement.
“No, ma’am, I think Iran, they’re bad actors,” said Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., when asked about the disagreement. “They’ve killed Americans. In Iraq, they supply armaments. Hezbollah is part of their pact and they’ve supplied them with armaments and funds. And they do business with Chinese, so absolutely not. I think we’re good.”
During a White House appearance Monday, Trump described the combined American-Israeli military campaign as “substantially ahead of schedule” and projected four to five weeks to achieve administration goals, though he acknowledged the timeline could extend further.
“We have capability to go far longer than that,” Trump declared.
Hegseth provided less specific timing estimates.
“President Trump has all the latitude in the world to talk about how long it may or may not take. Four weeks, two weeks, six weeks,” Hegseth explained. “It could move up. It could move back.”
Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine warned reporters that additional American military casualties are anticipated as operations continue. By Monday, six U.S. personnel had died in combat with others seriously wounded during Iran’s widespread retaliatory attacks across the region.
The administration hasn’t specified who should assume leadership of Iran after eliminating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and numerous other senior officials in the conflict’s initial strikes.
When announcing major combat operations, Trump urged the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps to surrender their weapons. However, military experts note that airstrikes alone rarely achieve the type of government overthrow Trump seeks in Iran.
The president also hasn’t promised support for Iranian opposition groups he’s encouraged to revolt against the Islamic government following the bombing campaign’s conclusion.
Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a Washington policy organization, suggested Trump might accept “regime collapse” or “regime implosion” instead.
“That is very different (than regime change), not only because potentially it could be achieved, but it’s also something that enables the Trump administration to wash their hands of the consequences of this,” Parsi explained.
Meanwhile, Israel is urging Trump to maintain extended operations that could definitively end Iran’s religious government.
“I think the Israelis’ biggest concern may be that President Trump would take … sort of the early offering, declaring victory,” said Daniel Shapiro, former U.S. ambassador to Israel under Obama and current Atlantic Council distinguished fellow. “I think they’d like to see this go longer, with the president’s support.”
Administration officials briefed congressional staff privately Sunday that American intelligence hadn’t detected Iranian preparations for preemptive strikes against the U.S. Instead, officials acknowledged broader regional threats from Iran’s missile capabilities and allied forces.
Nevertheless, Trump reiterated Monday his position that action was required due to concerns over Iran developing ballistic missiles capable of reaching American territory.
Iran hasn’t confirmed pursuing intercontinental ballistic missile development. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency stated in an unclassified report last year that Iran could create a functional intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 “should Tehran decide to pursue the capability.”
The president also restated claims that Iran was rebuilding its nuclear capabilities despite U.S. strikes last June during the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict that he said “obliterated” three major nuclear installations.
International Atomic Energy Agency Director Rafael Grossi confirmed Monday that Iran maintains an “ambitious” nuclear program but currently lacks weapons development efforts. Iran has blocked IAEA inspectors from examining its damaged nuclear facilities.
Kelsey Davenport, nonproliferation policy director at the Arms Control Association, argued that “regime change is not a viable nonproliferation strategy.”
“Iran’s nuclear program cannot be bombed away. Iran’s nuclear knowledge cannot be bombed away,” she stated. “Even if there’s regime change, Iran’s program will still pose a proliferation risk.”
Montana Republican Ryan Zinke, who previously held the position of Interior Secretary under Donald Trump, announced Monday he will step away from Congress after his current term, pointing to medical issues as the reason for his decision.
The announcement creates a potential opening for Democratic candidates in Montana, a state that has shifted significantly toward conservative politics in recent election cycles.
Zinke, who served as a Navy SEAL before entering politics, explained in a message to voters that he has endured several surgical procedures in recent years due to injuries from his military service, with additional medical treatments still ahead. While emphasizing that his health condition poses no threat to his life, he acknowledged that recovery would demand substantial time away from his duties.
“My judgement and experience tell me it is better for Montana and America to have full-time representation in Congress than run the risk of uncertain absences and missed votes,” he wrote.
Zinke’s political journey began in Montana’s state legislature, where he served four years before winning his first congressional seat in 2014. Trump selected him to lead the Interior Department in 2017, though Zinke stepped down from that role in 2018 as multiple ethics probes emerged. He successfully returned to electoral politics in 2022, claiming victory by a narrow margin in Montana’s newly established western congressional district, then securing reelection in 2024 with a more decisive win.
A congressional committee made public on Monday video recordings showing former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton being questioned under oath about their connections to Jeffrey Epstein, the deceased financier who was convicted of sex crimes.
The depositions, recorded over multiple days last week and lasting several hours, revealed how both former officials sought to create distance between themselves and Epstein. The former president testified that he had severed ties with Epstein well before the financier pleaded guilty in 2008 to charges involving solicitation of prostitution from a minor.
According to Bill Clinton’s testimony, his initial encounter with Epstein occurred in 2002 when he traveled on Epstein’s aircraft for charitable endeavors involving the Clinton family, and their association concluded the following year.
“There’s nothing that I saw when I was around him that made me realize he was trafficking women,” Bill Clinton told the committee.
While records show Epstein made multiple visits to the White House during Clinton’s time in office and photographs exist of the two men meeting, the former president testified he could not remember those encounters.
Hillary Clinton testified that she had no recollection of ever encountering Epstein personally.
Despite their denials, both faced extensive questioning from legislators who are seeking to hold accountable anyone who may have known about or overlooked Epstein’s exploitation of minors.
Federal law enforcement agencies have joined Cincinnati police in hunting for the gunman responsible for a weekend shooting at a local nightclub that left nine people injured.
The shooting occurred around 1:00 a.m. Sunday morning at Riverfront Live, a music venue in Cincinnati. All nine victims were taken to area hospitals with injuries that are not considered life-threatening, according to Interim Cincinnati Police Chief Adam Hennie, who reported that all patients remain in stable condition.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now collaborating with Cincinnati police on the investigation, confirmed spokesperson Todd Lindgren. Additionally, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has posted a $5,000 reward for tips leading to the identification of the shooter.
While this incident happened around the same time as a fatal bar shooting in Austin, Texas that investigators are examining as possible terrorism, Ohio authorities have not revealed any potential motive for the Cincinnati attack.
Cincinnati ATF spokesperson Bill Halusek stated that investigators do not currently believe the nightclub shooting was a terrorist act.
Witness Anton Canady was inside Riverfront Live when the violence erupted. He described hearing what seemed like an altercation or “commotion” before gunfire broke out while music was still playing. Canady and his girlfriend Brandi Willis immediately fled toward the exits.
During the chaotic evacuation, Willis fell down and Canady shielded her with his body to prevent her from being trampled by other fleeing patrons.
“I don’t think it was like they was doing it purposely or intentionally, I just think nobody wanted to die in there,” he said.
The 40-year-old Cincinnati man spoke with The Associated Press from a hospital where he was waiting for Willis to receive additional treatment for injuries sustained during their escape. Canady also suffered cuts and bruises to his legs.
After getting out of the venue, Canady discovered that one of the shooting victims was his own cousin.
“I hurried up, found something out of the car that was next to us. And I tied her wounds up so we can get that pressure. And we try to do the next step, which is call 911 and get her the attention she needed,” he said.
Canady reported speaking with his cousin on Monday, saying she is “doing good” but remains “in shock.”
DJ Fresh, whose real name is Jermaine Tandy, was celebrating his birthday at the venue that night, based on his Facebook posts. Representatives for the DJ released a statement expressing their devastation over the violent incident.
“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence,” the statement read. “This event was intended to be an opportunity for us to come together and enjoy great music; and have fun celebrating life, it is deeply frustrating that the actions of one individual ruined the evening for so many.”
The statement noted that venue management handled security arrangements for the event as part of the DJ’s rental contract.
Riverfront Live is located on the Ohio River near the Riverbend Music Center and frequently attracts patrons from the larger outdoor concert venue, which closes during winter months.
The club was renamed Riverfront Live in 2018 following previous incidents involving criminal activity. The property has operated under various names including Stage Forty-Three and Inner Circle, but is most famous as the former location of Annie’s, a legendary rock club that featured major touring acts during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Brazil’s administration plans to generate more than $48 billion in environmentally-focused investments throughout President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s four-year presidency, according to a departing government official.
Tatiana Rosito, who stepped down Monday from her role as international affairs secretary at Brazil’s Finance Ministry, stated the government anticipates mobilizing over 250 billion reais during this timeframe. She emphasized that 2026 will focus on strengthening programs already in motion.
Rosito, who will transition to serve as the World Bank’s regional director for China, Korea and Mongolia beginning in July, explained that Brazil has developed an extensive collection of financing mechanisms highlighted during the country’s leadership roles in the G20, BRICS and COP30.
She noted that the current emphasis involves producing tangible outcomes and securing investment capital instead of developing additional financial tools.
Brazil’s recent policy initiatives have helped reestablish the nation as a significant international participant, with other countries recognizing Latin America’s largest economy as moving beyond promises toward actual implementation, Rosito explained.
Among the major initiatives are establishing national guidelines for ecological transformation, releasing sovereign sustainable bonds in international markets, and introducing EcoInvest, which leverages government funding to draw private sector investment into environmental projects.
Rosito highlighted the Brazil Investment Platform for Climate and Ecological Transformation (BIP), a system that catalogs sustainable projects seeking financial backing.
Following Brazil’s introduction of this platform during its 2024 G20 leadership, the country assisted in creating a network of comparable programs under its COP presidency to encourage collaboration on sustainable and climate financing among developing nations.
Over 15 countries, including Colombia, Nigeria and South Africa, have subsequently revealed plans to establish their own platforms, according to Rosito.
“I don’t see many people viewing this as an ecosystem, but it is,” she stated, characterizing Brazil’s sustainable finance initiative as an innovative framework developed primarily from the ground up that facilitates real investments and supports strategic emerging industries.
Rosito observed that sustainable development discussions have been “all but erased” from certain international forums, especially the G20 under this year’s U.S. leadership, and maintained that Brazil and its allies must continue advocating to keep these issues prominent.
Mathias Alencastro, formerly an adviser to Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, will replace Rosito at the Finance Ministry, as Reuters initially reported Friday.
Iranian military commanders issued their strongest warning yet regarding the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, declaring the waterway completely off-limits to shipping traffic on Monday.
A high-ranking Revolutionary Guards official announced that Tehran would use military force against any vessels attempting to navigate through the passage, which handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil transportation.
“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,” stated Ebrahim Jabari, a senior adviser to the Guards commander-in-chief, according to Iranian state media reports.
The waterway serves as the planet’s most critical petroleum export channel, linking major Gulf oil-producing nations including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates to the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.
Tehran’s decision to shut down the passage stems from recent military actions by the United States and Israel on February 28, which targeted Iranian leadership. President Donald Trump has publicly encouraged Iranian citizens to remove their current government officials.
Iran responded by launching multiple missile strikes against neighboring Gulf states that house American military installations, including Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Iranian forces also targeted the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman with missile attacks.
This blockade represents the fulfillment of longstanding Iranian promises to seal off the narrow shipping channel if the country faced military aggression.
The strait measures approximately 21 miles across at its most constricted section, yet facilitates the passage of about 20% of daily global oil consumption.
Energy markets have remained focused on escalating tensions between Iran and its longtime adversaries, the United States and Israel, with concerns that expanded conflict could severely impact oil supplies and destabilize the broader region.
The closure compounds existing shipping challenges caused by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi forces, who have conducted drone and missile attacks against vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since the Gaza conflict began in 2023.
On Monday, diplomatic leaders from Central Asia gathered to address the growing crisis in Iran and surrounding Middle East territories, according to an announcement from Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry.
The diplomatic gathering was notable for bringing together representatives from nearly all regional nations simultaneously, with participants advocating for peaceful resolution to the current turmoil affecting Iran and neighboring areas.
According to the ministry’s official statement, the foreign ministers emphasized “the importance of de-escalating tensions, adhering to international law, and combining efforts in the interest of maintaining regional security, peace, and stability.”
Kazakhstan’s top diplomat Yermek Kosherbayev conducted meetings with his counterparts representing Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan during the diplomatic session.
Kosherbayev acknowledged the assistance provided by Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in helping evacuate people from Iran, noting that the participating nations were ready to work together on additional evacuations and related matters.
The diplomatic discussions occurred as military actions intensified throughout the region on Monday, with U.S. and Israeli forces expanding air operations against Iran. Meanwhile, Israel launched strikes against Lebanon following Hezbollah attacks, and Tehran continued launching missiles and drone strikes targeting Gulf nations.
ATHENS – Authorities in Greece have taken a 36-year-old man into custody at Athens airport following allegations that he conducted surveillance activities at a critical naval installation on Crete, according to police sources who spoke Monday.
The arrest occurred based on intelligence provided by Greece’s national security service. The facility in question, Souda Bay, serves as a vital strategic location for Greek, American, and NATO military operations in the eastern Mediterranean region.
The naval base recently hosted the U.S. aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford during a resupply mission, highlighting its importance to American military operations in the area.
Investigators have opened a formal inquiry into the allegations and are currently analyzing digital materials, including photographic evidence that was allegedly collected by the suspect, police officials confirmed.
Records show the accused individual was registered at a hotel in close proximity to Souda last month. As of now, he has not provided any response to the charges against him, according to one law enforcement official.
This incident follows a similar case from June, when Greek police apprehended an Azerbaijani citizen also suspected of espionage activities. That individual had similarly taken up residence at a hotel near the same naval and air force installation in western Crete for several days.
Security measures at the facility have been enhanced following recent military strikes conducted by Israel and the United States against Iran over the weekend.
Cuban authorities have taken 10 Panamanian nationals into custody, accusing them of producing anti-government propaganda materials on Saturday, according to the country’s Interior Ministry.
Officials claim the detainees were hired by unidentified sponsors who promised payment in exchange for traveling to Cuba to create what authorities describe as subversive messaging.
The detentions come just days after Cuban officials reported another alleged infiltration attempt, where armed Cuban exiles attempted to enter the country via speedboat. That incident resulted in a deadly confrontation at sea, leaving four attackers dead and six others wounded and in Cuban custody.
These incidents unfold as Cuba faces significant economic and energy challenges, with U.S. sanctions creating what officials describe as an oil embargo that has worsened fuel shortages and power outages across the island nation.
According to the Interior Ministry’s statement, the Panamanian citizens face charges for “acts of propaganda against the Cuban constitutional order.” Cuban law imposes sentences of three to eight years for “inciting against social order, international solidarity, or the socialist state,” and prohibits creating, distributing, or possessing such materials in any form.
Ministry officials say the detained individuals confessed they had been “instructed to enter Cuba to create signs with subversive content.”
“Once this objective was achieved, they were to leave the country and, upon their return to Panama, would receive a sum of money that, according to their initial statements, ranged between $1,000 and $1,500 each,” the Interior Ministry said.
Panama’s embassy in Havana has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the arrests.
These restrictions on free expression have long been cited by Cuban exiles as justification for maintaining U.S. economic sanctions against Cuba’s Communist leadership.
Federal prosecutors have filed charges against a 36-year-old man who deliberately crashed his vehicle into the world headquarters of Chabad Lubavitch in New York City last month.
Dan Sohail faced arraignment Monday afternoon in Brooklyn federal court on charges of intentionally damaging religious property following the January 28th incident. The crash caused damage to the entrance of the sacred Jewish site but resulted in no injuries.
Sohail’s legal representative did not respond to requests for comment on Monday.
New York City police had already taken Sohail into custody at the scene and local prosecutors filed hate crime charges against him.
According to the federal complaint made public Monday, Sohail later informed authorities that he had recently discovered his Jewish ancestry and had received an invitation to visit the headquarters that evening to explore the faith’s customs.
Multiple individuals close to Sohail, including relatives and Chabad religious leaders, have stated that he showed no animosity toward Jewish people and had actually expressed desire to convert to Judaism.
Police records indicate that just weeks prior to the incident, Sohail participated in a social event at the Chabad headquarters, where surveillance footage captured him dancing alongside Orthodox Jewish men.
Speaking to The Daily News, Sohail’s father described his son as having “mental problems” while maintaining “a very good friendship, relationship with the Jews.”
Initially, Sohail told police that his “clunky boots” had caused him to slip and lose control of his car.
However, federal authorities allege that surveillance showed him moving several barriers and clearing snow from the sidewalk before repeatedly driving into the building at least five times.
The federal charge could result in up to three years imprisonment if prosecutors prove the property damage exceeded $5,000.
Sohail has remained in custody since his arrest but was temporarily transferred to U.S. Marshals for Monday’s federal court appearance, according to online records. His next appearance in the state case is scheduled for March 31st.
Chabad representatives have not responded to inquiries regarding the federal charges.
The vehicle crash happened exactly 75 years after Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson assumed leadership of the Lubavitch movement, raising immediate concerns throughout the city. Although Schneerson passed away in 1994, he continues to be honored worldwide.
Law enforcement has maintained a continuous presence around the Chabad Lubavitch world headquarters for many years.
The location became the focal point of the Crown Heights riots in 1991, during which Black neighborhood residents attacked Jewish community members following a child’s death involving a vehicle in Schneerson’s convoy. In 2014, a mentally disturbed individual entered the synagogue and stabbed a rabbinical student before police fatally shot the attacker.
BRUSSELS – The head of the European Council expressed strong support Monday for Lebanon’s commitment to halt Hezbollah’s armed operations and hold accountable those who launched attacks against Israel.
Antonio Costa, the European Council President, praised the Lebanese government’s stance following a conversation with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun. Costa emphasized the critical need for renewed security cooperation between Israel and Lebanon.
“It is now important for Israel and Lebanon to resume security coordination, so the Lebanese Armed Forces can disarm Hezbollah and ensure the security of all Lebanese people,” Costa wrote on the social media platform X.
During separate diplomatic communications, Costa reached out to Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to offer European Union solidarity after an Iranian-made Shahed drone struck a British military installation on the Mediterranean island. Intelligence suggests the drone attack was likely carried out by Hezbollah, which receives backing from Iran.
Costa also thanked Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, expressing “appreciation” for Greece’s military assistance provided to Cyprus in response to the incident.
Federal health officials announced Monday they are giving pharmaceutical companies extra time to enroll in a groundbreaking program designed to bring down prescription drug costs for Americans receiving Medicaid benefits.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has moved the application deadline from March 31 to April 30, 2026, for drug manufacturers interested in participating in the new payment structure.
The initiative aims to reduce medication expenses within the Medicaid system, which serves low-income individuals and families, bringing those costs in line with what other developed countries pay for prescription drugs.
A powerful Sicilian organized crime leader who spent more than three decades behind bars has passed away at age 87, according to two sources familiar with the situation who spoke Monday.
Benedetto “Nitto” Santapaola died while incarcerated at a maximum-security facility in Milan, where he was serving multiple life sentences for homicide and additional criminal charges following his 1993 arrest, one source confirmed.
Italy’s justice ministry has not yet provided a statement regarding the death.
Santapaola earned the fearsome nicknames “il cacciatore” (the hunter) and “il licantropo” (the werewolf) during his reign as the head of organized crime operations in Catania, a major city in eastern Sicily, spanning from the late 1970s through the early 1990s.
The deceased crime boss was prosecuted and found guilty as one of the masterminds behind the 1992 assassinations of Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, two of Italy’s most renowned prosecutors dedicated to fighting organized crime.
WASHINGTON — White House officials explained Monday that a prominent red mark visible on President Trump’s neck comes from a preventative skin treatment he’s currently using, though they declined to provide additional specifics about the medical condition being addressed.
The discolored area became a topic of widespread discussion after news photographers took detailed shots of the president’s neck area during Monday’s Medal of Honor presentation ceremony held in the White House East Room.
White House physician Sean Barbabella issued a statement saying, “President Trump is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatment, prescribed by the White House Doctor. The President is using this treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks.”
Officials have not answered additional inquiries about the specific medication being used, the start date of the treatment, or the particular condition being prevented. However, detailed photographs from previous events, including a White House gathering on February 23 — one day prior to the State of the Union speech — show similar discoloration in the same neck area.
Medical records from Trump’s April 2025 health examination indicated he was using mometasone cream on an as-needed basis for a skin issue that was not further detailed.
At 79 years old, Trump holds the distinction of being the oldest individual to assume the presidency when he took office this past January. Due to his age, medical professionals and the public maintain heightened attention on his health status.
In December, Barbabella reported that Trump underwent MRI scans of his heart and abdominal area in October as standard preventative care for men in his age group, with all results coming back as “perfectly normal.” The October examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center concluded that Trump maintains “exceptional health” overall, the physician stated.
Drivers across Delaware and the region are feeling the pinch at gas stations as fuel prices climbed above $3 per gallon Monday, marking the first time costs have reached that level since November.
The price jump comes as escalating Middle East tensions have disrupted global oil markets. Iran’s response to recent U.S. and Israeli military actions has affected oil production facilities in surrounding nations and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international shipping corridor. These disruptions have pushed Brent crude oil prices up more than 5% to nearly $77 per barrel, driving up costs for gasoline and other petroleum products.
The rising fuel costs present a significant political challenge for President Trump and Republican candidates as they approach November’s midterm elections, particularly as many Americans are already grappling with increased costs for everyday necessities. A recent Reuters/Ipsos survey found that nearly half of respondents indicated they would be less inclined to back Trump’s Iran policy if oil and gasoline prices continue climbing domestically.
Mark Malek, chief investment officer at Siebert Financial, emphasized the psychological impact of fuel costs on consumers. “Gasoline prices are psychologically powerful,” Malek stated. “They are the inflation number that consumers see every single day.”
Industry experts predict that each $10 increase in crude oil prices per barrel typically translates to a 25-cent rise in gasoline prices at retail locations. Malek warned that refinery complications could lead to even steeper fuel price increases.
Data from OPIS confirmed that average retail gasoline prices surpassed $3 per gallon Monday. Tom Kloza, senior adviser to Gulf Oil, forecasts prices could climb as high as $3.25 per gallon this week due to the ongoing crisis.
Even before the recent Middle East developments, gasoline prices had been climbing for four consecutive weeks, according to GasBuddy data. This increase was partly due to refineries transitioning to summer-grade gasoline, which environmental regulations require and which costs more to produce.
GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan expects the conflict to worsen these price increases. “In the week ahead, gasoline prices are likely to face heightened upward pressure as seasonal trends continue and markets navigate this evolving geopolitical landscape,” De Haan explained.
One of the nation’s largest meat processing companies has launched a significant expansion initiative in the Southwest. JBS has commenced construction on a $150 million enhancement project at its beef processing facility located in Cactus, Texas.
According to company representatives, the ambitious undertaking will feature the development of a cutting-edge fabrication floor along with an enlarged ground beef production area. The expansion represents a substantial investment in the company’s Southern operations and beef processing capabilities.
The groundbreaking ceremony has already taken place for this major infrastructure project, which is expected to modernize and increase capacity at the existing Texas facility.
Agricultural families in Ohio now have access to a comprehensive statewide program designed to assist with generational farm transitions, according to an Ohio State University agricultural attorney.
Robert Moore, who works with the university’s agricultural law program, explains that the Ohio Farm Transition Network offers educational resources and guidance to help farming operations prepare for the future. The program aims to equip agricultural producers with the knowledge needed to make well-informed choices about their farm’s future.
“Farm families often have a difficult time finding resources,” Moore stated. “This program will help them find” the assistance they need for successful transitions.
The network addresses a critical need in Ohio’s agricultural community, where many farming families struggle to locate appropriate guidance for succession planning. The initiative provides structured support to ensure farming operations can continue successfully from one generation to the next.
Bow hunters are proving to be the most effective weapon in the battle against invasive northern snakehead fish in Chesapeake Bay waters, according to new research from Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources.
The recently published study in Integrated and Comparative Biology shows that bowfishing and gigging with pronged spears have become the dominant methods for catching these unwanted fish, far outpacing traditional rod-and-reel fishing, commercial operations, and state management efforts.
What makes this finding particularly significant is that bow hunters are successfully targeting the larger female snakeheads that carry more eggs, which is crucial for controlling population growth of these Asian natives that were illegally released into Maryland waters in the early 2000s.
“Bowfishing is an important component of the fishery, annually removing approximately 20% of the population in the upper Chesapeake Bay,” explained Dr. Joseph Love, the study’s lead author and DNR biologist. “We are always looking for creative, responsible ways to get us closer to our needed targets for managing these populations.”
The invasive species presents a significant challenge for fisheries managers because these fish are naturally equipped with traits that help them thrive and multiply rapidly in environments where they face few natural threats. Northern snakeheads have spread so extensively throughout the Chesapeake Bay region that completely eliminating them is no longer considered feasible.
Instead, wildlife officials are concentrating on reducing their numbers and finding ways to use them beneficially to minimize their damage to local ecosystems that support valuable recreational and commercial fish species.
Bowfishing has gained popularity among anglers as an alternative to conventional fishing methods. Rather than using bait and waiting for a bite, bowfishers shoot arrows attached to retrieval lines at fish they can see in the water.
Between 2022 and 2024, researchers collaborated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Maryland office to track snakeheads with tags and gather information from charter boat operators who specialize in bowfishing trips. The team collected data through multiple approaches: accompanying bowfishing charters in person, reviewing trip logs maintained by charter captains, and tracking reports when tagged fish were caught by both bow hunters and conventional anglers.
The 2024 data alone reveals the scope of bowfishing activity: ten charter boat captains logged over 550 bowfishing excursions across 17 different rivers. These outings typically lasted around five hours with four participants each. While results varied dramatically – from catching nothing to landing more than 30 fish per trip – the average expedition removed approximately ten snakeheads. Activity peaked during spring and fall seasons, particularly during full and new moon phases.
“We learned how many they harvested per night, but needed to learn more about what that meant for the fishery,” Love noted.
The tagging portion of the research involved placing 657 tags on northern snakeheads in the upper Chesapeake Bay. Of the 149 tags that were reported back to researchers, 80 came from bowfishers compared to 65 from traditional anglers. After accounting for differences in reporting habits between the two groups, scientists determined that bowfishing accounts for a larger share of the total snakehead harvest than rod-and-reel fishing.
State removal efforts through electrofishing surveys contributed only a small portion of annual catches, confirming what managers and fishers already suspected – bowfishers are harvesting substantial numbers of snakeheads.
Because northern snakeheads have been shown to negatively affect native fish populations, the department urges anglers to keep every snakehead they catch. There are no bag limits or closed seasons for these invasive fish, and they’re considered excellent table fare. Their widespread distribution means anglers have numerous locations to try their luck at catching them.
As global attention turns to our region for the world’s biggest sporting spectacle, the Delaware Tourism Office (DTO) is encouraging soccer fans to experience every thrilling moment by watching this summer’s matches at four celebrations planned throughout the state.
Tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ soccer viewing festivities will go on sale Thursday, March 5th beginning at 9 a.m.
The tourism office is capitalizing on the international spotlight shining on the area during the premier global soccer tournament, offering residents and visitors multiple locations to gather and enjoy the matches together.
Manufacturing facilities processed 138,000 pounds of extra long staple cotton through cotton system operations during the month of January 2026, according to recently released agricultural data.
The consumption figure reflects activity in the specialized cotton processing sector, where extra long staple varieties are utilized for their superior fiber quality and length characteristics.
Extra long staple cotton represents a premium grade of the crop, typically commanding higher prices due to its enhanced properties for textile manufacturing applications.
American agricultural processors handled 75.2 million tons of soybeans during 2025 to extract crude oil, according to the latest annual report from federal agriculture officials.
The figure represents the total volume of soybeans that went through crushing operations nationwide to produce soybean oil, a key component in food production and industrial applications.
The data comes from the annual fats and oils industry summary, which tracks processing volumes across the United States agricultural sector.
Agricultural processing facilities crushed 6.84 million tons of soybeans during January 2026 to extract crude oil, according to federal data released this week.
The processing volume, equivalent to 228 million bushels, reflects ongoing activity in the nation’s soybean oil production sector during the opening month of the year.
The figures come from the latest agricultural processing report tracking commodity crushing operations across the United States.
New agricultural statistics reveal that corn utilization for alcohol production and other industrial applications totaled 505 million bushels throughout January 2026, according to federal grain processing data.
The monthly grain crushing report provides insight into how America’s corn harvest is being processed and consumed across various industries, with alcohol production representing a significant portion of demand.
The data reflects processing activity during the 31-day period of January, following the completion of December 2025’s 31-day reporting cycle.
The United States cotton industry processed 1.2 million pounds of extra long staple cotton through its manufacturing system during 2025, according to newly released federal data.
This premium grade cotton fiber represents a significant portion of the nation’s textile production capabilities. Extra long staple cotton is considered a higher quality material used in specialized manufacturing applications.
The figures come from the latest annual industry report tracking cotton consumption patterns across American manufacturing facilities.
NEW YORK — Oakland emerged as the most successful team at utilizing baseball’s new automated umpire technology during spring training’s opening stretch, successfully overturning ball and strike decisions in 69.2% of their appeals over the initial 10-day period.
The San Francisco Giants claimed second place with a 66.7% success rate, while Cincinnati, Miami, and San Diego each tied for third at 61.9%, according to Major League Baseball’s announcement on Monday.
In contrast, the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers struggled with the system, achieving only a 21.4% success rate on their appeals to the Automated Ball-Strike System. Baltimore managed just 25% successful challenges, while the New York Mets reached 35.3% and Texas hit 38.1%.
Across all MLB teams, the overall success rate stood at 51.3%, with clubs averaging 2.3 challenges per contest.
The New York Yankees led all teams in challenge frequency, averaging 3.8 appeals per game while winning 52.6% of them. Minnesota followed closely at 3.6 challenges per game with a 58.3% success rate, then Boston at 3.2 challenges (55.2% success), and Colorado and San Francisco both at 3.0 challenges per game.
Baltimore used the fewest challenges, averaging only 1.2 per game. The Dodgers averaged 1.4 challenges while Detroit sat at 1.5 per game with a 46.7% success rate.
Major League Baseball previously tested the ABS technology during last year’s spring training, when teams achieved a 52.2% success rate on ball and strike challenges, winning 617 out of 1,182 appeals. The league has been experimenting with the system in minor league play since 2019.
Under the current rules, each team may challenge up to two calls per game. Teams keep their challenge opportunity when successful, mirroring the existing video replay system that started with home run calls in August 2008 and expanded significantly for the 2014 season.
Teams that exhaust their challenges during regulation play would receive one additional challenge for each extra inning in tied games.
Fighter jets struck two facilities belonging to Iran’s state broadcasting network in Tehran on Sunday evening, resulting in casualties among staff members and temporarily knocking transmissions off the air.
The attacks targeted complexes operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), with explosions visible across Tehran. Broadcasting resumed within minutes from backup studios, though programming remained limited and some radio services experienced significant interruptions.
An IRIB presenter, reporting from an alternate studio in Tehran’s Jame Jam area, confirmed that the network had suffered attacks from US and Israeli forces before announcing the return to regular programming.
The current broadcasting setup stems from damage sustained during a 12-day conflict in June, when missiles from Israeli aircraft completely destroyed IRIB’s primary facility known as the Glass Building in northern Tehran. Since that time, the News Network has operated from multiple locations, including backup studios and repurposed facilities.
Financial constraints have hampered efforts to establish a permanent replacement site. According to sources within IRIB, the broadcaster’s Political Department had sought emergency funding for a new studio outside the main complex, but the request was denied and postponed to the following budget year. Economic difficulties have reduced commercial advertising income, forcing the organization to scatter operations across various buildings, some outside protected areas.
In the hours following the physical attacks, hackers compromised Iranian television satellite transmissions, inserting content featuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and portions of a speech by President Donald Trump directed at Iranian citizens, along with footage related to the recent strikes.
Around midnight Tehran time, Tasnim News Agency, which has ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, confirmed that multiple state radio employees were killed or wounded during Sunday’s assault on Iran’s primary radio facility in southern Tehran near the city center.
The Israeli airstrikes occurred in multiple phases and also damaged Police Station 113 near Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and several military and security installations in the vicinity. Local sources reported uncertainty about whether the main radio building at Arg Square was deliberately targeted or suffered collateral damage from nearby strikes.
Additionally, Noor News, a Telegram channel with connections to Iranian security agencies, reported that Channel 2 of state television, situated outside the primary IRIB compound, also came under attack.
Prior to the commencement of US and Israeli operations, sources indicated that IRIB had activated emergency protocols starting at midnight Saturday, implementing wartime staffing schedules and preparing for potential cyber attacks and threats to live broadcasting capabilities. Another source revealed that news regarding the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had reached IRIB executives and the Political Department by Saturday afternoon, with broadcast managers developing plans to announce the development in the early morning hours.
Two Palestinian brothers died Monday after Israeli settlers opened fire in their village in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, as violent incidents by settlers continue to increase throughout the territory during ongoing regional conflicts.
The Palestinian Health Ministry named the victims as Mohammad and Faheem Mo’mar in an official statement. Mohammad, age 52, suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head while Faheem, 48, was struck in the pelvis. Both men died in Qaryout, their home village located in the northern West Bank.
This deadly incident raises the total number of Palestinians killed in settler attacks this year to three, following the February 19 shooting death of Nasrallah Abu Siyam, a 19-year-old Palestinian American.
Video footage distributed by Palestinian news outlets and Breaking the Silence, an organization of former Israeli military personnel, captured approximately 10 settlers positioned near a Palestinian residence in Qaryout. The footage shows one settler aiming a rifle at the home’s upper level. Additional video shows Palestinians hurriedly carrying an injured, bleeding man toward medical assistance.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that at least three additional people sustained injuries during the shooting.
Israeli military officials have not yet provided a response to requests for comment.
Medical personnel transported the wounded to a hospital in Nablus, a city in the central West Bank, where Associated Press reporters observed family members mourning over one brother’s body. Village residents assisted medical staff in moving bloodied victims onto surgical tables and covering both the deceased and injured with blankets.
Adham Johary, a village resident, explained to the AP that settlers had been spotted operating a bulldozer at the town’s perimeter before fleeing when young Palestinian men approached.
“Less than 10 minutes later, more than 10 settlers attacked nearby houses. The young residents attempted to defend the area, and random gunfire was directed at the young men and the entire area,” Johary stated.
Human rights organizations and Palestinians maintain that Israeli officials consistently fail to pursue legal action against settlers or ensure accountability for violent acts. The United Nations humanitarian office documented that 2023 saw the highest daily average of settler attacks resulting in deaths, injuries or property destruction — five incidents per day — since tracking began in 2006.
COGAT, the military authority overseeing the territory, announced closures of West Bank and Gaza crossings citing security concerns. West Bank Palestinians report that travel limitations have severely restricted access to essential services, preventing some villages from reaching urban centers with medical facilities and commercial establishments.
Airlines across the Middle East have started to cautiously restore flight operations after suspending service due to military strikes against Iran by Israeli and U.S. forces over the weekend.
While some carriers resumed limited schedules on Monday, the travel disruption has left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded across the region. Major aviation hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and other Gulf cities had grounded commercial flights as a safety precaution following the escalating military action.
The gradual return of air service comes as airlines assess security conditions and work to clear massive passenger backlogs. Many international carriers are still evaluating when it will be safe to fully restore normal flight schedules to and from Middle Eastern destinations.
Travel industry officials expect it could take days or weeks to accommodate all affected passengers, depending on how the regional security situation develops.
