Royal Bank of Canada announced Thursday that its first-quarter earnings exceeded Wall Street expectations, driven by robust performance in wealth management and personal banking operations.
As economic uncertainty persists due to ongoing trade disputes with the United States, Canadian financial institutions have increasingly focused on fee-generating, high-margin services like capital markets operations and wealth advisory services to maintain profitability.
RBC has been expanding its wealth management operations by recruiting additional financial advisors and growing the division’s presence in international markets beyond Canada.
The wealth management division delivered impressive results with net income soaring 32% to C$1.3 billion (equivalent to $950.22 million) in the first quarter, benefiting from increased fee revenue generated by client asset management.
Despite elevated interest rates and a sluggish housing sector, consumer spending patterns have proven more resilient than many economists anticipated.
Personal banking operations at RBC, which holds the distinction of being Canada’s largest financial institution, saw net income climb 17% to reach C$1.96 billion.
Canadian banks have also benefited from renewed activity in mergers and acquisitions along with initial public offerings, while market volatility has encouraged investors to rebalance their portfolios, creating additional revenue opportunities for trading operations.
RBC’s capital markets division posted a 3% increase in net income to C$1.48 billion, though results were somewhat dampened by rising employee compensation costs and increased provisions set aside for potential credit losses. Operating expenses for this segment increased 4% compared to the previous year.
The financial institution reported adjusted earnings per share of C$4.08 for the quarter, surpassing the average analyst forecast of C$3.85 according to LSEG data compilation.
For the third straight year, the Miami Dolphins have claimed the number one position in the NFL Players Association’s yearly team evaluations, ESPN reported Thursday.
The Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders secured second and third place respectively, while the Pittsburgh Steelers dropped to the bottom ranking for the first time since the survey began four years ago.
According to ESPN, players consistently refer to the Dolphins organization as “the best in the NFL” in their survey responses.
ESPN reports that 1,759 players participated in this year’s evaluation, rating teams from A+ to F across multiple categories including head coaching, ownership, locker room quality, family treatment, and home field conditions – a newly added category. The survey was distributed to all active roster players between November 2nd and December 11th.
Following the public release of survey results in each of the previous three years, the NFL successfully filed a grievance against the players union, arguing the publication breached the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
Though an arbitrator sided with the league, the NFLPA has stated its intention to keep conducting these evaluations in the future, even if the results cannot be made public.
Pittsburgh reportedly ranked last in facility investment willingness, locker room quality, and home field conditions, with the latter category showing a particularly significant gap.
According to ESPN, the survey noted that “Players cite inadequate maintenance and excessive wear from hosting local college and high school games” and “Players across the league note the poor condition of the field and emphasize the need for investment to bring it up to standard.”
The Arizona Cardinals, who held the bottom spot last season, improved slightly to 31st place. The Cleveland Browns maintained their 30th position from the previous year.
Mexican authorities announced Thursday they are pursuing legal action against a Paris-based auction house to prevent the sale of dozens of ancient artifacts the government claims were illegally taken from the country.
Culture Secretary Claudia Curiel revealed that Mexico has initiated legal proceedings and contacted French officials through diplomatic channels to stop Millon auction house from selling 40 pre-Columbian pieces scheduled for auction Friday.
“The defense of cultural heritage is a responsibility of the state and an act of historical justice,” Curiel stated in a social media post.
The contested items are part of a collection titled “Les Empires de Lumiere” (The Empires of Light) set for an in-person auction in Paris. Millon’s website showed a maintenance message Thursday and the company has not responded to requests for comment.
In a Tuesday letter to the auction house, Curiel explained that Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History had identified the 40 artifacts as protected under Mexican law.
“These goods are property of the Nation, unalienable and incontrovertible, and their export has been banned since 1827, and as such their presence outside the national territory derives from an illicit extraction,” the letter stated.
This legal battle represents part of Mexico’s ongoing efforts to reclaim pre-colonial artifacts from private collections worldwide. While some nations have agreed to return items, many cases remain in lengthy legal disputes.
One notable example involves the ornate feathered headdress believed to have belonged to Aztec ruler Moctezuma before Spanish forces conquered his empire. Austria’s Weltmuseum, which houses the piece, has argued that moving it could harm its fragile quetzal feathers.
Last year, Mexican officials took similar legal action against Millon regarding 83 objects the auction house planned to sell. At that time, Millon defended the sale to ARTnews, stating all items had “irreproachable origin” and met standards established by French law and UNESCO guidelines.
Minnesota has acquired right-handed pitcher Zak Kent through waivers from St. Louis on Thursday, adding depth to their bullpen.
The 28-year-old hurler, who celebrated his birthday just two days ago, broke into the majors last year with Cleveland. During his rookie campaign, Kent posted a 1-0 record with a 4.58 earned run average across 12 bullpen outings for the Guardians.
St. Louis had previously picked up Kent from Cleveland through the waiver wire on February 16th, but moved to designate him for assignment just five days afterward to create roster space for infielder Ramon Urias.
Minnesota made space on their 40-man roster by transferring right-hander Pablo Lopez to the 60-day injured list. The 29-year-old Lopez underwent Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery on Wednesday and will miss the entire upcoming season.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s volleyball squad celebrated a milestone achievement Wednesday night, claiming their first Northeast Conference victory of the season with a commanding straight-set victory over D’Youville.
The Hawks controlled the match from start to finish, taking down the Saints 3-0 in the opening contest of a two-game series between the programs.
This breakthrough conference win represents a significant step forward for the UMES volleyball program as they continue building momentum in Northeast Conference play.
The victory sets up the Hawks for their second matchup against D’Youville, giving the team confidence heading into the remainder of their conference schedule.
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk addressed reporters Thursday to clarify his position regarding an artificially created video that surfaced on the White House’s official TikTok page, which falsely depicted him making disparaging remarks about the Canadian hockey squad.
The 26-year-old hockey star, who contributed to Team USA’s historic first men’s hockey gold medal victory since 1980 by defeating Canada 2-1 this past Sunday during the Milan Cortina Olympics, spoke about the digitally manipulated clip that was released on the same day as the championship game. The fabricated footage showed what appeared to be Tkachuk at a previous 4 Nations Face-Off media event, where he supposedly stated, “They booed our national anthem, so I had to come out and teach those maple syrup eating f—s a lesson.”
Speaking to media members in Ottawa before the Senators’ return to action following the Olympic hiatus against the Detroit Red Wings, Tkachuk firmly denied the authenticity of the content. “Well, it’s clearly fake, because it’s not my voice, not my lips moving,” Tkachuk explained to reporters. “I’m not in control of any of those accounts. I know that those words would never come out of my mouth. So, I can’t do anything about it.”
The manipulated content, which accumulated more than 11 million views on the social media platform, included a disclaimer indicating artificial intelligence was used in its creation. The clip featured the classic rock song “Free Bird” playing over Tkachuk’s fabricated statement before cutting to footage from the American team’s championship victory.
Tkachuk emphasized his disapproval of the misrepresentation, stating, “It’s not my voice. It’s not what I was saying. I would never say that. That’s not who I am, so I guess I don’t like that video because that would never come out of my mouth and (I) never had that thought.”
The hockey player also addressed another misconception, clarifying that he was not the individual who yelled “Close the northern border” during Team USA’s celebratory phone conversation with President Donald Trump following their Olympic triumph.
“I’ve been seeing stuff that people think it’s me. But if you watch the video, it’s not my voice,” Tkachuk stated. “I don’t know how that took a storm on its own when I give everything I have here. It’s crazy when things go on social media, how fast they go. I would never say anything like that.”
Following their Olympic success, the men’s hockey team made an appearance at the White House on Tuesday during Trump’s State of the Union address. The president sparked debate during the post-victory phone call when he mentioned he would probably face impeachment if he failed to extend an invitation to the gold medal-winning women’s team as well.
In his Olympic debut, Tkachuk recorded three goals and two assists across six games during the tournament. This season with the Senators, he has accumulated 37 points through 37 games, including 14 goals and 23 assists.
New federal biofuel regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency could directly influence commodity markets, according to an agricultural economist. Ben Brown shared with Brownfield that the agency’s proposal from last summer outlined higher blending mandates for ethanol and additional renewable fuels.
“That will probably have to be coupled with the small refiner exemptions, in-terms of how they’re” implemented, Brown explained regarding the final Renewable Volume Obligations and their potential market effects on corn and soybean pricing.
Delaware farmers considering equipment trades this year should prepare for potential tax consequences down the road, according to an agricultural law specialist. Changes made through federal tax legislation have modified how equipment trade-ins are valued for tax purposes, potentially creating larger tax obligations for local farmers.
Joe Peiffer, an attorney with Ag and Business Legal Strategies, explains that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act included provisions that altered trade-in calculations. According to Peiffer, “For example, the quarter of a million dollars that you received on the trade-in is treated as” part of taxable income under the new rules.
The changes could particularly impact Delaware’s agricultural community, where equipment upgrades and trades are common business practices. Farmers who complete equipment trades in the current tax year may find themselves facing increased tax bills when the provisions take full effect in 2026.
Conservation law enforcement officers from Maryland were celebrated for their outstanding service and heroic actions during the Maryland Natural Resources Police annual recognition ceremony held February 25 at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz and Natural Resources Police Colonel Orlando Lilly presented the awards, honoring officers for their exceptional work in conservation enforcement, water safety, and courageous rescue operations.
“Our dedicated Natural Resources Police officers truly exemplify what it means to be public servants,” said Sec. Kurtz. “They demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Maryland’s people and natural resources, respond with courage in moments of crisis, and represent the Department of Natural Resources with pride and dignity. We celebrate their achievements and express our deep appreciation for keeping our communities, lands, waters, and wildlife safe.”
The top honor went to Corporal Timothy Fabian, who earned the 2025 Officer of the Year award. Fabian, a DNR veteran since 1991 and the most experienced officer in the agency’s Western Region, was recognized for his outstanding enforcement achievements, life-saving interventions, mentoring of junior officers, and active community involvement. His proactive approach has led to numerous successful prosecutions of wildlife and fisheries violations, while his teaching at the academy helps shape future conservation officers.
Captain Andrew Wilson was formally recognized for his promotion from Lieutenant last April 30, now leading the Strategic Planning Division within NRP’s Executive Services Bureau.
Two officers received the agency’s most prestigious recognition – the Medal of Valor – for displaying extraordinary courage in life-threatening situations.
Corporal Andrew Felsecker earned the medal for his response to the January 2025 mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. As one of the initial rescue divers on scene, Felsecker faced dangerous water temperatures, floating debris, fuel contamination, and hazardous materials while searching the submerged wreckage for survivors.
Officer Ryan Kalbaugh also received the Medal of Valor for his February 2025 response when a side-by-side vehicle crashed through the ice at Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County. Learning that someone remained trapped underwater, Kalbaugh immediately dove into the freezing lake wearing only an exposure suit, successfully extracted the victim, and began life-saving measures before medical helicopter transport to a trauma center.
Seven officers earned Awards of Merit for extraordinary life-saving efforts: Officers Coby Blum, Brian Chillas, Christopher Crable, David Deems, Caleb Demerritt (Metropolitan Police Department), Joy McClintock, and Donald Medtart.
Blum and Demerritt were honored for their October 2025 intervention with a suicidal individual near a Western Maryland overpass. The officers built trust with the man through shared interests, ultimately persuading him to step back to safety and accept medical evaluation. Blum received a second Award of Merit for his May 2025 response to an armed person threatening himself and others, successfully de-escalating the situation and ensuring the individual received proper medical care.
Chillas and Deems were recognized for their August 2025 rescue of a bicyclist who suffered cardiac arrest on a trail at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. Their quick response, successful CPR efforts that restored the victim’s pulse, and coordination with emergency medical services proved crucial in saving the man’s life.
Crable and Medtart earned recognition for their September 2025 response when a recreational crabber fell into the water at Sandy Point State Park. The officers immediately located the unconscious victim and alternated performing CPR until emergency crews transported her to a hospital where her pulse was restored.
McClintock was honored for her role during dangerous May 2025 flooding in the Savage River watershed in Garrett County. She conducted over 30 door-to-door evacuations in remote areas without radio contact, cell service, or backup support, navigating waist-deep floodwaters and damaged roads. She later performed welfare checks and helped deliver essential food and medical supplies to affected residents.
“Throughout 2025, the men and women of the Natural Resources Police reinforced our mission of protecting people, communities, and natural resources through safety, trust, and shared stewardship,” said Col. Lilly. “I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished to strengthen public trust, safeguard our lands and waterways, and protect the people of Maryland. Our state is safer because NRP is on patrol.”
Officer First Class Evan Stiles from the Eastern Region was named Conservation Officer of the Year for his comprehensive natural resource protection work. Stiles’ diverse enforcement activities span public lands, shellfish harvesting, wildlife inspections, commercial fishing, recreational fishing and crabbing, forestry, hunting, and oyster operations. His 2025 accomplishments included resolving multiple abandoned vessel cases, prosecuting crop damage violations, uncovering illegal deer harvests, and investigating harassment of nesting birds and fraudulent hunting blind reservations. Stiles also maintains strong community connections through regular participation in youth programs and educational events.
Officer First Class Allison Higgs of the Southern Region received the Boating Safety Officer of the Year award. Higgs logged more than 1,100 hours on water patrols, leading her region in vessel inspections, boater interactions, and maritime enforcement actions. She has developed strong relationships with waterfront property owners, marine businesses, and recreational boaters, frequently earning praise for her professional service.
Corporal Andrew Cummins was named Support Services Officer of the Year for his leadership in NRP’s drone program, enhancing the agency’s emergency response and enforcement capabilities. Cummins also serves as both a Tactical Flight Officer and Tactical Boat Operator.
Master Marine Technician Jeffrey “Scott” Lord earned the Professional Staff Member of the Year award for his expertise in maintaining and repairing marine engines across NRP’s boat fleet.
Additional awards included Corporal Vincent Artrip as Fishing and Boating Services Officer of the Year and Lieutenant William Davis as Maryland Park Service NRP Officer of the Year.
Eleven personnel received Superintendent’s Commendations: Corporal Vincent Artrip, Officer Thomas Burt, Corporal Lakeram Chhaturam, Officer Dylan Coster, Officer David Deems, Sergeant Jessica Felsecker, Corporal Amelia Hunt, Police Communications Operator Denise Jaskulski, Corporal Brian Walter, and Officer Adam Willey.
Several Unit Citations recognized group achievements, including officers from Garrett and Allegany counties for their flood response in Westernport, officers from Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties for striped bass enforcement standardization, Communication Center Squad 2 for their coordination during the January airline collision, the Underwater Operations Team for their response to the same incident, the In-Service Training Unit for Active Attack response training, and the Response Team Unit for their work on numerous high-profile incidents that saved lives and enhanced public safety.
Federal immigration enforcement officers allegedly used deceptive tactics to gain access to a Columbia University dormitory before arresting a student, according to legal representatives for the institution.
University attorneys claim the agents falsely presented themselves as investigators looking into a missing person case when they entered the campus residence hall. Instead, they proceeded to arrest Ellie Aghayeva, a student originally from Azerbaijan.
The incident has raised concerns about the methods used by immigration enforcement officials to conduct arrests on college campuses. Columbia University has expressed objections to what they characterize as misleading tactics employed to gain entry to student housing facilities.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement activities and educational institutions’ efforts to protect their student populations.
Agricultural researchers are warning that Brazil’s booming soybean industry could negatively affect American farmers’ profits by 2026. The South American nation is on track to harvest unprecedented quantities of soybeans, which may drive down prices for U.S. producers.
According to Joana Colussi, an assistant professor at Purdue University, Brazil is projected to yield more than 177 million tons of soybeans during the current growing season. This massive production increase stems from the country’s aggressive agricultural expansion efforts.
“The harvest weather has been mostly positive, with some exceptions in the south of Brazil, where there are” challenges, Colussi noted. The favorable growing conditions across most of the country have contributed to the record-breaking crop expectations.
This surge in Brazilian soybean output represents a significant development in global agricultural markets, as increased supply from one of the world’s largest producers typically leads to price competition that can squeeze profit margins for farmers in competing nations like the United States.
Fresh outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza are creating mounting concerns for Indiana’s poultry producers. Turkey farmer Kevin Kalb, who operates in southwestern Indiana, expressed alarm about the virus’s proximity to his operation.
“We just found out, I think two days ago, it’s about 12-13 miles from us right now,” Kalb stated. “So that’s a big concern on our farm.”
The ongoing spread of the deadly bird flu strain continues to threaten poultry operations across Indiana, forcing farmers to remain vigilant about biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.
Drivers traveling along Estates Drive should expect periodic lane restrictions this afternoon as work continues in the area.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that intermittent lane closures are affecting the stretch of Estates Drive between Appleby Road and Conlin Court. These temporary restrictions are expected to remain in place through 6 p.m. today.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when passing through the work zone. The periodic nature of the closures means traffic flow will vary throughout the afternoon.
SUNRISE, Fla. — Matthew Tkachuk is eager to return to NHL action, though he’s not quite finished celebrating his Olympic triumph.
The Florida Panthers forward, who helped Team USA capture gold at the Milan Cortina Olympics, suited up Thursday evening for the team’s first game following the Olympic break against Toronto. The Panthers organized a special gold medal ceremony, which also honored Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who served as Team USA’s captain during the Olympics.
“I really think our team really showed what it’s like to be true Americans and the pride we played with and how we would do every single thing for our country,” Tkachuk declared while wearing his gold medal. “So, the support we’ve gotten is incredible.”
Tkachuk’s schedule has been packed since Sunday’s victory: an overnight celebration in Italy followed by a charter flight home, additional team festivities in Miami on Monday, and a White House visit for the State of the Union address alongside most of his Olympic teammates.
The recent years have brought Tkachuk a string of major accomplishments, including Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025, his wedding, and now Olympic gold.
“The hardest thing to do in sports is winning the Stanley Cup,” Tkachuk explained. “You go through an 82-game grind and then your four playoff series, some Game 7s probably, and just the physicality and the travel and everything, it’s crazy. Whereas you could almost argue it over there at the Olympics, it’s so hard because it’s just one-game elimination.”
The Panthers had seven players earn Olympic medals: while Tkachuk claimed gold, Canadian teammates Brad Marchand, Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett received silver medals. Finnish players Anton Lundell, Niko Mikkola and Eetu Luostarinen brought home bronze. Panthers executive Bill Zito served on Team USA’s management team in Milan, and equipment manager Teddy Richards filled the same position for the American squad.
All medalists participated in Thursday’s recognition ceremony.
“It’s a weird dynamic,” Marchand reflected. “Obviously we’re disappointed and you want a different outcome, but at the same time, trying to remember to be grateful for the incredible part of it all.”
A significant transformation in organ donation practices is reshaping how lifesaving transplants happen across the United States, according to new research published Thursday.
Medical professionals are seeing a dramatic rise in organ donations from patients whose hearts have stopped beating, rather than from those declared brain dead – a change that has fundamentally altered the transplant landscape in just over two decades.
Known as donation after circulatory death (DCD), this approach represented nearly half of all deceased organ donors nationwide in 2023, a remarkable increase from just 2% in 2000, researchers from NYU Langone Health discovered.
Advanced medical technology has enabled doctors to overcome previous obstacles in preserving organs as the heart ceases function, driving this surge during a time when the nation desperately seeks solutions to address organ shortages. Currently, more than 100,000 Americans remain on transplant waiting lists, with thousands dying while waiting for organs. Last year saw approximately 49,000 transplant procedures completed.
However, the NYU study revealed significant regional disparities in circulatory death donations, indicating that improved education for hospitals and communities could potentially expand access to these critical procedures even further.
The research, featured in JAMA medical journal, emerges amid concerning incidents where potential donors displayed signs of life, creating uncertainty about transplant protocols.
Federal authorities and certified organ procurement organizations are now developing enhanced safety measures, with these new research findings potentially influencing future policy decisions.
“Donation after circulatory death is complex and we need to make sure we are doing it well,” explained Dr. Babak Orandi, a transplant surgeon at NYU and study co-author. “If we stop doing it or severely restrict it, there would be pretty significant repercussions for patients.”
Traditional organ donation typically involves brain death declarations, where medical testing confirms complete loss of brain activity. In these cases, patients remain on ventilators to preserve organs until surgical removal.
Circulatory death donation becomes possible when patients suffer injuries incompatible with survival but retain some brain function, and families decide to discontinue life support. Death occurs as the heart gradually ceases beating. Medical guidelines require a mandatory five-minute waiting period after heart stoppage to ensure it won’t resume before doctors can declare death.
Legal requirements strictly prohibit donation and transplant teams from participating in life support decisions, and they cannot be present when support is withdrawn. Organ recovery only begins after official death declaration. If death doesn’t occur within approximately two hours, organs become unusable and recovery attempts are abandoned.
The NYU research team examined information from the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and 55 regional organ procurement organizations.
In 2023, circulatory death donations comprised more than half of all donors at 24 organ procurement agencies, though this varied dramatically across regions, with some organizations reporting as low as 11%.
Hospital capabilities influence these numbers significantly, according to the Association for Organ Procurement Organizations. While life support withdrawal decisions are routine, smaller or rural medical facilities may lack familiarity with the additional procedures required for donation.
Technology adoption also plays a crucial role. Organ quality can deteriorate as hearts stop, temporarily cutting off oxygen supply. Following death declaration, a technique called normothermic regional perfusion enables surgeons to briefly restore blood circulation to chest and abdominal organs – while avoiding the brain – during the delicate removal process.
This innovation has expanded the use of organs from older, more medically complex donors after cardiac death, though temporarily restoring circulation after death has sparked ethical debates.
The Health Resources and Services Administration is developing new national policies to strengthen safeguards for this donation type. One proposed change would allow anyone involved with potential donors who questions whether conditions are appropriate for life support withdrawal to request a pause in preparations.
Additional proposals would mandate that organ procurement organizations document proper neurological examinations by hospitals caring for potential donors and provide comprehensive education to families about required procedures.
The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations has established similar guidelines, with some organizations already implementing hospital checklists.
The association also recommends conducting life support withdrawal in intensive care units rather than operating rooms to reduce public confusion about death timing and when organ teams become involved, stated association president Jeff Trageser.
“Donation after circulatory death requires a lot of buy-in from the community, including the local hospitals, to make this happen,” Orandi noted. “A couple of cases out of many, many cases has led to a loss of trust.”
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Thousands of crayfish are washing up dead along South Africa’s western shoreline as a dangerous algae outbreak creates havoc for marine life.
Officials issued public warnings Thursday urging residents to avoid gathering or consuming the shellfish, which may contain deadly toxins. Law enforcement officers have been stationed at several beaches to enforce the advisory.
Red tides develop when algae populations multiply rapidly beyond normal levels, as explained by the U.S. National Ocean Service. These algae colonies turn ocean water a distinctive red color while releasing harmful substances that prove fatal to marine creatures.
While such events regularly occur along South Africa’s coastline, this particular outbreak ranks among the most devastating on record, according to the nation’s Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
The ministry reported that the toxic bloom triggered a “mass walkout” of crayfish, also called rock lobsters, near Elands Bay, located approximately 135 miles north of Cape Town. These crustaceans attempted to flee the poisonous waters but ended up perishing in large numbers on the shore alongside various fish species.
Rock lobsters represent a highly sought-after delicacy throughout South Africa. Environmental officials had to escort more than 20 individuals away from a single beach location where they were attempting to harvest the contaminated shellfish. Authorities emphasized that consuming these creatures could expose people to potentially fatal nerve toxins.
Ministry personnel are currently working to rescue surviving crayfish while safely removing the accumulating piles of deceased marine life from affected areas.
WASHINGTON — Defense Department officials have issued a firm deadline to artificial intelligence company Anthropic, demanding the firm agree to expanded military use of its technology by Friday evening or face serious consequences.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized Thursday through social media that military leaders want access to Anthropic’s AI systems for all legitimate purposes and stressed that the company will not be allowed to restrict operational decisions.
“The Pentagon has no interest in using AI to conduct mass surveillance of Americans (which is illegal) nor do we want to use AI to develop autonomous weapons that operate without human involvement,” Parnell stated.
These specific applications are already prohibited under Anthropic’s current policies. The company remains the only major AI firm that hasn’t provided its technology to the military’s new internal network system.
While Parnell confirmed the Pentagon seeks to “use Anthropic’s model for all lawful purposes,” he declined to elaborate on specific intended applications. He argued that broader access would ensure the company doesn’t interfere with “critical military operations.”
“We will not let ANY company dictate the terms regarding how we make operational decisions,” he declared.
The ultimatum follows a Tuesday meeting between Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Anthropic’s chief executive Dario Amodei, where military leaders outlined potential repercussions including supply chain risk designation, contract termination, or invoking the Defense Production Act from the Cold War era to force broader technology access.
In his Thursday social media post, Parnell referenced two of these potential actions and set a specific timeline, stating Anthropic has “until 5:01 PM ET on Friday to decide.”
“Otherwise, we will terminate our partnership with Anthropic and deem them a supply chain risk,” he announced.
Anthropic had not provided a response to requests for comment by Thursday evening. Following Tuesday’s discussions, the company released a statement saying it “continued good-faith conversations about our usage policy to ensure Anthropic can continue to support the government’s national security mission in line with what our models can reliably and responsibly do.”
The fast-food giant Burger King is experimenting with artificial intelligence headsets that monitor employee interactions and can detect whether workers are using courteous language with customers.
Restaurant Brands International, the Miami-headquartered corporation behind Burger King, Popeyes, and other restaurant chains, announced Thursday that it’s currently piloting these OpenAI-driven headsets across 500 locations throughout the United States.
The technology gathers operational information and communicates through “Patty,” an AI voice assistant that speaks directly to workers via their headsets. When beverage dispensers run low on Diet Coke, Patty notifies management. Should a patron scan a QR code to report restroom cleanliness issues, supervisors receive immediate alerts.
Workers can inquire with Patty about preparation methods for different food items or instruct the system to temporarily remove menu options when ingredients are unavailable.
The restaurant chain revealed it’s also investigating Patty’s potential for enhancing guest relations. The technology monitors employee use of courteous language including “welcome,” “please,” and “thank you,” then reports this information to management.
During Thursday’s inquiry from The Associated Press regarding this feature, Burger King clarified that Patty serves as a training resource rather than a surveillance mechanism for individual workers.
“It’s not about scoring individuals or enforcing scripts. It’s about reinforcing great hospitality and giving managers helpful, real-time insights so they can recognize their teams more effectively,” the company stated.
Burger King emphasized that courteous language represents “one of many signals to help managers understand service patterns.”
“We believe hospitality is fundamentally human. The role of this technology is to support our teams so they can stay present with guests,” according to the company’s statement.
This AI assistant operates within the broader BK Assistant platform, an app-based system scheduled for deployment across all domestic restaurants by year’s end.
The burger chain joins other major fast-food companies exploring artificial intelligence applications. Yum Brands announced last spring its collaboration with Nvidia to create AI solutions for KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut.
McDonald’s discontinued its IBM partnership in 2024 after testing automated drive-thru ordering systems. The company has since begun working with Google on AI development.
OTTAWA, Ontario — Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk spoke out Thursday against a manipulated social media video posted by the White House, denouncing the AI-generated content that falsely portrayed him making offensive remarks about Canadians following his Olympic gold medal victory.
The TikTok post featured artificial audio making it seem as though Tkachuk called Canadians “maple syrup eating f—s,” with the profanity censored. The 26-year-old Arizona-born hockey star dismissed the content as “clearly fake,” pointing out that the voice didn’t sync with the lip movements and emphasizing he would never use such language. The video does include a disclaimer noting it “contains AI-generated media.”
Tkachuk also refuted claims that he was the person heard yelling “close the northern border” during Team USA’s victory celebration call with President Donald Trump following their 2-1 triumph over Canada in Sunday’s Olympic final.
The White House has not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding the controversial post.
The NHL captain and his Olympic teammates have returned from Italy this week to resume the regular hockey season. Several team members were present at Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday evening in Washington, where they received applause from the audience.
The American men’s victory completed a historic sweep for Team USA, coming after the women’s team also defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime three days prior, marking the first time Americans won both Olympic hockey championships in the same games.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the Trump administration Thursday for freezing federal Medicaid payments to his state, calling it political payback while announcing new legislation designed to combat fraud in government programs.
The Democratic governor’s remarks came one day after Vice President JD Vance announced the administration would temporarily suspend Medicaid funding due to concerns about fraudulent activity. Walz had been developing his anti-fraud proposals before the federal announcement, continuing efforts he started previously to address problems that contributed to his decision not to seek reelection.
“This is a targeted retribution against a state that the president doesn’t like,” Walz stated during a press briefing. He accused the administration of using misleading fraud claims as justification, similar to how they defended Operation Metro Surge, which deployed more than 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota.
Walz’s comprehensive proposal includes enhanced detection systems, stronger investigative powers, tougher criminal penalties, and establishing a centralized Office of the Inspector General for fraud prevention. The state Senate approved a bipartisan inspector general measure last year, but it remains stuck in the House due to disputes over whether the office should have law enforcement powers or focus solely on investigations while leaving enforcement to the existing state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz announced Wednesday alongside Vance that the federal government would withhold $259.5 million in Minnesota Medicaid payments. Oz stated the funds would only be released after Minnesota develops “a comprehensive corrective action plan to solve the problem” and gave Walz a 60-day deadline to respond.
“How does taking and punishing children and elderly have anything to do with fighting fraud?” Walz responded. He noted that the Trump administration has provided no guidance on addressing their concerns or opportunities to demonstrate Minnesota’s existing anti-fraud efforts. His administration projects that 1.2 million state residents could be affected.
The federal action represents part of a broader nationwide fraud investigation, stemming from allegations involving daycare facilities operated by Somali residents in the Minneapolis region that triggered the massive federal enforcement operation in the city, leading to widespread demonstrations.
A Minnesota federal prosecutor estimated last summer that total fraud across multiple programs might surpass $9 billion. However, John Connolly, the state’s Medicaid director, told media Thursday that the state lacks evidence supporting such an enormous figure.
Minnesota Department of Human Services officials, who oversee Medicaid, pointed out that withholding the $259.5 million — retroactive to the fourth quarter of 2025 — follows previous federal decisions to freeze over $2 billion in annual Medicaid funding. The department said it previously submitted a corrective action plan and continues appealing that determination.
The state agency reported implementing multiple new procedures and reforms to prevent and identify Medicaid fraud since 2024. These changes included pinpointing high-risk fraud areas, establishing tighter controls like criminal background screenings for providers, and conducting more surprise facility inspections.
Both Walz and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison are set to testify before the U.S. House Oversight Committee next Wednesday during a hearing examining federal fund misuse in Minnesota’s social service programs.
KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Thursday that the upcoming three-way peace discussions involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine are expected to move to Abu Dhabi during the first part of March.
Zelensky revealed this information during his nightly address to the nation, speaking after completing discussions in Geneva where American and Ukrainian representatives met to discuss plans for rebuilding Ukraine after the conflict ends.
The peace negotiations, which are being facilitated by the United States, represent ongoing diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
WASHINGTON – The nation’s chief banking regulator indicated Thursday he might grant a congressional request to let senior lawmakers examine the banking charter application submitted by World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency business operated by President Donald Trump’s family.
During testimony before the Senate Banking Committee, Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould, who was appointed by Trump last year, told Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren he would “entertain” her request for confidential access to the crypto firm’s national trust bank charter application, which was submitted in January. Approval of such a charter would enable the company to broaden its business activities.
Senator Warren, alongside fellow Democrats who have expressed worries about possible conflicts of interest, requested that Gould provide both her and Republican Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott with a complete, unredacted version of the application to verify it contains all required details.
Warren and additional Democratic committee members also urged Gould to either deny or postpone consideration of the application. The Trump sons and other business partners manage World Liberty Financial.
Democratic lawmakers also referenced Wall Street Journal coverage indicating that the United Arab Emirates’ national security adviser holds a significant investment stake.
A representative for World Liberty Financial stated the firm has met all regulatory requirements throughout the application procedure, including mandatory disclosures.
Company spokesperson David Wachsman said, “Democrats are playing politics and, with baseless lies, smearing a private American company undergoing a rigorous regulatory process.”
The White House has previously stated that the Trump family’s cryptocurrency business connections do not create a conflict of interest.
Gould described the licensing procedure as being managed by “superb” agency personnel and noted that the process is outlined in publicly accessible staff guidelines.
During the congressional hearing, he stated, “We process applications in a fair and evenhanded manner.”
A trust bank charter permits companies to manage and store customer assets while processing payments more quickly, though these institutions cannot accept deposits or issue loans. Multiple other cryptocurrency companies have obtained preliminary approval for similar charters.
A newly disclosed State Department document reveals the United States plans to handle 4,500 refugee applications monthly from white South Africans, a figure that significantly exceeds President Donald Trump’s announced refugee program limits.
The January 27 document, which had not been previously reported, shows officials are setting up temporary trailer facilities at the U.S. embassy compound in Pretoria to handle the increased workload.
This monthly processing goal far surpasses Trump’s declared ceiling of 7,500 total refugees from all countries for fiscal year 2026. Internal discussions last year had considered much higher limits between 40,000 and 60,000 people.
Since the program began in May 2025, approximately 2,000 white South Africans have arrived in the United States as refugees through January 31, though the numbers have increased in recent months.
However, recent administrative holdups in Washington have temporarily suspended all refugee arrivals to the U.S., including those from South Africa, according to a government official with knowledge of the situation.
Neither the State Department nor Department of Homeland Security provided responses to inquiries about the program. White House officials directed questions to the State Department.
The South African Chamber of Commerce in the U.S. reported last year that over 67,000 individuals had shown interest in relocating to America.
After initially stopping all refugee admissions upon taking office in 2025, Trump later created a special program for white South Africans of Afrikaner heritage, claiming they face violent persecution in the predominantly Black nation. South African officials have disputed this characterization, and some refugee advocacy groups have condemned the policy.
The contracting document, published Wednesday in a government database, justifies bypassing competitive bidding for the trailer contract due to urgent security needs.
According to the document, South African immigration officials had previously raided a U.S. refugee processing center located in a commercial building in Johannesburg, which “compromised operations” and forced officials to seek a more secure location.
“The inability to safely process about 4,500 applicants per month, an objective communicated to (the U.S. State Department’s refugee division) from the White House, would result in failure to meet a Presidential priority,” the document stated.
South African Foreign Ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri indicated his government would not obstruct the U.S. program as long as it operates within legal parameters, while maintaining Pretoria’s disagreement with Trump’s persecution claims.
“The assertion that Afrikaners face systemic persecution is fundamentally unsubstantiated,” Phiri said.
It remains uncertain whether the ambitious 4,500 monthly target can be achieved. The State Department recently suspended all refugee travel, including South Africans, from February 23 through March 9 due to operational issues, according to an email sent to applicants.
Due to Trump’s comprehensive refugee prohibition issued in January 2025, South Africans must receive individual approval from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on a case-by-case basis.
The government official, speaking anonymously about internal operations, said DHS has delayed these approvals, creating an administrative bottleneck.
Before the temporary suspension, South African admissions had been increasing, with approximately 1,500 people entering in December and January, compared to roughly 500 during the previous six and a half months, based on State Department data.
U.S.-South Africa relations became strained in mid-December when South African authorities conducted the raid on the Johannesburg commercial facility where American staff and contractors were processing refugee cases.
Seven Kenyan contractors working for a U.S.-based refugee organization were arrested for alleged visa violations, while two American refugee officers were temporarily detained.
American and South African officials reached a private understanding during a closed meeting in late December to permit processing to resume, as Reuters previously reported.
The contracting document revealed that a South African company received a non-competitive $772,000 contract to provide and install 14 prefabricated modular units as part of a “temporary modular village” at an embassy property in Pretoria.
In a WhatsApp chat group where South Africans exchange program information, one applicant reported having an interview this week in a trailer-style building at an embassy property, noting that additional trailers were being prepared, indicating the facility is now functioning.
WILMINGTON — Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has issued a new executive order aimed at accelerating the state’s permitting process, officials announced today.
The directive is designed to remove bureaucratic hurdles that have slowed construction of affordable housing, renewable energy facilities, broadband infrastructure, and public water systems throughout the state.
Meyer’s order specifically targets permits needed for workforce housing developments, sustainable power generation projects, internet expansion efforts, and water treatment facility improvements.
State officials emphasize that the streamlined approach will continue to uphold environmental protections and public safety requirements while reducing delays in the approval process.
The complete text of the executive order is available through the governor’s office.
The University of Delaware baseball squad is preparing to take on Rider University in a three-game series at Bob Hannah Stadium in Newark.
The Blue Hens will host the Broncs for what promises to be an exciting weekend of collegiate baseball action on their home field. The series represents an important conference matchup for Delaware as they continue their season.
Bob Hannah Stadium will serve as the backdrop for all three contests between these two teams. Fans can expect competitive baseball as both squads look to gain an advantage in conference standings.
The Delaware baseball program continues to build on its tradition of strong play at their home venue, where they have historically performed well in front of local supporters.
Delaware State Police Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty has announced the completion of training for the 105th Delaware State Police and 101st Municipal Police Recruit Class.
Twenty new Delaware State Troopers and nine municipal officers celebrated their achievement during a ceremony at Dover Middle School on February 19, 2026. The municipal graduates will serve with the Delaware Natural Resources Police, Georgetown Police Department, Middletown Police Department, and Millsboro Police Department as they begin their law enforcement careers.
The ceremony featured remarks from several state officials and one of the new graduates. Trooper Gabriel Hayes, chosen by his fellow classmates, delivered a speech to the graduating class and attendees. Other speakers included Governor Matthew Meyer, State Prosecutor Dan Logan from the Delaware Department of Justice, Secretary Joshua A. Bushweller from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and Colonel William D. Crotty.
Several graduates received special recognition for their exceptional performance during training:
Trooper David Hernandez earned the Delaware State Police Academy Physical Fitness Award, while Trooper Maximillian Schwetje received both the Outstanding Proficiency in Police Firearms Award and The Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Award.
Among the municipal graduates, Patrolman Keishawn Mansfield from Georgetown Police Department also received the Outstanding Proficiency in Police Firearms Award. His Georgetown colleague, Patrolman Horace Rose, was honored with the Delaware State Police Academy Core Value Award.
Patrolman Autumn Potter of the Millsboro Police Department received The Attorney General’s Award for Legal Excellence, while Officer Eric Johnson from Middletown Police Department earned the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police Award.
The highest honor, the Governor’s Outstanding Recruit Trooper Award, went to Trooper Gabriel Hayes.
The complete list of new Delaware State Troopers includes: Damian Alexander, Justin Altemus, Gavin Burton, Shawn Church, Jonathan Crist, Gracie Frech, Nicolas Gaspich, Miller Gladding, Gabriel Hayes, Raymond Hearns, David Hernandez, Jacob Hudson, Strovenscolv Larochelle, Macy Layfield, Courtney McCloskey, Brendan McKewen, Carlton North, Tyler Sareyka, Maximillian Schwetje, and Brock Vincent.
The municipal police graduates are: Officers Spencer Failing and Gabriel Martin with Delaware Natural Resources Police; Patrolmen Alec Barr, Keishawn Mansfield, Dominick Redshaw, and Horace Rose with Georgetown Police Department; Officers Eric Johnson and Yordi Ventura with Middletown Police Department; and Patrolman Autumn Potter with Millsboro Police Department.
Cambridge city officials have announced they are extending their public comment period to allow more residents the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns.
The extension gives community members additional time to participate in the feedback process before the comment period closes.
City officials are encouraging all interested residents to take advantage of this extended opportunity to make their voices heard on the matter.
The public comment period was originally scheduled to end earlier but has been lengthened to accommodate greater community participation.
A federal program that has protected Americans from contaminated shellfish for 100 years continues to play a crucial role in keeping Chesapeake Bay seafood safe for consumers throughout our region.
Maryland’s collaboration with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program helps guarantee that oysters, clams and mussels harvested from state waters meet strict safety requirements before reaching dinner tables. This partnership has become especially important following the recent sewage spill in the Potomac River, which highlighted the need for constant monitoring of water quality.
The federal oversight program began in 1925 when health officials noticed increasing illness rates linked to people eating raw shellfish. On February 19 that year, the U.S. Surgeon General met with state conservation officials, local health departments and commercial fishing representatives to establish safety guidelines that became the foundation for today’s program.
Now operating under the Food and Drug Administration, the program updates its safety recommendations every two years and works with three Maryland agencies: the Department of Natural Resources, Department of the Environment, and Department of Health.
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers have been enforcing shellfish safety rules since 1868, when the agency started as the State Oyster Police Force. Back then, officers commanded a fleet of schooners and armed steamers to stop out-of-state boats that locals called “oyster pirates” from illegally harvesting Maryland’s oysters.
Today’s enforcement looks different but remains just as important. Officers regularly board harvesting boats to verify that watermen are working in approved areas and following proper procedures. They check whether crews are using the right equipment – some locations allow power dredging while others require hand-tonging methods only.
During these inspections, officers also ensure boats meet sanitation standards, including providing shade over stored oysters, keeping detailed harvest records, and following time restrictions during the hottest parts of the day.
The same strict oversight extends to seafood processing facilities and retail markets, where shellfish are cleaned, packaged and sold to consumers.
Following the Potomac Interceptor sewage incident, the Maryland Department of the Environment has been conducting extra water quality tests. Recent monitoring found no evidence that the upstream spill has affected shellfish harvesting areas in the Potomac River.
The Department of Health creates Maryland-specific handling and processing rules based on federal requirements, while environmental officials regulate the waters where shellfish are grown and harvested.
This century-long cooperation between federal safety standards and state enforcement helps ensure that shellfish from Maryland waters remains safe for families throughout the region to enjoy.
America’s commercial peanut storage facilities are currently holding 5.55 billion pounds of peanuts, while processing of premium-grade shelled peanuts has dropped 4 percent from last year’s levels during the same timeframe, according to new federal agricultural data.
The latest statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service show the current state of peanut inventory and utilization across the nation’s food processing industry.
The decline in edible-grade shelled peanut processing represents a notable shift in the agricultural commodity market, which could impact both producers and consumers in the coming months.
These figures provide insight into the broader trends affecting one of America’s most popular nuts, from storage levels to processing demands in the commercial food sector.
The United States Department of Agriculture has issued its comprehensive agricultural crop value analysis for 2025, offering insights into the economic outlook for farmers and agricultural markets nationwide.
The federal agency’s annual assessment examines projected values across multiple commodity sectors, providing crucial data that helps shape farming decisions and market expectations for the coming growing season.
This yearly publication serves as a key resource for agricultural stakeholders, including farmers, commodity traders, and policy makers who rely on these projections to make informed decisions about crop planning and market strategies.
For the first time in more than three years, mortgage rates on 30-year home loans have dropped below the 6% mark, offering some relief to potential homebuyers across Delaware and the region.
According to mortgage giant Freddie Mac’s Thursday report, rates on 30-year fixed mortgages now average 5.98%, down from 6.01% the previous week. This represents the most affordable borrowing costs since September 2022, when compared to the 6.76% average from the same week last year.
The rate decline came after the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield dropped following last Friday’s Supreme Court decision that overturned President Donald Trump’s emergency tariff measures. Trump quickly responded by implementing a 10% global tariff for 150 days, later increasing it to 15% over the weekend. Since mortgage rates typically follow Treasury yields, this market uncertainty created downward pressure on borrowing costs.
“This legal tug-of-war has triggered a flight to safety among investors, pushing bond prices higher and yields lower, helping mortgage rates settle around 6%,” explained Jiayi Xu, an economist with Realtor.com. “However, as this week’s decline stems from market volatility rather than fundamental economic data, more supportive economic data is needed to establish a consistent trend.”
The Trump administration has also directed the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which supervises Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, to buy $200 billion worth of bonds from these mortgage companies to help reduce home loan costs.
Meanwhile, 15-year mortgage rates moved in the opposite direction, climbing to 5.44% from the previous week’s 5.35%, though still below last year’s 5.94% average for the same period.
Despite the improved rates, housing economists remain doubtful that lower borrowing costs alone will solve affordability challenges for Delaware families and other homebuyers.
Federal Reserve meeting minutes from January 27-28, released last week, revealed that a New York Fed official noted the administration’s mortgage bond purchasing plans had reduced mortgage-backed securities yields compared to similar Treasury yields. However, the official “observed that the decline was unlikely to result in a material increase in mortgage refinancing because current mortgage rates are well above the weighted average rate of outstanding mortgages,” according to the minutes.
Housing market experts point to limited home inventory as the primary barrier facing buyers. The number of existing homes available for purchase remains significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. Many current homeowners are reluctant to sell because they secured mortgages with rates below 5%, creating what industry professionals call a “rate-lock” situation.
While housing supply showed some improvement last year, that progress has recently stalled. Real estate professionals report that some homeowners are removing their properties from the market due to declining prices. The Federal Housing Finance Agency reported Tuesday that home prices rose 1.8% over the 12 months ending in December, down from November’s 2.1% increase.
Industry analysts and trade organizations suggest that the current administration’s trade and immigration policies have made construction more expensive by raising costs for building materials and appliances while reducing available workers. These factors, combined with scarce building lots due to state and local regulations, are limiting builders’ capacity to start new single-family home projects.
Nevertheless, the drop in 30-year mortgage rates could motivate some hesitant sellers to list their homes and attract potential buyers back to the market.
“While buying power has already increased $30,000 from last year, mortgage rates below 6% could be an important psychological threshold,” said Kara Ng, senior economist at Zillow. “Round numbers matter, and that headline alone could prompt many sidelined buyers to take another peek at the housing market.”
The rate improvements come as Trump faces political pressure to address rising costs, including housing expenses, ahead of challenging midterm elections where Republicans are fighting to maintain Congressional control.
Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Beane revealed this week that he had zero involvement in the decision to dismiss head coach Sean McDermott, speaking candidly about the coaching transition during the NFL Scouting Combine.
Speaking with CBS Sports, Beane explained that both he and McDermott operated as co-equals within the organization’s hierarchy, each reporting directly to owners Terry and Kim Pegula. Following McDermott’s departure, the Pegulas kept Beane in his role and tasked him with overseeing the search for a new head coach, which concluded with the internal elevation of offensive coordinator Joe Brady last month.
“That decision was ultimately Terry Pegula’s. And his alone. The structure was Sean and I both separately report to (ownership) and we were equals in it. We had nine really good years together,” Beane explained during his interview at the combine’s media center.
The general manager went on to characterize owner Terry Pegula’s reasoning for the change, saying: “I think Terry, using his words, don’t quote me, but something like we hit a proverbial playoff wall. I think he felt like we need something new. We need something fresh, just need to try something else. This was the decision he made and you follow along with it, ‘Alright, you’ve made this decision.’ Now we need to put our heads together and line up who are the best candidates.”
Beane pushed back against speculation that Buffalo had already selected McDermott’s successor prior to his termination following the team’s overtime playoff defeat.
The Bills’ interview process included several candidates beyond Brady, who lacks head coaching experience at any level. Former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers, ex-Giants head coach Brian Daboll, Commanders running game coordinator Anthony Lynn, and Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo all received consideration during the search.
While acknowledging that Brady’s pursuit of head coaching opportunities over the previous two seasons factored into their evaluation process, Beane emphasized that internal familiarity neither helped nor hindered any candidate’s chances.
“To me, it’s like, treat everyone the same. And so we started that interview and I said, ‘let’s treat Joe like he was with the Green Bay Packers.’ Brian Daboll we interviewed and he had been there four years prior (as Bills offensive coordinator). We know him pretty well and did the same thing,” Beane told Sirius/XM radio. “Just to make sure it was a level playing field. The thing about Joe, you feel his energy, you feel his presence. But he had a vision for our defense, for our whole team. This was a guy that had a holistic approach. Ultimately, he earned it, but it was not a foregone conclusion for sure.”
Rehoboth Beach officials have canceled this weekend’s Special Olympics Delaware Polar Bear Plunge, citing safety concerns as the city continues recovering from a major snowstorm.
City leaders made the difficult decision after determining that ongoing cleanup operations and hazardous conditions would prevent them from safely hosting the popular annual event.
Several factors influenced the cancellation decision, according to city officials. Many sidewalks throughout the community remain uncleared, forcing large crowds to walk in roadways. Snow continues to blanket the boardwalk and beach access points through the dunes remain blocked.
Emergency services would face significant challenges with limited parking and staging areas unavailable, while the event requires public safety teams to be fully prepared. City work crews remain focused on helping residents who lost electricity, have restricted street access, and are dealing with fallen trees and branches on their properties.
Municipal teams are also prioritizing the clearing of Rehoboth Avenue and nearby streets to restore parking availability and business access. The large-scale nature of the Polar Bear Plunge typically requires additional emergency personnel from across the state, but those crews are currently engaged in storm recovery and rescue operations throughout the region.
“Unfortunately, we cannot justify putting people’s safety at risk, nor can we shift our resources to focus on the event,” says Rehoboth Beach Police Chief Keith Banks. “Public works and public safety crews in the city and the surrounding areas have been working around the clock this week, so preparing and staffing the event isn’t feasible this weekend. This timing is unfortunate for all of us, as the Polar Bear Plunge is a wonderful event that we enjoy participating in every year, but we need to put safety first and utilize our resources properly.”
Although weekend weather forecasts show improvement, officials needed to make an immediate decision, and current conditions prevented them from confidently ensuring participant safety and event quality.
“The Polar Bear Plunge is an event we all look forward to in the City of Rehoboth Beach, so this decision did not come lightly,” says City Manager Taylour Tedder. “It needs to be rather extreme circumstances for us to make a recommendation like this, and this storm presented those extreme circumstances. We are proud of the hard work our city employees have done during this storm recovery, including trying their best to make way for the event to happen, but we have simply run out time, as a decision had to be made. We encourage people to continue to support the amazing efforts of Special Olympics Delaware, we appreciate our partnership with them and look forward to welcoming all plungers back here when it’s safer to do so.”
In an era of deep political division, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are discovering shared concerns about regulating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and massive data facilities.
The bipartisan collaboration on tech oversight represents a rare moment of unity between Republican and Democratic officials at the state level. However, the cross-party cooperation isn’t limited to technology policy alone, as legislators are also working together on other significant issues affecting their constituents.
This unexpected alliance demonstrates that despite partisan gridlock on many fronts, certain challenges are compelling enough to bridge the political divide and encourage lawmakers to work toward common solutions.
WASHINGTON — The skies above North America are becoming increasingly empty, with bird populations dropping at an accelerating rate due to intensive farming methods and rising global temperatures, according to groundbreaking research published this week.
Scientists examined 261 bird species and discovered that nearly half experienced statistically meaningful population declines, with more than half of those losses speeding up since 1987. The research, featured in Thursday’s Science journal, represents the first comprehensive analysis to track not just overall bird numbers but also the pace of decline and its underlying causes.
“Not only are we losing birds, we are losing them faster and faster from year to year,” explained study co-author Marta Jarzyna, an ecologist at Ohio State University. “Except for forest birds, almost every group is doing poorly. So we need to ask ourselves a question. How do we protect these groups of birds?”
Ironically, the species experiencing the most rapid decline include those with historically robust populations — European starlings, American crows, grackles, and house sparrows — meaning they’re not immediately facing extinction, noted lead researcher Francois Leroy, also from Ohio State.
“The thing is that species extinction, they start with a decline in abundance,” Leroy explained, warning that “the decline is somehow maybe giving a preview of what it could lead to in terms of species extinction.”
Cornell University conservation expert Kenneth Rosenberg, who didn’t participate in this research, emphasized the broader implications of these findings. The species showing the steepest declines “are often considered pests or ‘trash birds,’ but if our environment cannot support healthy populations of these extreme generalists and extremely adaptable species that are tolerant of humans, then that is a very strong indicator that the environment is also toxic to humans and all other life.”
Previous research by Rosenberg in 2019 documented that North America lost 3 billion birds since 1970, though that study didn’t examine changing decline rates or contributing factors.
The current study identified the Mid-Atlantic region, Midwest, and California as areas experiencing the most severe acceleration in bird population losses. Geographic patterns played a crucial role in understanding the causes behind these rapid declines.
While population decreases were more pronounced in southern regions — which researchers linked statistically to higher temperatures from human-driven climate change — the acceleration of these losses showed different geographic patterns tied to agricultural practices.
“In regions where temperatures increase the most, we are seeing strongest declines in populations,” Jarzyna observed. “On the other hand, the acceleration of those declines, that’s mostly driven by agricultural practices.”
The research team found statistical connections between faster decline rates and heavy fertilizer usage, extensive pesticide application, and large amounts of cropland, according to Leroy. While the scientists couldn’t definitively prove causation, the data strongly suggests agriculture plays a significant role.
“The stronger the agriculture, the faster we will lose birds,” Leroy stated.
Jarzyna noted a “strong interaction” between climate change and agricultural practices in their combined impact on bird populations.
“We found that agricultural intensification causes stronger accelerations of decline in regions where climate warmed the most,” Jarzyna said.
McGill University wildlife expert David Bird, who wasn’t involved in the study, praised the research methodology and findings. He explained that growing human populations drive agricultural intensification, converting bird habitats to farmland, while modern machinery destroys nests and eggs, and single-crop farming reduces food and nesting opportunities.
“The biggest impact of agricultural intensity though is our war on insects. Numerous recent studies have shown that insect populations in many places throughout the world, including the U.S., have crashed by well over 40 percent,” Bird wrote. “Many of the birds in this new study showing population declines depend heavily on insects for food.”
Richard Gregory, who heads monitoring conservation science at University College London and wasn’t part of the research team, called the study both “alarming” and “sobering” due to the massive scale of losses and the patterns of accelerating decline.
Cornell University ornithologist Andrew Farnsworth, also not involved in the research, said the findings demonstrate the need for people to modify their lifestyles to address human-caused warming and reduce agricultural intensity, crop monocultures, and widespread chemical use.
“Here is why this study is especially important. Birds do a lot for humans,” McGill’s Bird emphasized. “They feed us, clothe us, eat pests, pollinate our plants and crops, and warn us about impending environmental disasters. With their songs, colors, and variety, birds enrich our lives… and recent studies show that their immediate presence actually increases our well-being and happiness and can even prolong our lives! To me, a world without birds is simply unfathomable.”
NEW YORK (AP) — When humans and Neanderthals shared the same territories thousands of years ago, they occasionally formed intimate relationships. Now, fresh genetic research is shedding light on the nature of these ancient encounters.
The latest DNA study suggests a distinct pattern: these prehistoric pairings typically involved human women and Neanderthal men, rather than the reverse combination.
The circumstances surrounding these relationships remain mysterious. Scientists wonder whether human females migrated into Neanderthal communities, or if Neanderthal males were attracted to larger human settlements. The nature of these encounters — whether they were peaceful, forced, or something else entirely — is still unknown.
“I don’t know if we’ll ever get a definitive answer to how this happened, since we can’t travel back in time,” said Xinjun Zhang, a population genetics specialist at the University of Michigan, who reviewed the research.
The research, released Thursday in Science journal, demonstrates “that whenever Neanderthals and modern humans have mated, there has been a preference for male Neanderthals and female modern humans, as opposed to the other way around,” explained study author Alexander Platt, a genetics researcher at the University of Pennsylvania.
Evidence of human-Neanderthal interbreeding exists in the DNA of contemporary people living outside sub-Saharan Africa, where a small but significant portion of Neanderthal genetic material persists. This ancient DNA influences our ability to combat certain illnesses while increasing vulnerability to others.
However, researchers have long noticed that Neanderthal genetic material isn’t spread uniformly across the human genetic blueprint.
Most notably, there’s a remarkable shortage of Neanderthal DNA on the human X chromosome — one of the genetic packages that determines biological sex — compared to the amount found on other chromosomes.
Initially, scientists theorized that genes in these regions might have been disadvantageous or even detrimental. They suggested that individuals carrying these genetic variations may have had reduced survival rates, leading natural selection to eliminate them over generations.
Alternatively, researchers considered whether the pattern might reflect the dynamics of how the two species interacted.
To investigate this puzzle, Platt’s team examined the Neanderthal genetic code and the human DNA that became mixed in during interbreeding approximately 250,000 years ago.
Their analysis revealed a greater presence of human genetic markers on the Neanderthal X chromosome — the same chromosome that shows reduced Neanderthal DNA in modern humans.
This mirror-image distribution pattern most likely stems from mating patterns, according to Platt. The explanation lies in how sex chromosomes transfer from generation to generation. Since biological females carry two X chromosomes while biological males have one X and one Y chromosome, roughly two-thirds of all X chromosomes in any population come from mothers.
If human females more frequently paired with Neanderthal males than vice versa, the genetic evidence would match exactly what researchers discovered: increased human DNA in Neanderthal X chromosomes and decreased Neanderthal DNA in human X chromosomes.
“I think that they’ve taken some really important steps in filling missing pieces to the puzzle,” said Joshua Akey, an evolutionary genomics expert at Princeton University who wasn’t part of the research team.
The study doesn’t completely eliminate alternative theories. Zhang noted that it’s conceivable that children born to human fathers and Neanderthal mothers simply had lower survival rates.
However, the most straightforward and probable explanation is also the most intriguing, according to the research. “It’s not the result of a strictly Darwinian survival of the fittest,” Platt explained. “It’s really the result of how we interact with each other, and what our culture and society and behavior is like.”
LONDON (AP) — England’s top soccer league will debut its own subscription streaming service beginning with the upcoming season, according to an announcement Thursday from Premier League CEO Richard Masters.
The new service, dubbed Premier League Plus, will initially roll out in Singapore as a test market, with potential for worldwide expansion if the venture proves successful.
Speaking at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit in London, Masters described the initiative as “a very long, considered process, carefully chosen.” He explained that “For the first time the Premier League is going to have its own customers. It’s going to have to deal with promotion, pricing, churn, distribution, all of those things, we’re looking to build a business.”
Masters added: “We’re also looking to learn, to see how that might be replicated all around the world.”
This direct-to-consumer approach represents a significant shift for the league, which boasts 1.87 billion viewers globally across 189 countries. Previously, the organization has exclusively licensed its content to external broadcasters like Sky Sports in Britain and NBC in America.
Industry observers have long speculated about a potential “Premflix” service from the league, and the Singapore launch appears to fulfill those predictions.
The league is simultaneously establishing Premier League Studios, a new production facility in London to support content creation.
Regarding expansion plans, Masters emphasized a cautious approach: “What we do with Premier League Plus in Singapore is really about learning as well as building the business. If it goes well, it may be replicated. You don’t want to predict further than that I think at this stage.”
The streaming platform could fundamentally change how supporters worldwide access matches from what many consider the globe’s premier soccer competition.
BUCHAREST, Romania — An appeals court in Romania has upheld a nine-month prison sentence for American hip-hop artist Wiz Khalifa following his conviction on drug possession charges in the Eastern European nation.
The Constanta Court of Appeal ruled Thursday against the rapper, born Cameron Jibril Thomaz, who had sought to overturn his December conviction. His legal troubles began when Romanian authorities detained him in July 2024 for allegedly using marijuana while performing at the Beach, Please! Festival in Constanta County.
According to prosecutors, law enforcement discovered Khalifa carrying over 18 grams of cannabis and determined he had used some of the substance during his stage performance.
The court found Khalifa guilty of “possession of dangerous drugs, without right, for personal consumption.”
Thursday’s appellate ruling dismissed Khalifa’s challenge to void the conviction as inadmissible and denied his request to postpone serving the sentence as without merit.
The Associated Press reached out to Khalifa’s management team for comment regarding the court’s latest decision but has not received a reply.
The December sentencing followed an earlier ruling in April when a lower court had imposed a fine of 3,600 lei (approximately $830) for “illegal possession of dangerous drugs.” However, prosecutors challenged that lighter penalty and pursued a more severe punishment.
The country maintains strict anti-drug legislation compared to other European nations. Romanian law treats personal cannabis possession as a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment ranging from three months to two years, or monetary penalties.
Whether Romanian officials will pursue extradition proceedings remains uncertain, given that Khalifa holds American citizenship and lives outside Romania.
A man from Chicago has entered a not guilty plea to federal charges following his return from Indonesia, where he spent more than a decade behind bars for the brutal murder of his then-girlfriend’s mother.
Tommy Schaefer received an 18-year prison sentence in Indonesia for the 2014 killing of Sheila von Wiese-Mack, a Chicago socialite, during a vacation trip to Bali with von Wiese-Mack and her daughter Heather Mack.
Federal prosecutors allege that Mack restrained her mother by covering her mouth while Schaefer repeatedly struck her with a fruit bowl. The pair allegedly planned the murder to obtain access to von Wiese-Mack’s $1.5 million trust fund. Authorities in Bali took both suspects into custody the day following the homicide – Mack was 18 years old and expecting a child, while Schaefer was 21.
The shocking crime gained international attention as the Bali “suitcase murder” when investigators found von Wiese-Mack’s beaten body stuffed inside luggage in a taxi’s trunk at a luxury resort.
After serving 11 years and earning multiple good conduct recognitions, Indonesian authorities freed Schaefer on Tuesday. He was immediately transported back to Chicago where he now faces federal charges including conspiracy to commit murder abroad, conspiracy to commit homicide, and evidence tampering.
During Thursday morning’s initial hearing, Schaefer denied all three charges according to court documents. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly scheduled his trial for January 2027 and ruled he must stay in jail pending trial. His defense lawyer, Matthew Madden, has not responded to requests for comment from The Associated Press.
Mack completed seven years of her 10-year Indonesian prison term before returning to the United States. In January 2024, a Chicago court sentenced her to an additional 26 years in prison after she admitted guilt in her mother’s death and concealing the remains in the suitcase.
Olympic champions from the U.S. women’s hockey squad will party with hip-hop legend Flavor Flav in Las Vegas this summer following their gold medal triumph at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
The rapper announced on his X social media platform Thursday that he’s organizing a “She Got Game” celebration weekend scheduled for July 16-19, partnering with MGM Resorts. Writing “IT’S HAPPENING,” Flavor Flav revealed the multi-day event will honor the hockey champions and other female athletes, with additional information coming later. His announcement included an image showing the American women’s hockey players in their victory celebration huddle.
A representative for Flavor Flav verified the planned festivities but declined to share additional specifics.
Team members independently decided to accept the Vegas invitation without consulting USA Hockey officials, according to a source with knowledge of the conversations who requested anonymity due to the private nature of the discussions.
The source noted that although the team is enthusiastic about attending, it remains uncertain whether all 23 roster members can participate due to possible schedule conflicts.
The squad has not yet decided on a potential White House visit after USA Hockey respectfully turned down President Donald Trump’s offer for the team to join the men’s gold medalists at Tuesday’s State of the Union address, citing logistical and travel complications.
A dedicated advocate for women’s athletics, Flav attended multiple Olympic events this month. He extended his Vegas invitation Monday, just after the women declined the Washington trip.
“If the USA Women’s Hockey team wants a real celebration and invite ,,, I’ll host them in Las Vegas. Do some nice dinners and shows and good times,” he posted. “I’m sure I can get a hotel and airline to help me out here and celebrate these women for real for real.”
The women’s squad had planned to fly commercially to New York on Monday but had to change routes through Atlanta due to a Northeast snowstorm. The weather disruption and timing created challenges for the women to modify their travel arrangements as they returned to their Professional Women’s Hockey League clubs and college programs nationwide.
Thursday marked the PWHL’s return from its month-long Olympic hiatus with Montreal facing New York, while collegiate players begin conference tournament play this weekend.
During his address, Trump mentioned plans were developing to bring the women’s team to the White House, though USA Hockey said the timing remains uncertain. The earliest possible Washington visit would be late spring following the PWHL season’s conclusion.
The president’s invitation came late Sunday when he called to congratulate the men’s team on their 2-1 overtime victory against Canada. At that time, the women’s squad remained in Milan, three days after their own 2-1 overtime triumph over Canada.
While speaking with the men’s team after their victory, Trump stated: “We’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that.” He later made a joke that failing to extend the invitation would probably result in his impeachment.
Team captain Hilary Knight described the remark Wednesday as “distasteful and unfortunate.”
“I think just the way women are represented, it’s a great teaching point and really shines light on how women should be championed for their amazing feats,” she commented.
A major streaming partnership is bringing Formula One racing to American viewers through both Netflix and Apple TV platforms this season.
Netflix will stream the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix live to U.S. audiences in May as part of a collaboration that also brings the eighth season of the popular documentary series ‘Drive to Survive’ to Apple TV subscribers.
Apple TV has secured exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for Formula One this season, taking over from ESPN to provide live coverage of all 24 races. Netflix had previously competed for these same broadcasting rights, according to industry reports from last February.
The newest season of ‘Drive to Survive’ debuts globally this Friday, offering viewers behind-the-scenes access to the 2025 Formula One season that saw McLaren and driver Lando Norris claim victory.
The upcoming Formula One season kicks off March 8 in Australia and will feature three races held in the United States.
Apple’s Senior Vice-President of Services Eddy Cue announced during a video conference with reporters that certain races and practice sessions will be offered free to viewers throughout the season, though he did not specify which events.
“We look at F1 and Apple TV as a true partnership where we’re going to amplify this sport across all our Apple services,” Cue stated.
“Netflix, I think, has played a pivotal role in growing F1 since the launch of ‘Drive to Survive’ and we’re thrilled to make F1 content more broadly available to new and existing U.S. fans on both Netflix and Apple TV,” he added.
Ian Holmes, Formula One’s Chief Media Rights and Broadcast officer, praised ESPN’s previous coverage in the crucial U.S. market and described the Apple partnership as “the next big iteration.”
“I’d say we are probably the only sport in the world whose audience is getting younger and more female skewed, and that couldn’t be more represented than currently in the U.S.,” Holmes explained.
“So we see a relationship with Apple and the way that Apple is able to offer its content as the most forward-looking approach that we can pursue,” he concluded.
MEXICO CITY – One of Mexico’s largest television networks has entered voluntary bankruptcy proceedings after company shareholders gave their approval Thursday for the financial restructuring process.
TV Azteca, owned by prominent Mexican businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego, cited several reasons for seeking bankruptcy protection, including a recent settlement of almost $2 billion in overdue taxes paid to Mexican tax authorities, challenging negotiations with overseas lenders, COVID-19 pandemic effects, and government licensing fees from 2018.
The broadcasting giant also referenced major shifts occurring throughout the television sector, particularly changes affecting advertising revenue streams. TV Azteca ranks among Mexico’s top-rated television networks.
Company CEO Rafael Rodriguez explained the decision in an official statement: “This is a last‑resort tool aimed at preserving the value of the company, ensuring the continuity of its operations, and facilitating the orderly fulfillment of its obligations without interrupting its functioning.”
The network’s stock has been halted from trading on Mexico’s stock market since 2023 after the company missed deadlines for submitting required financial reports.
Owner Salinas, known for his conservative political views, has engaged in public disputes with Mexico’s left-leaning President Claudia Sheinbaum and her administration throughout the past year during an ongoing conflict regarding his unpaid taxes. President Sheinbaum has repeatedly labeled Salinas as someone who avoids paying taxes, while he has characterized the government’s actions as extortion.
The current administration had issued warnings about potentially confiscating company property and canceling broadcasting permits if Salinas refused to settle his tax obligations. President Sheinbaum has launched an intensive campaign to boost tax collections to support her expanded social welfare initiatives.
In January, Salinas’ business empire Grupo Salinas announced it would pay 32 billion Mexican pesos (equivalent to $1.86 billion) to resolve two decades of tax disagreements with Mexican officials. Previously, President Sheinbaum had stated his businesses owed more than $4 billion in back taxes.
Two key White House representatives expressed frustration following diplomatic discussions with Iranian officials on Thursday morning in Geneva, according to a report from Axios.
The envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, came away from the negotiations feeling unsatisfied with what Iranian representatives presented during the talks, the news outlet reported.
The diplomatic meeting represents part of ongoing efforts to engage with Iran on various international issues.
A Singapore-based engineering services company with backing from major investment firm Carlyle has announced its intention to launch a public stock offering in India within the next 12 to 18 months, according to company leadership speaking at a Mumbai technology conference this week.
Quest Global’s co-founder and chief executive disclosed the IPO timeline while expressing confidence that growing demand from energy and defense sectors will drive the company’s expansion plans.
The firm is positioning itself to capitalize on the global shift toward more sophisticated hardware-integrated software solutions as conventional information technology services experience slower growth rates.
CEO Ajit Prabhu highlighted the energy sector’s potential during remarks at the Nasscom Technology and Leadership Forum in Mumbai, stating: “The energy sector is going to grow quite a bit because all the data centres have to be powered by energy.”
This represents the first public announcement of Quest Global’s stock market plans. Company officials have not yet determined whether the public offering will consist of existing shareholders selling stakes, issuing new shares, or combining both approaches.
The company has set ambitious financial targets, projecting revenue growth from $1.1 billion in the previous year to $2.5 billion over the next five years, representing approximately 20% annual growth. Quest Global is also working to relocate its corporate headquarters from Singapore back to India through a reverse restructuring process.
Prabhu expressed optimism about the engineering research and development sector’s prospects compared to traditional IT services companies. “(The) next five to ten years, in my opinion, are like a time for engineering renaissance,” Prabhu said. “It is a massive opportunity to bring together all of these technologies (including) chips, telecom, internet and AI.”
The planned stock listing reflects strong investor interest in India’s Engineering, Research & Development sector, which provides technical support to global hardware-focused industries including data centers and autonomous vehicle technology. This segment represents roughly one-fifth of India’s $315 billion information technology industry.
Industry data supports the sector’s growth trajectory, with trade organization Nasscom projecting 6.8% expansion to $63 billion by fiscal 2026, outperforming the core IT services sector’s anticipated 4.2% growth rate.
MILAN – The fashion world is buzzing after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg made a surprise appearance at Prada’s fall/winter runway presentation in Milan on Thursday, sparking fresh rumors about a possible smart glasses collaboration between the tech giant and the luxury Italian fashion house.
The high-profile show featured creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons presenting their latest collection through just 15 models, each showcasing multiple outfits to emphasize the art of layering garments. The collection highlighted combinations like cropped winter coats paired with flowing lightweight dresses, embellished satin gowns, transparent skirts, and woolen knitwear.
“As a woman, your life is layered – each day demands not only a shifting of clothes, but a richness of identities within yourself,” Miuccia Prada explained in the show’s official notes.
The runway also featured vibrant handbags and distinctive low-heeled shoes with playful designs.
What captured attention beyond the fashion was the seating arrangement, with Zuckerberg and his spouse Priscilla Chan positioned directly next to Prada CEO Andrea Guerra and Lorenzo Bertelli, the brand’s heir and chief marketing officer.
This high-profile meeting comes months after Bertelli revealed to Reuters in November that Prada had engaged in “exploratory talks” with EssilorLuxottica regarding potential smart eyewear development under Prada’s brand names, though no final agreements were reached.
The connection becomes more intriguing given Prada’s existing licensing deal with EssilorLuxottica, the Franco-Italian eyewear company that already partners with Meta on developing artificial intelligence-enhanced glasses.
Federal health regulators announced Thursday they have granted full approval to a Boehringer Ingelberg medication targeting patients battling advanced lung cancer who have already undergone previous treatments.
The Food and Drug Administration’s decision represents just the second drug to receive clearance through the agency’s Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher pilot program, a special pathway designed to expedite certain treatments.
The approval provides a new treatment option for patients facing this challenging form of cancer who have exhausted other therapeutic approaches.
University of Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy is positioning himself to compete for the top cornerback spot in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft after making a full recovery from a serious knee injury.
Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, McCoy confirmed he has completely healed from the ACL tear he suffered in January 2025, which forced him to miss the entire 2025 college football season. While he won’t take part in physical drills during the Indianapolis combine, the cornerback expects significant attention at Tennessee’s upcoming pro day. McCoy revealed he received medical clearance months ago and even contemplated returning to play with the Volunteers during the regular season before deciding to focus on preparing for the NFL.
“I got cleared,” the 20-year-old explained. “I was doing everything, practicing, everything. I just didn’t feel ready yet.”
McCoy earned second-team All-American honors in 2024 during his single season at Tennessee after transferring from Oregon State. This week, he completed comprehensive medical testing that all combine participants undergo, and he expressed complete confidence in his physical condition going forward.
“I can do everything,” McCoy stated regarding his current athletic abilities.
During McCoy’s absence, teammate Colton Hood stepped up as a dominant cornerback, creating the possibility that Tennessee could have two first-round draft picks in April. Other top cornerback prospects include LSU’s Mansoor Delane and Clemson’s Avieon Terrell, both considered likely top-25 selections.
Delane posted impressive statistics in 2025, allowing just 13 catches and six first downs throughout the season. The All-American player brings versatility beyond coverage skills.
He described his approach as playing with “maturation” while embracing the physical demands of the position to such a degree that he would welcome playing middle linebacker.
“Others might be scared to tackle but I love it,” he explained.
WASHINGTON – A federal judge has denied a request to stop President Donald Trump’s massive $400 million White House ballroom construction project, allowing work to continue on the controversial renovation.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon rejected the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s attempt to secure a preliminary injunction that would have halted the project while their lawsuit moves forward. The preservationist organization argued the construction violates federal laws and lacks proper congressional approval.
Leon determined that the National Trust’s legal arguments didn’t satisfy the stringent requirements needed for a court order to stop the work temporarily. However, the judge indicated the organization could revise their legal complaint.
“Unfortunately, because both sides initially focused on the President’s constitutional authority to destruct and construct the East Wing of the White House, Plaintiff didn’t bring the necessary cause of action to test the statutory authority the President claims is the basis to do this construction project without the blessing of Congress and with private funds,” Leon stated in his decision.
The National Trust filed their lawsuit in December against Trump and multiple federal agencies, claiming the project proceeded illegally without necessary approvals, environmental studies, or congressional authorization.
Trump’s demolition crew tore down the historic East Wing in October. The structure, originally constructed in 1902 during Theodore Roosevelt’s administration and significantly expanded in 1942 under Franklin Roosevelt, previously contained the first lady’s offices, a theater, and an entrance for visiting foreign dignitaries.
The planned ballroom represents just one of multiple significant modifications Trump has implemented at the White House since taking office in January 2025. The president has also installed gold decorative elements throughout the Oval Office and transformed the Rose Garden lawn into a paved patio similar to his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida.
The preservation group contends that federal statutes prohibit construction on federal parkland in Washington without explicit congressional permission. They also claim the National Park Service broke federal law by conducting an environmental assessment rather than a comprehensive impact study, and by releasing it after demolition had already started.
“No president is legally allowed to tear down portions of the White House without any review whatsoever – not President Trump, not President Biden, and not anyone else,” the lawsuit stated.
Leon previously refused to grant a temporary restraining order requested by the National Trust in December.
The Trump administration has maintained the project’s legality, stating it continues a tradition of presidential renovations. Administration lawyers argued in court documents that the ballroom is essential for state functions, design plans are still developing, and above-ground construction won’t begin until April, making an injunction unnecessary.
The rapid demolition of the East Wing sparked criticism from preservationists and other opponents, who viewed the project as reflecting the Republican president’s assertions of broad presidential authority. Trump has stood by the project, writing on his Truth Social platform that using private donations means “ZERO taxpayer funding.” Trump described the proposed ballroom as a “desperately needed space.”
While no definitive completion timeline has been announced, the White House has stated the project will finish “long before the end” of Trump’s presidential term.
Neither the White House nor the National Trust for Historic Preservation immediately provided comments when contacted about the ruling.
Federal immigration officers arrested a Columbia University student early Thursday morning after allegedly deceiving their way into campus housing, according to university officials.
Acting President Claire Shipman revealed that Department of Homeland Security agents took the student into custody around 6:30 a.m. from a residential building on the New York campus. The university has not disclosed the detained student’s identity.
“Our understanding at this time is that the federal agents made misrepresentations to gain entry to the building to search for a ‘missing person,’” Shipman stated, emphasizing that law enforcement requires judicial warrants or subpoenas to access private university spaces like dormitories and classrooms.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the agents’ tactics on social media, directly accusing immigration enforcement of deception.
“Let’s be clear about what happened: ICE agents didn’t have the proper warrant, so they lied to gain access to a student’s private residence,” Hochul wrote on X.
Shipman advised that when law enforcement seeks access to restricted campus areas, they should wait for campus security to facilitate the university’s proper response protocols.
Student arrests on university campuses remain uncommon, even amid President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration enforcement efforts.
The most recent arrests at Columbia occurred approximately one year ago following pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Among those detained was activist Mahmoud Khalil, who spent three months in immigration detention before his release. Khalil continues fighting legal efforts to strip his permanent resident status and remove him from the country.
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Thursday’s incident.
Pakistani military forces engaged in armed conflict with Afghan Taliban fighters along the shared international border Thursday, following what Pakistani officials described as an unprovoked assault by Taliban forces.
According to Pakistan’s information ministry, the confrontation unfolded across multiple locations within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province when Taliban fighters initiated gunfire from the Afghan side of the border. Pakistani military personnel launched what the ministry characterized as an “immediate and effective response” to the Taliban aggression.
The ministry reported through social media that Pakistani forces caused significant damage during the engagement, claiming to have inflicted substantial casualties on Taliban fighters while also destroying numerous Taliban military positions and equipment during the cross-border incident.
Agricultural education takes center stage today as Missouri FFA observes Give FFA Day, with state leadership calling on communities to support farming education initiatives. State Vice President Maddy Rash, representing Dallas County, spoke with Brownfield about the significance of this annual observance.
According to Rash, Missouri’s agricultural sector has a promising outlook ahead, and her role connecting with FFA chapters across the state has been particularly rewarding. “Seeing the members that motivate me to do my job,” Rash explained, highlighting how student engagement drives her passion for agricultural advocacy.
Give FFA Day serves as an opportunity for supporters to contribute to agricultural education programs that prepare the next generation of farmers and agricultural professionals throughout the state.
Federal trade officials have launched an investigation into how the Chinese government provides financial backing to its biotechnology industry, according to a new announcement from the International Trade Commission.
The probe represents one of two newly initiated studies examining the commercial relationship between the United States and China, signaling increased scrutiny of Beijing’s economic practices in key technology sectors.
Young agriculture enthusiasts from across Missouri made their way to the state capitol this week to mark National FFA Week with special festivities. The gathering drew participants from chapters spanning the state, creating a showcase of Missouri’s agricultural education programs.
According to State FFA Officer Gage Swindler, who hails from Caldwell County, the celebration brought together students from diverse communities. “There are members from Ashland, Brunswick, Centralia, Milan and Doniphan,” Swindler explained to Brownfield.
Fellow State FFA Officer Cash Honeycutt from Ray County noted that the week’s activities included notable participation from state leadership, with Governor Mike Kehoe and State Agriculture Director Chris Chinn taking part by operating tractors during the commemorative events.
Traffic is being diverted around a section of U.S. Route 13 after a vehicle accident forced authorities to block the northbound lanes at New Sweden Street.
The Delaware Department of Transportation has confirmed the road closure following the crash incident. Motorists traveling north on Route 13 should expect delays and seek alternate routes while emergency crews work at the scene.
DelDOT has not yet provided details about the severity of the collision or an estimated timeline for reopening the affected roadway. Drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible and allow extra travel time for their commutes.
Federal nuclear safety regulations that had been kept confidential have now been released to the public by the U.S. Energy Department.
The department disclosed these guidelines approximately one month following an NPR investigation that revealed their existence. According to reports, the regulations significantly reduce requirements for both security measures and environmental safeguards at nuclear facilities.
The newly public rules apply to experimental nuclear reactor operations and represent a departure from previous safety standards that had been in place for such facilities.
Delaware’s farming community will gather next month for an important discussion about agricultural safety when the Delaware Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Engagement Committee presents its ninth annual safety conference.
Scheduled for March 18 from 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., the event will take place at Pratt Farm Lodge located at 587 Smyrna Leipsic Road in Smyrna.
The conference aims to unite agricultural professionals and community members to discuss safety challenges, share effective practices, and increase safety awareness throughout the state. Organizers say the gathering also helps residents better understand farming operations and the critical importance of maintaining safety for everyone involved.
Several expert speakers will address key safety topics during this year’s program, including tick safety presented by DNREC Tick Biologist Ashley Kennedy, animal and livestock safety covered by Susan Garey, who serves as Kent County Director and Animal Science Agent, and farm risk preparedness discussed by Todd Givler, a Senior Consultant for Sponsor Relations at Nationwide. The Delaware State Fire School will also conduct a hands-on fire extinguisher demonstration.
Those holding pesticide applicator certifications can earn one continuing education credit by attending the conference.
June Unruh, who chairs the Agricultural Safety Conference, remains passionate about advancing safety practices in farming. “Farming is one of the most important and rewarding professions in our state, but it also comes with risks,” Unruh said. She stressed that farmers and community members must work together to maintain safety by remaining alert, well-informed, and taking preventive measures.
While the event is free and includes lunch, attendees must register in advance at https://defb.org/promotion-and-engagement/delaware-ag-safety/.
Additional details are available at defb.org or by calling the Delaware Farm Bureau at 302-697-3183.
Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership has implemented a comprehensive criminal code through official decree that establishes more severe penalties for animal cruelty than for violence against women, while codifying gender-based discrimination into law.
Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada signed the decree in January, creating what U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk described as legislation that “defines several crimes and punishments that contravene Afghanistan’s international legal obligations” during Thursday remarks to the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Turk called on Afghan officials to withdraw the decree.
The 60-page document, known as Decree No. 12 and containing 119 articles, establishes punishments for women who visit family members without spousal consent and grants husbands and household heads authority to decide and administer discipline within their homes.
“It provides for the use of corporal punishment for numerous offenses, including in the home, legitimizing violence against women and children,” Turk stated. “And it criminalizes criticism of the de facto leadership and their policies, in violation of freedom of expression and assembly.”
Under the new code, men who physically assault their wives severely enough to leave visible injuries face just 15 days imprisonment – provided the woman can successfully prove her case before a judge. Meanwhile, women who visit their father’s home without husband approval receive three months in prison, with relatives facing identical sentences if they fail to return the woman to her spouse.
The legislation “formally removes equality between men and women before the law,” stated U.N. Women Special Representative in Afghanistan Susan Ferguson in Wednesday’s released statement. “It places husbands in a position of authority over their wives and limits women’s ability to seek protection or justice.”
Animal mistreatment receives stricter punishment than violence against women. Organizing animal or bird fights carries a five-month prison sentence. Such competitions, including cockfights and partridge battles, remained popular entertainment in Afghanistan until the Taliban prohibited them following their 2021 return to power.
While Afghan officials have previously enacted numerous restrictions, including educational bans for girls beyond elementary levels, employment prohibitions for most women, and mandates governing female dress and conduct, this represents their first complete criminal code since taking control.
The decree also establishes class-based justice systems, with identical crimes receiving different consequences based on social position, from simple judicial warnings for religious leaders to physical punishment for those considered lower class.
Religious scholars and “high-ranking people” receive judicial warnings; tribal chiefs and business owners get warnings plus court summons; “average people of society” face imprisonment; while “the lower classes” endure physical beatings. When offenders receive maximum 39-lash sentences, the decree specifies strikes must target “different parts of the body.”
Murder cases remain exempt from class-based treatment, with all convicted individuals facing death sentences. Insulting Prophet Muhammad also carries capital punishment, though this can convert to six years imprisonment if the offender shows repentance.
During his Geneva address, Turk urged Afghan authorities to “reverse their course on excluding half the population. Women and girls are the present and the future, and the country cannot thrive without them.”
Federal investigators executed search warrants Wednesday at the residence and workplace of Los Angeles school district leader Alberto Carvalho, prompting an emergency board meeting to address his future.
The Los Angeles Unified School District’s governing board has scheduled a private session Thursday afternoon to deliberate on Carvalho’s position following the FBI raids. District officials released a brief statement Wednesday confirming their cooperation with investigators while declining to elaborate further.
Federal law enforcement has remained tight-lipped about the scope of their probe into America’s second-largest school system. Agents also conducted a search at a third site in the Miami area, where Carvalho formerly served as schools chief. According to Miami Herald reporting, that Florida residence belongs to Debra Kerr, a former employee of AllHere, an educational technology firm that previously held contracts with Los Angeles schools before its collapse and subsequent fraud charges against its founder.
Carvalho championed AllHere’s artificial intelligence chatbot called ‘Ed’ throughout 2024, describing it as revolutionary for student support. However, the district severed ties with the company roughly three months after the program’s launch and a $3 million payment, as AllHere spiraled into bankruptcy. Company founder Joanna Smith-Griffin later faced federal charges for securities fraud, wire fraud, and identity theft.
When questioned about AllHere’s selection process, Carvalho maintained he played no personal role in choosing the vendor, the Los Angeles Times reported. Following Smith-Griffin’s indictment, Carvalho promised to establish a review committee to investigate the failed partnership, though no public updates have emerged since that announcement.
During his five-year tenure in Los Angeles, Carvalho has earned recognition for boosting student achievement across the district. His reputation was similarly strong in Miami-Dade County, Florida’s largest school system, where he received the National Superintendent of the Year award in 2014 from the American Association of School Administrators.
The Portuguese-born education leader received knighthood from Spain in 2021 for expanding Spanish-language educational opportunities in Miami-Dade schools.
After relocating to California, Carvalho became a vocal opponent of former President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, particularly following enforcement actions in Los Angeles last year.
Carvalho assumed leadership in Los Angeles during a pivotal period, as the district managed substantial COVID-19 relief funding while addressing pandemic-related challenges including academic setbacks and shrinking student enrollment. He had previously clashed with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over pandemic mask requirements in schools.
Miami-Dade school officials acknowledged awareness of the federal investigation involving their former superintendent but declined further comment.
The FBI’s Miami field office verified that agents conducted a search at a Southwest Ranches home in Broward County, located west of Fort Lauderdale, on Wednesday morning.
A Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy fatally shot a suspect who had just completed a deadly rampage through a South Florida community, authorities announced Thursday.
The violent incident unfolded Wednesday evening in Pahokee, a community of approximately 5,500 residents in South Florida.
According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, deputies initially responded to reports of a double homicide, discovering two victims who had been shot to death. Soon after, law enforcement received additional calls about gunfire at a residence and a convenience store in the area, where another person sustained injuries, Bradshaw explained during a press briefing.
While an officer was securing the second crime scene with tape, the gunman approached in an SUV and deliberately rammed into the deputy, dragging the officer approximately 40 feet, according to the sheriff’s department.
The suspect then exited his vehicle and attempted to shoot the injured officer, but the deputy managed to return fire and kill the attacker, officials reported. A fellow deputy also discharged his weapon during the confrontation.
Law enforcement has named the deceased suspect as Charles McCloud Jr., age 44. Bradshaw stated that investigators are working to establish what motivated the attacks and whether McCloud had any connection to his victims.
Attempts to reach McCloud’s potential family members for comment were unsuccessful Thursday.
“This guy went on one hell of a crime spree tonight, shooting people, killing them, and then obviously trying to kill our deputy,” Bradshaw stated. “The deputy is very, very fortunate that the initial strike with the vehicle didn’t kill him. But he showed a great deal of courage, a great deal of stamina to be able to get his gun out and neutralize this guy before he could shoot him on the ground.”
The injured deputy was transported to a medical facility with severe injuries, the sheriff’s department confirmed. The individual wounded at the store is anticipated to recover, though officials have not provided additional details about his medical status.
The deputy involved in the shooting has been assigned to administrative duty pending investigation, according to standard protocol. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and the sheriff’s department’s Violent Crimes Division are all conducting investigations into the incident.
WASHINGTON — A federal court has denied efforts by historic preservationists to stop President Trump’s massive White House ballroom construction project on Thursday.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon determined that The National Trust for Historic Preservation had little likelihood of winning their case seeking to temporarily stop the $400 million project.
However, Leon indicated the organization might find more success by revising their legal challenge.
“Unfortunately, because both sides initially focused on the President’s constitutional authority to destruct and construct the East Wing of the White House, Plaintiff didn’t bring the necessary cause of action to test the statutory authority the President claims is the basis to do this construction project without the blessing of Congress and with private funds,” the judge stated in his ruling.
The preservation organization had filed suit seeking to pause construction until the project receives multiple independent evaluations and congressional authorization.
The administration revealed plans for the ballroom during the summer months. By the end of October, Trump had already torn down the East Wing to clear space for the massive venue, which he claims will accommodate 999 guests. According to White House officials, private contributions — including funds from Trump personally — will finance the entire 90,000-square-foot ballroom complex.
The president moved forward with demolition and construction without first consulting two key federal oversight bodies: the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts. Trump has appointed supporters to leadership positions on both regulatory panels.
More than 1,000 transgender residents in Kansas have had their official identification documents invalidated under new state legislation that became effective Thursday.
The Kansas state government has voided driver’s licenses and birth certificates for transgender individuals who had previously updated their gender markers on these official documents. Under the new requirements, residents must have their gender identification reflect the sex designated at birth, and future modifications to gender markers on official documents are now prohibited.
Those impacted by the change are required to cover the costs of obtaining replacement driver’s licenses.
The legislation also mandates that transgender individuals must use restroom facilities and changing areas in government-owned or government-leased buildings that correspond to their birth-assigned sex.
This development comes as transgender Americans face mounting legal restrictions across multiple states and at the federal level. Since returning to the presidency, Republican Donald Trump has implemented several executive orders that limit transgender rights.
Trump’s directives include establishing that the federal government will only acknowledge male and female as the two recognized sexes, while another order aims to prevent transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports competitions.
Harper Seldin, a senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union’s LGBTQ and HIV Project, warned that the Kansas legislation creates serious safety concerns for transgender individuals.
“The mismatch between how they present themselves in the world and their driver’s license puts them at risk of discrimination or violence, and so that’s why many trans people choose to change the sex markers on our licenses so that we can live as ourselves in society and keep ourselves safe,” Seldin explained.
Seldin added that the law “puts transgender people in danger any time they interact with law enforcement or apply for a job or for housing or public benefits.”
Kansas had previously allowed residents to modify gender markers on licenses and birth certificates until 2023, when such changes were suspended during legal proceedings initiated by Republican Attorney General Kris Kobach. Courts restored the ability to make these modifications last year, prompting state legislators to draft the current bill. The measure became law after the Kansas legislature successfully overturned a veto by Democratic Governor Laura Kelly.
The ACLU plans to challenge the legislation in court, with Seldin indicating the organization expects to file a lawsuit by Friday’s end.
The leader of Africa’s top disease control organization warned Thursday about troubling provisions in new health funding agreements being negotiated between the United States and African nations.
Jean Kaseya, who serves as Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, expressed serious reservations during a virtual news briefing. “There are huge concerns regarding data, regarding pathogen sharing,” Kaseya stated.
His comments came one day after Zimbabwe withdrew from negotiations over a five-year, $367 million U.S. health funding package. Zimbabwean officials cited worries about protecting sensitive information and described the proposed terms as unfair. Zambia’s leadership has also pushed back against certain provisions in their proposed agreement.
International health advocacy groups have criticized key elements of these funding deals, particularly requirements that recipient nations must quickly provide Washington with information about disease-causing organisms that might trigger outbreaks within their borders. Critics note these agreements don’t ensure that any medications or vaccines developed from shared data would be made available to the contributing countries.
These negotiations represent part of a broader overhaul of how President Donald Trump’s administration distributes billions in international health assistance. This restructuring follows the dismantling of the U.S. aid agency last year, along with funding cuts and contract cancellations worldwide, as part of an “America First” approach to global health policy.
Kaseya acknowledged he initially welcomed this new strategy because it would provide more direct funding to African nations while requiring them to contribute their own resources. However, he declined an invitation for his organization to observe the negotiations, citing respect for individual countries’ independence.
Despite staying out of the talks directly, Kaseya said his agency has been assisting countries that request help and remains ready to provide guidance for any nation wanting to renegotiate terms with the United States. His organization also stands prepared to help implement whatever agreements countries ultimately decide to sign.
“I said to all of my countries, you have full support from Africa CDC. Even if you want to re-negotiate … if you want Africa CDC to be there, we’ll be there,” Kaseya explained.
Federal health regulators are preparing to launch a financial incentive program designed to accelerate the drug approval process, according to a Bloomberg News report published Thursday.
The Food and Drug Administration will implement a quarterly bonus system for scientific reviewers who finish drug evaluations ahead of their deadlines while maintaining high standards, sources familiar with the initiative told Bloomberg.
Scientists participating in the program could earn bonuses valued at several thousand dollars each quarter for expedited, quality work, the report indicated. Agency officials are expected to unveil the program during an internal FDA meeting scheduled for today.
When contacted by Reuters, the Department of Health and Human Services, which supervises the FDA, had not yet provided a response regarding the bonus program.
Bloomberg’s reporting also revealed that the agency is actively recruiting more than 1,000 additional scientists as part of a comprehensive strategy to speed up drug evaluation timelines.
The bonus system is set to launch on April 1 and will cover reviewers working within the FDA’s two primary divisions responsible for evaluating pharmaceuticals and vaccines. The first bonus payments are anticipated to be distributed around August, according to the report.
The United Nations official responsible for monitoring human rights in Palestinian territories spoke out Thursday against what she characterized as damaging personal attacks that have affected both her work and family life.
Francesca Albanese, who serves as Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, addressed reporters via video from Jordan, responding to recent calls from multiple European nations demanding her resignation over her statements regarding Israel.
“I can tell you how toxic and personally damaging for me and for my family these past days, weeks and months have been,” the Italian lawyer stated during the press conference.
Several major European countries including Germany, France, and Italy have recently demanded Albanese step down from her position, citing concerns over her criticism of Israel. Albanese maintains that her statements have been misinterpreted and taken out of their proper context.
According to a February 15th letter obtained by Reuters, Israel’s permanent mission in Geneva accused Albanese of seriously breaching the UN’s code of conduct standards.
“As long as she holds a U.N. mandate, she fundamentally undermines the credibility and moral authority of the United Nations,” the Israeli letter stated, also alleging that Albanese had repeatedly promoted antisemitic themes – accusations she has consistently rejected.
French officials also expressed concerns this week, with ambassador Céline Jurgensen telling UN Human Rights Council delegates on Tuesday about “extremely problematic statements” made by a UN Special Rapporteur, appearing to reference Albanese without directly naming her.
“All those who speak under the auspices of the United Nations – including Special Rapporteurs – must exercise the restraint, moderation, and discretion required by their mandate,” Jurgensen told the assembly.
Albanese also addressed sanctions placed on her by the United States last July, describing them as part of a wider effort by the current administration to undermine international accountability systems.
The U.S. imposed these sanctions over what officials called “illegitimate and shameful efforts to prompt (International Criminal Court) action against U.S. and Israeli officials, companies, and executives” in a Human Rights Council report.
“These smears, the sanctions, the continuous attacks from all over, from those very states who should use that energy as stamina to go after those who are accused by the highest court in the world of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide,” Albanese stated.
On Wednesday, Albanese’s family filed a federal lawsuit in Washington against the Trump administration, claiming the sanctions are “effectively debanking her and making it nearly impossible to meet the needs of her daily life.” The State Department has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the legal action.
Israeli officials have firmly rejected allegations of genocide. Last September, Israeli ambassador Daniel Meron dismissed a UN report alleging that top Israeli officials had encouraged genocide during the Gaza conflict as both “scandalous” and “fake.”
The UN Human Rights Council president, Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, expressed concern Monday about personal attacks directed “against certain mandate holders” and reaffirmed his support for their work.
“Their independence and protection remains essential to the effectiveness, credibility and legitimacy of the council’s collective action,” he stated.
Delaware’s popular Cape Henlopen State Park will temporarily restrict access to The Point beginning March 1, according to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
The seasonal closure is designed to create a safe haven for various bird species during their nesting period, with special attention given to protecting the piping plover, a small shorebird currently listed as federally threatened.
Park officials say the restriction will also benefit other migrating bird species that rely on the coastal area during their seasonal journeys. The Point serves as a crucial habitat for these birds during their most vulnerable time of year.
This annual closure is part of Delaware’s ongoing conservation efforts to support wildlife recovery and maintain the delicate ecosystem balance along the state’s coastline.
Federal highway safety regulators have wrapped up a lengthy investigation involving nearly 7.4 million vehicles manufactured by Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, without demanding a recall over malfunctioning active head restraints.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Thursday it was ending the probe that began in 2019 after determining there were no confirmed cases of severe injuries linked to the safety devices deploying without warning.
As part of the resolution, Stellantis has committed to providing a decade-long extended warranty covering vehicles from the 2010 to 2020 model years affected by the issue.
While safety officials received reports of 750 injuries connected to the head restraint problems, investigators could not verify any serious harm in cases where individuals did not already have underlying health conditions.
The federal agency conducted extensive research on the matter, including having its Human Injury Research Division run computer modeling of the deployments to assess potential risks for skull fractures or traumatic brain injuries.
Investigators examined 16 years worth of information and reviewed more than 8,500 instances of unintended deployments. According to the agency, “no serious crashes or injuries could be validated.”
The investigation covered eight different vehicle models, including the Chrysler 200 from 2011-2014, the Town & Country from 2010-2016, the Dodge Durango from 2011-2020, the Dodge Grand Caravan from 2010-2020, the Dodge Journey from 2010-2019, the Jeep Compass from 2010-2017, the Jeep Grand Cherokee from 2011-2020, and the Jeep Patriot from 2010-2017.
Stellantis representatives had not provided a response to the agency’s decision as of Thursday evening.
Electric car manufacturer Tesla and a major German labor organization have temporarily halted their public disagreement over workplace matters at the company’s facility near Berlin, according to union officials who announced the development Thursday.
The automotive giant had previously lodged criminal charges against an IG Metall representative, claiming the individual made unauthorized recordings during a February 10th labor discussion. The union strongly rejected this accusation, calling it a “calculated lie.”
According to IG Metall representatives, both organizations have committed to avoiding similar accusations and public statements through next Wednesday, when the facility’s works council elections conclude.
When contacted for their perspective on the matter, Tesla officials had not provided a response by publication time.
Union representatives confirmed that this temporary resolution was finalized during proceedings at a Frankfurt an der Oder labor court Thursday.
“Now, just a few days before the works council election, we can concentrate fully on the issues (over working conditions) … there’s a lot to do,” stated Jan Otto, who leads the local IG Metall chapter.
Barcelona-based pharmaceutical company Grifols announced Thursday that its annual earnings reached 402 million euros ($473.96 million) in 2025, representing more than a twofold increase compared to the prior year’s results, fueled by company revenues that climbed to 7.5 billion euros.
The Spanish drugmaker’s revenue figures showed a 7% year-over-year increase, while financial experts surveyed by LSEG had anticipated profits of 427 million euros alongside revenues matching the actual 7.5 billion euro result.
The company’s adjusted EBITDA—earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization—climbed to 1.8 billion euros, meeting analyst projections for the reporting period.
Despite these positive financial results, Grifols has experienced significant market turbulence, with its stock value declining approximately 25% since the beginning of 2024. This downturn followed the publication of several critical reports by short-selling firm Gotham City Research, which alleged that the pharmaceutical company had inflated its earnings figures while downplaying its debt obligations—claims that Grifols has firmly rejected and challenged through legal action against the investment fund.
The New York Jets have reached an agreement to send defensive end Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, according to a source with knowledge of the transaction who spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday.
The source requested anonymity since this player exchange involving two starters cannot be finalized until the NFL’s new league year begins on March 11.
ESPN and NFL Network were first to report the transaction.
This move will reunite Johnson with Titans head coach Robert Saleh, who previously served as New York’s head coach when the Jets selected the Florida State product with the 22nd pick in the first round of the 2022 draft. Johnson will also work again with defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, who coached his position during his initial three seasons with New York.
Johnson expressed his gratitude to the Jets organization through a post on X, writing: “New York, thank you for everything truly. The love I’ve been shown here for the past 4-5 years has been nothing short of amazing, both on and off the field. Y’all will always hold a special place in my heart. Wish all of my former coaches and former teammates the best!! Thank all of y’all for sharing a battlefield with me.”
He concluded his message with “11 out,” a reference to his Jets jersey number, along with a salute emoji.
This transaction means the Jets now retain only one of their 2022 first-round selections: wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who was chosen 10th overall that year. Cornerback Sauce Gardner, selected fourth overall, was sent to Indianapolis in November.
The move positions New York to potentially select the draft’s top pass rusher in April — possibly Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, Texas Tech’s David Bailey, or Miami’s Reuben Bain — with the second overall pick as head coach Aaron Glenn works to strengthen a defense that ranked among the league’s worst during a disappointing 3-14 campaign. Glenn dismissed defensive coordinator Steve Wilks with three games left in the season and brought in Brian Duker last month as his replacement. Glenn announced Tuesday at the NFL combine that he will handle defensive play-calling duties next season.
Johnson, 27, was scheduled to play under his fifth-year rookie option next season, but his departure will free up $13.4 million in salary cap space for the Jets, and he could enter free agency following next season. Despite being viewed as an emerging talent in his early Jets years, which included a 2023 Pro Bowl appearance, Johnson managed only three sacks last season after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon in the second game of 2024.
During his Jets tenure, Johnson recorded 13 sacks across 47 games, scored a touchdown on an interception return, forced one fumble, and recovered another. After achieving a career-best 7½ sacks in 2023, Johnson is now expected to bolster the pass rush in Saleh’s defensive scheme in Tennessee.
Sweat was Tennessee’s second-round choice from Texas in 2024. The 6-foot-4, 366-pound interior presence should help solidify a defensive front that also features tackles Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs, along with edge rusher Will McDonald.
The 24-year-old nose tackle, selected 38th overall by Tennessee two years ago, accumulated three sacks and 85 total tackles over 29 games, starting 28 of them. Sweat sustained an ankle injury in Tennessee’s season opener against Denver, landing on injured reserve before returning after a five-game absence, and proved to be a valuable contributor to the Titans’ defensive line.
A traffic accident has resulted in lane restrictions on a major roadway in New Castle County this morning.
The right lane of westbound Route 273 remains blocked to traffic following a vehicle crash near the Harmony Road intersection. Delaware Department of Transportation officials are advising drivers to use caution when traveling through the area.
Motorists heading west on Route 273 should anticipate potential delays and may want to seek alternative routes until the roadway can be fully reopened to normal traffic flow.
Emergency crews are working to clear the accident scene and restore regular traffic patterns as quickly as possible.
A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday that the New York Jets have reached an agreement to send defensive end Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat.
The individual requested anonymity since this exchange of starting players won’t be finalized until March 11, when the NFL’s new league year officially begins.
Both ESPN and NFL Network initially broke news of the transaction.
This move brings Johnson back together with Titans head coach Robert Saleh, who previously led the Jets when they selected the pass rusher with the 22nd pick in the opening round of the 2022 draft out of Florida State.
Tennessee chose Sweat in the second round of the 2024 draft, selecting the Texas product 38th overall.
With Johnson’s departure, New York now has only one remaining first-round selection from their 2022 draft class: receiver Garrett Wilson, who was picked 10th that year. The Jets previously sent cornerback Sauce Gardner, their fourth overall choice, to Indianapolis this past November.
This transaction positions the Jets to potentially select the draft’s top pass rushing prospect with the second overall pick in April, as new head coach Aaron Glenn works to rebuild a defense that ranked among the league’s worst during a disappointing 3-14 campaign. Glenn dismissed defensive coordinator Steve Wilks before the season ended and brought in Brian Duker as his replacement last month. At this week’s NFL combine, Glenn confirmed he will handle defensive play-calling duties himself next season.
Johnson, now 27, was scheduled to play under his fifth-year rookie contract option and would have entered free agency following the upcoming season. After establishing himself as an emerging talent in his early Jets career, including earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2023, Johnson managed only three sacks last season after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon in the second game of 2024.
During his tenure with New York, Johnson recorded 13 sacks across 47 appearances, returned one interception for a touchdown, forced one fumble and recovered another. Following his career-best 7.5 sack performance in 2023, Johnson will now be tasked with generating pass rush for Saleh’s defensive scheme in Tennessee.
The 6-foot-4, 366-pound Sweat brings run-stopping ability that should help solidify a Jets defensive front that already features tackles Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs along with edge rusher Will McDonald.
Since Tennessee drafted him two years ago, Sweat has accumulated three sacks and 85 total tackles over 29 appearances, starting 28 of those contests. The 24-year-old nose tackle suffered an ankle injury in the Titans’ season opener against Denver, landing on injured reserve before returning after a five-game absence and proving to be a valuable contributor to Tennessee’s defensive line.
The retail giant Walmart has reached a $100 million settlement with federal regulators over accusations that the company misled delivery drivers about their potential earnings, costing them tens of millions in lost income.
The Federal Trade Commission announced Thursday that the Arkansas-based company displayed exaggerated base pay rates and tip amounts to participants in its gig-based delivery service known as Spark. Eleven states including Pennsylvania joined the federal agency in bringing the case forward.
According to the FTC, Walmart also misled shoppers by incorrectly stating that customer tips would be fully passed along to delivery drivers.
“Labor markets cannot function efficiently without truthful and nonmisleading information about earnings and other material terms,” Christopher Mufarrige, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, stated.
Under the settlement terms, Walmart must establish a system to verify driver earnings and ensure promised payments and tips are actually delivered to workers.
In response, Walmart acknowledged that it “values the hard work and dedication of the drivers who deliver great service and products to our customers.” The company indicated it has already begun compensating affected drivers and will continue making additional payments where needed.
“We are continuously improving procedures to ensure fairness and transparency for drivers,” the retailer stated.
Delaware homebuyers received welcome news this week as mortgage rates dropped below 6% for the first time in more than two years, potentially jumpstarting the spring real estate market.
Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the standard 30-year home loan rate decreased to 5.98%, down from 6.01% the previous week. This represents a significant improvement from the 6.76% rate recorded one year ago.
The current rate has remained near the 6% threshold throughout this year. This week’s reduction marks the third consecutive weekly decrease, bringing rates to their most favorable level since September 8, 2022, when they stood at 5.89%.
Home loan rates respond to multiple economic factors, including Federal Reserve policy choices, bond market activity, and investor sentiment regarding economic growth and inflation trends. These rates typically mirror movements in the 10-year Treasury yield, which serves as a benchmark for lenders when setting home loan prices.
Thursday’s midday trading showed the 10-year Treasury yield at 4.02%, declining from approximately 4.07% seven days earlier.
Home loan costs have been decreasing for several months, contributing to increased home sales during the final four months of 2025. However, this improvement hasn’t been sufficient to revive the housing market from its downturn that began in 2022 when rates started climbing from their pandemic-era record lows.
Last year’s sales of existing homes across the nation remained at three-decade lows. Even with more favorable borrowing costs this year, home sales dropped significantly last month, recording the steepest monthly decline in nearly four years and the weakest annual sales rate in over two years.
Nevertheless, with 30-year mortgage rates now sitting below 6% as the traditional spring buying season approaches, this could motivate qualified buyers to enter the market during the coming months.
“Assuming rates stay below 6%, buyers and sellers are going to start getting back into the market,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS. “March is when the spring homebuying season typically begins to ramp up and with rates at a three-and-a-half year low, it could be a barn burner of a spring homebuying season.”
Cattle trading activity is beginning to emerge in livestock markets throughout Nebraska and Texas regions, with buyers presenting initial offers to sellers. In northern market areas, ranchers are seeking prices between $388 and $390 per head, while southern regions are requesting amounts exceeding $250. However, cattle owners are currently declining these proposed prices.
Market analysts expect processing companies to increase their purchasing interest as trading continues throughout the afternoon hours. Industry observers suggest that substantial trading activity could develop before markets close.
A 54-year-old Wilmington resident is facing felony charges after Delaware State Police took him into custody for his fifth driving under the influence offense following a Tuesday evening traffic stop in Elsmere.
Authorities identified the suspect as Kevin Markle of Wilmington, who was apprehended on February 24, 2026, around 9:00 p.m. A state trooper conducting patrol duties on Kirkwood Highway near South Dupont Road witnessed a Toyota Tundra executing a dangerous U-turn from the eastbound lanes to the westbound side of Kirkwood Highway at South Dupont Road. The officer noted that during this maneuver, the pickup truck veered onto the sidewalk before returning to the street. Additionally, the trooper spotted an equipment violation on the vehicle.
After pulling over the Toyota Tundra, the officer made contact with Markle, who was behind the wheel. During their interaction, the trooper detected multiple indicators suggesting the driver was impaired and noticed several opened beer cans visible inside the truck. Officials requested that Markle participate in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which he failed as he continued showing signs of intoxication.
Authorities arrested Markle cooperatively at the scene. A background investigation through police databases showed that he had been previously convicted of driving under the influence on four separate occasions.
Following his arrest, Markle was transported to Troop 6 headquarters where he faced charges including 5th Offense Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, which carries felony status, along with additional traffic violations. Justice of the Peace Court 11 conducted his arraignment, and he was subsequently released after posting an $1,100 unsecured bond.
Federal health authorities announced Thursday that a dangerous botulism outbreak connected to ByHeart infant formula has officially concluded, with no additional cases documented since mid-December, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The outbreak affected a total of 48 infants beginning in 2023. Health officials noted this number represents a slight decrease from earlier reports after three children received different diagnoses unrelated to botulism.
Every affected infant required hospital care, though authorities report no fatalities occurred during the outbreak.
Health officials remain uncertain about the specific details of how, when, or where the organic whole-milk powder formula became infected with bacteria capable of causing severe illness, paralysis, and potentially death in infants under one year old.
The majority of cases emerged after August, when California’s Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention program noticed a concerning increase in illness reports among babies who had consumed ByHeart products.
The New York-based company initially pulled two specific batches from shelves in early November, then broadened the recall to include all their products within days. Federal authorities later stated they couldn’t eliminate the possibility of contamination in products manufactured since the company began operations in March 2022. Retailers across the country removed the formula, which had been marketed as offering “next-to-breast milk benefits.”
Food and Drug Administration investigators have not yet determined the underlying cause of the contamination.
The agency released a statement explaining they had found 17 different bacterial strains in samples taken from patients, sealed formula containers, and raw ingredients. These samples “add to the available evidence needed to investigate the root cause of this outbreak,” though they don’t provide a conclusive answer, according to the agency.
FDA officials previously suggested that powdered whole milk used in ByHeart formula production might have been a contamination source.
Food safety specialists describe botulism cases from infant formula as extremely uncommon, calling the ByHeart situation unprecedented in both scale and reach.
The illness develops when infants consume botulism spores that grow in their digestive system and create a harmful toxin targeting the nervous system. While death rates previously reached 90%, current treatment methods have reduced fatalities to under 1%.
The sole available treatment involves an intravenous medication called BabyBIG, created from blood plasma donated by adults who received botulism immunization. California’s specialized program serves as the only global supplier of this treatment.
ByHeart held approximately 1% of the American infant formula market and previously distributed roughly 200,000 containers monthly. Parents whose children became ill reported selecting the $42-per-can formula based on its promoted health advantages.
Recent violence by paramilitary fighters in Sudan’s Darfur region has forced more than 3,000 residents to abandon their homes over the past several days, according to a medical organization monitoring the African nation’s ongoing civil war as it approaches its third anniversary.
The Sudan Doctors Network, which monitors the country’s devastating conflict, reported that the latest assault on Misteriha in North Darfur province resulted in at least 28 fatalities and left 39 people injured. The organization had shared this information earlier this week through a Facebook post.
Medical officials noted that these casualty figures represent preliminary counts, warning that the actual number of dead and injured could be significantly higher.
Misteriha serves as a base for Arab tribal leader Musa Hilal, who shares tribal connections with the Rizeigat Arab community that makes up most of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The reasons behind this particular assault remain unclear, and attempts to reach RSF representatives for comment were unsuccessful.
The ongoing battle between the RSF and Sudan’s military escalated into full-scale warfare in April 2023, resulting in at least 40,000 deaths and forcing 12 million people from their homes, according to World Health Organization data. Relief organizations warn the actual casualties may be far greater due to limited access to remote combat zones.
Medical groups report that families escaped Misteriha during nighttime hours, leaving behind all possessions and now facing shortages of both shelter and food. The majority of those displaced are women, including expectant mothers, who are experiencing “extremely severe” medical conditions. Organizations have issued calls for “immediate and urgent assistance.”
RSF fighters escalated their assault on Monday and successfully captured the town, a victory that will likely expand the paramilitary group’s control throughout Darfur.
Last October, RSF forces captured el-Fasher, North Darfur’s capital city, following an 18-month blockade. The paramilitary group killed over 6,000 civilians between October 25 and October 27 in that city—violence that United Nations-supported investigators describe as having “the hallmarks of genocide.”
During this time, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk announced Thursday that his organization has recorded a dramatic increase—more than two and a half times higher—in civilian deaths throughout Sudan in 2025 compared to the previous year, with thousands of people still missing or unidentified.
“This war is ugly. It’s bloody. And it’s senseless,” Türk stated during a human rights council meeting in Geneva. “If much of the international community continues to act as a passive bystander, then something is fundamentally wrong with our collective moral compass.”
Multiple diplomatic initiatives by various nations and international organizations have been unsuccessful in bringing the conflict to an end.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a Friday deadline to artificial intelligence company Anthropic this week: allow unlimited military access to your technology or lose your federal contract.
Trump administration defense leaders have also threatened to classify Anthropic, creator of the Claude AI chatbot, as a supply chain threat — or potentially use a Korean War-era statute known as the Defense Production Act to grant military forces broader authority over the company’s products, regardless of corporate approval.
Legal scholars indicate that applying the legislation in this manner would be uncharted territory and might trigger court battles. The government’s push to essentially coerce Anthropic highlights broader tensions surrounding artificial intelligence’s function in national security matters.
The Defense Production Act grants federal authorities extensive power to compel private enterprises to fulfill national defense requirements.
President Harry S. Truman enacted the legislation in 1950 during supply and equipment concerns throughout the Korean conflict. Throughout its multi-decade existence, officials have activated the law’s authorities not just during wartime but also for domestic emergency readiness and recovery following terrorist incidents and natural catastrophes.
One section of the statute enables the president to mandate that companies prioritize government contracts and orders considered essential for national defense, aiming to ensure private sector production meets wartime or emergency needs. Additional sections provide presidential authority to offer loans and other incentives to boost critical goods production, plus authorize government establishment of voluntary partnerships with private industry.
“One of the government’s most powerful and adaptable industrial policy tools,” described Joel Dodge, an attorney and director of industrial policy and economic security at the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator.
Among its artificial intelligence competitors, Anthropic remains the sole company refusing to provide its technology to a new U.S. military internal system. Chief Executive Dario Amodei has consistently expressed ethical objections regarding unrestricted government AI usage, including risks from completely autonomous weaponized drones and AI-enhanced mass monitoring that could track opposition movements.
According to sources familiar with the situation and a senior Pentagon official, the Defense Department is exploring DPA activation to expand military authority over Anthropic’s products without company consent. This could involve compelling Anthropic to modify its system for Pentagon requirements without built-in safety measures, or eliminating specific ethical limitations from contractual language.
Legal experts including Dodge characterize both approaches as “without precedent under the history of the DPA.”
“It’s a powerful law,” Dodge explained. “(But) it has never been used to compel a company to produce a product that it’s deemed unsafe, or to dictate its terms of service.”
During his initial presidency, Trump and former President Joe Biden both activated the DPA to increase supplies for fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout 2022’s national infant formula crisis, Biden employed the law to accelerate formula production and authorize international supply flights.
Biden also utilized the DPA in a 2023 executive directive on AI, particularly requiring companies to share safety testing results and additional data with the government. Trump revoked this order upon beginning his second term.
Years earlier, both President Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations invoked the DPA to ensure electricity and natural gas suppliers maintained service to California utilities during an energy emergency. Officials also applied the law following Hurricane Maria’s 2017 Puerto Rico impact to prioritize contracts for food, bottled water, temporary housing and electrical system repairs.
The DPA needs periodic reauthorization to continue operating, which can broaden or refine the law’s scope. Congressional records show its next expiration scheduled for September 30 this year. Depending on how the Defense Department’s reported demands develop, Anthropic could become a primary concern for legislators.
Should the Defense Department employ the DPA provision targeting government contract prioritization and production ordering — which the Anthropic situation suggests it will — companies can resist if the requested product isn’t something they currently manufacture, according to Dodge and other experts, or if they consider the terms unreasonable. However, the government may attempt to override such objections, notes Charlie Bullock, senior research fellow at the Institute for Law & AI.
“If neither side backs down, it seems realistic that there would be litigation between Anthropic and the government,” Bullock stated.
Some observers have highlighted contradictions between the Pentagon’s warning about potentially designating Anthropic as a supply chain threat while simultaneously suggesting its products are so crucial to national defense that DPA invocation is necessary — two claims that appear contradictory.
“There are a lot of forces that I think the administration’s counting on that would lead Anthropic to just give in on Friday and agree with its terms,” Dodge said.
Regarding potential future litigation over a possible DPA order, Dodge doesn’t anticipate government victory because “it seems very out of bounds under the text of the law.”
However, if the administration succeeds, or Anthropic simply accepts new terms, that could unleash “a Pandora’s box of what the government could do to assert power and control over private companies,” he added.
NEW YORK — Healthcare workers at a major New York hospital system have resumed their duties this Thursday, following the conclusion of a lengthy labor dispute that lasted more than six weeks.
Over 4,000 nursing staff members at NewYork-Presbyterian facilities walked off the job on January 12th as part of a broader labor action that also impacted two additional major private hospital networks in New York City — Montefiore and Mount Sinai.
While nursing staff at Montefiore and Mount Sinai concluded their work stoppage on February 11th after reaching agreements with the New York State Nurses Association, NewYork-Presbyterian nurses turned down that initial proposal and continued their protest. They finally voted to accept a new three-year agreement this past Saturday, bringing their 41-day work stoppage to an end.
The final agreement includes enhanced staffing protocols, wage increases exceeding 12% spread across three years, and protections regarding artificial intelligence implementation, the union reported.
According to union representatives, approximately 15,000 nursing professionals across the three hospital systems initially participated in the work stoppage. The action affected select facilities within each network but did not impact any city-operated medical centers.
Throughout the labor dispute, all three hospital systems — Montefiore, Mount Sinai, and NewYork-Presbyterian — hired thousands of temporary nursing staff, relocated certain patients to other facilities, and postponed some medical procedures. Hospital administrators maintained they continued providing quality patient care, including complicated surgical operations. However, some patients and family members reported delays in basic care tasks.
The nursing staff cited overwhelming patient loads and alleged attempts by hospital management to reduce healthcare benefits as primary concerns. Hospital leadership disputed these assertions and characterized the union’s contract demands as unreasonable.
This wasn’t the first recent labor action at these facilities — nurses at certain Mount Sinai and Montefiore locations also conducted a brief three-day strike in 2023.
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Federal protections have been officially removed for a distinctive ground-dwelling bird famous for its intricate courtship rituals across the southern Great Plains, following the Trump administration’s agreement with challenges from three states and oil and cattle industry representatives who contended the species was incorrectly designated for protection.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made the delisting official on Thursday, cementing a recent court decision that recognized the federal agency had aligned itself with those opposing federal safeguards for the lesser prairie chicken.
A federal judge’s decision in Midland, Texas, effectively terminated Endangered Species Act protections for the bird last summer. These safeguards had required energy companies and cattle ranchers to implement measures to prevent interference with the birds’ natural habitat, particularly their breeding grounds known as leks.
These crow-sized birds previously existed in populations reaching into the millions. Development for energy production and farming has reduced their numbers to approximately 30,000 individuals distributed throughout portions of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
Bird enthusiasts are captivated by the males’ springtime courtship performances and their distinctive combination of warbling, clucking and stomping sounds used to draw potential mates. Some Native American tribal dances incorporate these dramatic displays, which are also exhibited by the more prevalent greater prairie chicken.
Federal protection status for the lesser prairie chicken has been established twice in recent history. In 2015, a federal judge in U.S. District Court in Midland overturned the bird’s threatened species designation from the previous year, supporting petroleum industry arguments that adequate protections were already established.
During 2022, the Biden administration designated the lesser prairie chicken as threatened throughout the northern portion of its territory in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, while classifying a “distinct population segment” in the southern regions of New Mexico and Texas as endangered.
This designation triggered legal action from Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, along with organizations such as the Permian Basin Petroleum Association and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
Following President Donald Trump’s inauguration last year, the Fish and Wildlife Service conducted a new assessment of the bird and concurred with the states and industry groups that there was insufficient basis to separate the lesser prairie chicken into two distinct population groups.
In August, another U.S. District Court judge in Midland approved a Fish and Wildlife Service request to overturn the Biden administration’s lesser prairie chicken listings.
“Fish and Wildlife’s concession points to serious error at the very foundation of its rule,” District Judge David Counts stated in his Aug. 12 decision, which received praise from Texas officials.
Texas energy regulatory representatives, including Texas Railroad Commission spokesperson Bryce Dubee and Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, expressed support for the delisting.
“It will ensure American oil and gas production in the Permian Basin remains robust and our economy steadfast,” Buckingham stated in an email response.
Environmental advocates pledged to continue their legal battle.
“It’s shameful that the Trump administration sees fit to sacrifice these magnificent birds for oil and gas industry profit,” Jason Rylander, legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity’s Climate Law Institute, said in a statement. “Lesser prairie chickens may be lost forever without Endangered Species Act protections.”
A groundbreaking legal battle against major tech companies continues Thursday in Los Angeles, where a California woman is scheduled to give testimony about how childhood exposure to social media platforms damaged her mental well-being.
The plaintiff, identified in legal documents as Kaley G.M., started using YouTube when she was just 6 years old and began accessing Instagram at age 9. She alleges these early experiences with social media led to serious mental health struggles, including depression and body dysmorphia.
According to her legal team, both Meta Platforms and Google deliberately designed their services to create dependency among young users while being fully aware that social media exposure could cause psychological harm to children.
Her scheduled court appearance follows testimony from her previous psychotherapist, who told the court Wednesday that teenage social media use was a “contributing factor” in the woman’s psychological difficulties.
This legal challenge reflects a growing worldwide movement to hold social media companies accountable for potential damage to young people’s mental health. Australia recently implemented a complete ban on social media access for anyone under 16, while several other nations are exploring similar protective measures.
Both YouTube and Meta have rejected these accusations, stating that the evidence presented does not validate the plaintiff’s assertions about their platforms causing harm.
The plaintiff’s legal representatives brought in the therapist to establish groundwork for the current trial phase, which examines whether and how Kaley’s childhood interaction with these platforms impacted her psychological state.
Earlier portions of the trial concentrated on examining what these companies understood about social media’s effects on children and their marketing approaches targeting younger demographics. Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg provided testimony indicating his company considered but ultimately decided against launching products specifically for children.
For a successful outcome, Kaley’s attorneys must demonstrate that the companies’ platform design or operational methods played a significant role in either causing or intensifying her mental health problems.
A former NBA player who was permanently expelled from the league for gambling violations has found a new team.
The Seattle SuperHawks of the United States Basketball League announced Wednesday they have added Jontay Porter to their roster for the 2026 season.
The 26-year-old forward was permanently barred from the NBA last year after league officials discovered he deliberately underperformed in two games to affect betting outcomes on his statistics. The investigation revealed Porter intentionally restricted his playing time and performance to influence gambling results.
Porter’s legal troubles continue as he faces federal charges. He entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a felony offense that could result in up to two decades behind bars. According to ESPN reports, he is likely to receive a prison sentence of three to four years when his case concludes.
The SuperHawks will start their USBL campaign on March 7. Interestingly, the league emphasizes integrity in its core principles, stating:
“The games we play must be decided on the court. Every rule we establish, every policy we implement, and every decision we make is guided by a commitment to fair competition. Players, coaches, and fans must be able to trust that the outcomes they witness are earned through skill, preparation, and effort — nothing else.”
During his NBA career, Porter compiled modest statistics, recording 3.7 points per game across 37 appearances with the Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors, including five starts.
Porter is the sibling of Brooklyn Nets player Michael Porter Jr.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel declared Thursday that his country would protect itself from what he called hostile attacks, following a deadly maritime confrontation that left four Cuban exiles dead.
According to Cuban officials, the fatal encounter occurred Wednesday when individuals aboard a speedboat registered in Florida entered Cuban territorial waters and began shooting at a government patrol vessel. Cuban authorities reported that four people on the speedboat were killed and six others sustained injuries.
Cuban officials identified those aboard the speedboat as anti-government Cuban exiles, with some allegedly having previous connections to planned attacks against the island nation.
“Cuba does not attack nor threaten,” Diaz-Canel posted on social media platform X. “We have stated this on repeated occasions and reaffirm it today: Cuba will defend itself with determination and firmness.”
The maritime clash comes during a period of escalating tensions between Cuba and the United States. The U.S. has imposed restrictions on oil deliveries to Cuba as part of efforts to pressure the island’s Communist leadership, particularly following the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a key Cuban ally.
These fuel restrictions have severely impacted Cuba’s transportation systems and worsened ongoing electrical outages across the Caribbean’s largest island nation. Cuba’s power infrastructure depends heavily on imported petroleum, and Venezuela, which had served as Cuba’s primary oil source, has halted shipments since December.
The United Nations has issued warnings about a potential humanitarian emergency if Cuba’s energy requirements are not addressed.
Russia, which remains among Cuba’s few remaining petroleum suppliers despite not announcing future delivery schedules, responded Thursday by urging calm and characterizing the incident as an “aggressive provocation by the United States.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that American officials would conduct their own investigation into the maritime incident.
“We’re still gathering facts,” Rubio explained to members of the press. “We don’t generally make decisions in the United States on the basis of what Cuban authorities are saying.”
New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton may be preparing to take powerful swings at the plate, but he’s struggling with something much simpler in his daily life – opening a bag of snacks.
The 36-year-old designated hitter is now in his third consecutive season battling epicondylitis, better known as tennis elbow, affecting both of his arms. The condition has been so debilitating that Stanton has not yet participated in any spring training games and faces challenges with basic tasks at home.
Speaking to NJ.com about his ongoing struggles, Stanton revealed the extent of his limitations. “I can’t open a bottle,” he explained. “I can’t open a bag of chips … a bag of anything. That’s the way it is.”
Despite the persistent pain, Stanton managed to contribute 24 home runs across 77 games during the previous season for New York, though his campaign didn’t begin until June due to his condition.
Since joining the Yankees in 2018, Stanton has struggled with availability, recording more than 420 plate appearances just once – achieving 510 in 2021 – throughout his tenure with the team.
While his return to full-time play remains uncertain, Stanton is slated to participate in Tuesday’s exhibition matchup between the Yankees and Team Panama, serving as preparation for the World Baseball Classic. With Opening Day scheduled for March 25 against San Francisco, the veteran expects to be ready for regular duty after accumulating two weeks of steady batting practice.
“Just get me in the box. The key is get in the box,” Stanton emphasized regarding his approach to returning to action.
The Vatican broke from its traditional approach to postage stamp design Thursday, releasing a commemorative stamp that directly references Ukraine’s wartime struggles through imagery of a darkened cathedral in Kyiv.
The stamp features the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ without electrical power, lit only by the orange glow of dusk behind it—a stark representation of the blackouts that have become routine for Ukrainians as Russian forces continue targeting the nation’s power infrastructure with missile and drone strikes.
This marks a departure from the Vatican Postal Service’s typical practice of avoiding political themes in favor of religious imagery like saints and Catholic celebrations when honoring national churches or marking religious occasions.
The timing of the stamp’s release coincides with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and celebrates both the 30th anniversary of Kyiv’s Catholic diocese being restored after the Soviet Union’s collapse and the cathedral’s 12th anniversary.
At Thursday’s Vatican unveiling ceremony, Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, who leads Ukraine’s four million Eastern-rite Catholics, described the stamp as creating “a great moment of consolation.”
“We really feel embraced by the Holy See for this particular attention to our history, to our life in this tragic moment of war,” Shevchuk stated in Italian.
The cathedral depicted on the stamp has served multiple roles during the conflict, functioning as both a place of worship and a bomb shelter. Shevchuk characterized it as a “centre of resistance.”
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, which represents approximately 10% of Ukraine’s population, follows Eastern traditions while maintaining communion with Rome and recognizing papal authority. Most Ukrainians practice Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
Pope Leo recently made a passionate Sunday plea for Ukrainian peace, declaring that ending the Russian conflict “cannot be postponed.” American diplomatic efforts to facilitate a peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv have not yet succeeded.
The Vatican’s daily tourist visitors, numbering in the tens of thousands, frequently purchase stamps from postal outlets including those in St. Peter’s Square, often using them to mail postcards.
This particular stamp is priced at 1.35 euros ($1.60), covering standard letter delivery throughout Europe. The Vatican has operated its own independent postal system since 1929 as a sovereign state within Rome.
New data from the U.S. Drought Monitor reveals that roughly three-quarters of the United States is currently experiencing drought conditions, sparking alarm among agricultural producers about the upcoming 2026 growing season.
Ken Franklin, who farms in Central Illinois, describes the current situation as critical for agriculture. “Our subsoil moisture is nonexistent right now and our topsoil moisture is pretty dry. In fact, I top dressed wheat the other day and I didn’t have to wait,” Franklin explained, highlighting just how parched conditions have become.
The extensive dry conditions across such a large portion of the country are raising red flags for farmers who depend on adequate soil moisture for successful crop production. The lack of both surface and deeper soil moisture could have lasting impacts on agricultural operations heading into the next planting season.
The current administration is moving to speed up the distribution of funding designed to strengthen American agricultural exports before a major expansion takes effect.
According to Daniel Whitley, who leads the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, recent legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will significantly increase resources for market development programs within his agency.
“Doubled it. But it doesn’t go into effect until program year 2027, so that’s next year,” Whitley explained during recent remarks.
The initiative represents a substantial investment in helping American farmers and agricultural businesses expand their reach in international markets. The funding boost is designed to support programs that help develop overseas demand for U.S. farm products.
Pork producers can expect a favorable year ahead, according to a livestock market specialist. Jaime Luke from Michigan State University explained to Brownfield that current market conditions are creating opportunities in the pork sector.
“These really high beef prices are providing some more support to these other protein markets as well, as consumers who are price responsive are looking to find other ways to supplement protein into their diets,” Luke stated.
The economist’s assessment suggests that elevated beef costs are driving shoppers to seek more affordable protein alternatives, benefiting pork producers through increased consumer demand.
A prominent journalist from The New York Times is weighing in on rising tensions between the United States and Iran, exploring whether military confrontation could be inevitable.
David Sanger examines the complex factors that have led to the current standoff between the two nations. His analysis delves into the current status of Iran’s nuclear weapons development program and assesses the probability that the U.S. might resort to military action.
The discussion also addresses whether the Trump administration’s ultimate objective extends beyond nuclear containment to actually toppling Iran’s government entirely.
New Castle County police have apprehended a fourth individual connected to a shooting incident that took place at a Wilmington apartment complex last month.
The arrest relates to gunfire that broke out on the evening of January 12, 2026, around 9:16 p.m. at the Paladin Club Apartments located in the 8600 block of Park Court in Wilmington.
According to New Castle County Division of Police, officers responded to reports of active gunfire at the residential complex. Upon arrival, investigators determined that a confrontation had taken place in the area outside the apartment buildings, which escalated to include shots being fired.
This latest arrest brings the total number of suspects in custody to four individuals as the investigation into the shooting incident continues.
Country music legend Dolly Parton is expanding her philanthropic reach by supporting children’s healthcare in Tennessee. The East Tennessee Children’s Hospital revealed Thursday it has been renamed Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital following a major donation from the Grammy-winning artist.
In a video message, Parton expressed her commitment to helping young patients and their families. “Ever since I’ve been in a position to do my part, to help others, I have tried to do just that. Especially when children and families need it most,” Parton said in a video announcement. “I’ve always believed that every child deserves a fair chance to grow up healthy, hopeful and surrounded with love.”
The country star’s charitable work extends far beyond this latest contribution. Through her Imagination Library program, Parton distributes 3 million complimentary books monthly to children nationwide. She also contributed $1 million toward Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s research efforts that supported development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Her foundation additionally funds college scholarships and disaster relief efforts.
While hospital officials did not disclose the donation amount, President and CEO Matt Schaefer emphasized that Parton’s contribution will guarantee “every child who walks through our doors receives the treatment they deserve.”
Adam Cook, who serves as the independent nonprofit facility’s chief development and public affairs officer, assured the community that patient care standards will remain unchanged. The donation “encourages us to continue to support our mission,” Cook noted.
“This is a generational collaboration that will transform pediatric care in this region,” Cook said in a statement to the Associated Press. “It will positively impact patients and families for decades to come.”
The financial backing arrives during a challenging period when rural medical facility closures have reduced healthcare access for millions of Americans.
Since opening its doors in 1937, the medical center has maintained a policy welcoming all children regardless of background, faith, or financial circumstances. The primary facility in Knoxville serves as the hub for more than 20 locations throughout eastern Tennessee.
Parton expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support the hospital’s medical staff and encouraged community involvement. “I can’t do it all myself,” she said in the video.
JERUSALEM (AP) — During the final day of his two-day diplomatic mission to Israel, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed his nation to continued partnership with Israel in “opposing terrorism and its supporters” while emphasizing expanded cooperation on defense and security matters.
The nations also revealed plans to explore negotiations for a potential free trade agreement between the two countries.
Speaking at a joint press briefing alongside Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that “the limitations that constrained us in previous times no long constrain us.”
“The future belongs to those who innovate and Israel and India are bent on innovation,” Netanyahu continued.
Under Modi’s leadership, India — which ranks as both a nuclear-armed nation and the globe’s fourth-largest economy — has strengthened its relationship with Israel. Modi’s political ascent has helped bring Hindu nationalism into the mainstream within a nation where Muslims comprise approximately 14% of the citizenry.
“Terrorism cannot be accepted in any form or expression,” Modi declared. “We have been shoulder-to-shoulder opposing terrorism and its supporters and will continue to do so.”
In their combined statement, Modi and Netanyahu made reference to the Hamas-orchestrated October 7, 2023 assault on Israel that sparked the current Gaza conflict, as well as an April 2025 assault targeting tourists and civilians in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The leaders also committed to expanding partnership in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity capabilities. Both praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to promote the Gaza Strip ceasefire agreement.
Officials revealed that an additional 50,000 Indian workers will receive authorization to work in Israel, where numerous South Asian laborers have taken positions in construction and caregiving sectors following new limitations imposed on Palestinian workers when the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023.
While India has traditionally endorsed the creation of a Palestinian state, the country has occasionally refrained from criticizing Israel in global venues, including United Nations votes concerning the Gaza war. Nevertheless, India joined other nations earlier this month in denouncing Israeli actions that effectively strengthen its authority over the occupied West Bank.
During Trump’s initial presidency, India ceased purchasing Iranian oil following American pressure, despite historically maintaining relationships with Tehran involving trade and security cooperation, especially concerning Afghanistan.
DAKAR, Senegal — Extremist organizations have dramatically escalated violence and expanded their territorial control across border regions of three West African nations during the past year, according to findings released Thursday by a crisis monitoring organization.
Between 2024 and 2025, terrorist incidents involving extremist organizations in frontier areas of Benin, Niger and Nigeria jumped approximately 80%, while fatalities soared beyond 1,000 deaths — more than triple the previous period, data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project (ACLED) revealed.
The statistics demonstrate how regional violence has evolved into a new phase, with extremist organizations not only spreading geographically but also establishing permanent footholds, according to Héni Nsaibia, ACLED’s senior West Africa analyst.
“Militant groups are taking advantage of long-standing vulnerabilities, exploiting governance gaps and weak regional military coordination,” Nsaibia said.
During the past twelve months, two terrorist organizations — Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which maintains connections to al-Qaida, and the Islamic State Sahel Province — have swiftly moved from the Sahel desert region southward toward Atlantic coastal countries.
For the small coastal country of Benin, lethal cross-border assaults targeting military forces resulted in 2025 becoming the nation’s most violent year on record, the analysis found.
Within Niger, these organizations are strengthening their grip on territory, demonstrated by a fatal assault on a Niamey air facility last month. The nation, currently under military leadership following a 2023 takeover, continues struggling against deadly extremist violence that has devastated portions of the Sahel.
Following their rise to power, Niger’s military leadership — alongside counterparts in Mali and Burkina Faso — severed relationships with France and Western allies, instead seeking Russian military assistance to combat insurgencies.
Within Nigeria, American air operations targeting Islamic State forces in the northwest during December occurred alongside escalating assaults by various organizations. The continent’s most populated nation faces a complicated security emergency involving armed factions, including Boko Haram extremists and criminal organizations commonly called bandits. American military personnel have deployed to Nigeria to support local forces against security threats.
The analysis indicates West African extremist organizations increasingly broadcast their border region operations publicly, with JNIM announcing multiple strikes along the Benin-Nigeria frontier, including initial operations within Nigeria, while ISSP claimed responsibility for assaults near the Niger-Nigeria boundary. These public announcements demonstrate intensifying rivalry between organizations competing for regional dominance and territory, ACLED researchers concluded.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — South Africa’s foreign minister confirmed Thursday that no fewer than two citizens from the nation have perished while serving Russian forces in Ukraine, having been deceived by fraudulent recruitment operations.
This marks the initial confirmation from South African officials that any of their nationals—who were reportedly enticed to Russia through deceptive promises of job opportunities or educational programs—have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola declined to identify the two deceased individuals or provide details about when their deaths occurred.
Lamola made this disclosure during his visit with relatives of 11 South Africans who returned to their homeland Wednesday following their alleged recruitment through a fraudulent operation that promised security instruction in Russia but ultimately led to their participation in the Ukrainian war.
Law enforcement is investigating Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, for her suspected role in recruiting these men to travel to Russia. While she has rejected any accusations of misconduct, she stepped down from her legislative position last year due to these claims.
According to Lamola, the two individuals who perished were not part of the group that Zuma-Sambudla allegedly helped recruit.
Ukrainian officials estimate that over 1,700 African nationals have been enlisted to serve in Russia’s military forces.
BRUSSELS — European Union officials announced Thursday they will provide financial assistance to women seeking abortion services, following a massive citizen-led advocacy effort that gathered support from over one million people throughout the 27-member alliance.
European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib revealed that member countries can now utilize the EU’s 147 billion euro European Social Funds Plus program to cover abortion-related medical expenses and costs for women from any nation within the union.
“Nearly half a million unsafe abortions take place in Europe every year,” Lahbib stated. “Safety and freedom must never depend on your postcode or your income.”
Lahbib commended the organizers behind the My Voice, My Choice movement, noting they had delivered numerous boxes containing letters from women throughout the European bloc.
While activists had originally requested the EU establish a dedicated fund to help women travel beyond their home countries for safe abortion procedures, campaign leaders expressed satisfaction that the commission’s approach accomplishes their goals through alternative methods.
“While no new legal instrument is being created, the Commission has formally acknowledged that the core objectives of our initiative can be achieved and outlined a concrete pathway to implement it in practice,” explained Nika Kovač, who coordinated the My Voice, My Choice campaign. “This is not symbolic. It is a political commitment to women’s rights.”
Kovač added, “It establishes beyond doubt that access to safe abortion is a matter of public health and social justice. For the first time, the Commission confirms unequivocally that EU funds can be used to guarantee access to safe abortion care — particularly for women in vulnerable situations, regardless of where they come from in Europe.”
While abortion procedures remain legal throughout most European countries — with France even adding abortion rights to its constitution in 2024 — several nations maintain strict limitations. According to the European Parliamentary Forum on Sexual & Reproductive Rights, Poland, Malta, Liechtenstein, and Monaco impose tight restrictions on abortion access.
The commission’s response resulted from a distinctive EU mechanism known as the European Citizens’ Initiative. Advocacy efforts launched through the official platform must collect more than one million signatures distributed across member nations to trigger formal consideration by EU leadership in Brussels.
Following the campaign’s achievement of surpassing one million signatures beginning in 2024, European Parliament members approved the funding proposal by a vote of 358-202, with 79 abstentions, in December.
Critics of the proposal argued it would impose majority EU viewpoints on countries that have adopted more restrictive policies.
“How can I explain to my people, the Maltese, that what they decided for, we overturn it here?” questioned Maltese representative Peter Agius during December parliamentary discussions about the initiative. Agius belongs to the European People’s Party, the same political group as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“Today is a good day for women’s rights in Europe,” Kovač declared. “Today we won, today we will celebrate, and tomorrow we will start working more.”
Emergency crews in Brazil’s Minas Gerais state are working around the clock to locate survivors after devastating floods and landslides claimed 53 lives, with conditions worsening Thursday following another night of torrential rainfall.
Search and rescue operations entered their third day since the disaster struck late Monday evening, triggering deadly landslides, home collapses, and widespread flooding that forced schools to close throughout the region.
According to the state’s fire department, 15 individuals remain unaccounted for while more than 230 people have been successfully rescued from the affected areas.
Brazil’s national weather service, Inmet, issued warnings Thursday morning predicting additional severe weather with powerful winds, cautioning residents about potential electrical outages, falling tree limbs, flash flooding, and dangerous lightning.
“This morning, all the shops in the city center are being cleaned again. The storm on Monday already caused damage, and early this morning there was even more damage,” said Rev. Ananias Simões, a pastor at a church in Juiz de Fora, the hardest-hit city.
The fatalities have occurred in two communities – Juiz de Fora and Uba – located approximately 310 kilometers (192 miles) north of Rio de Janeiro.
Simões, whose congregation is serving as a shelter and supply center for displaced residents, explained that numerous roadways have been blocked due to forecasts calling for continued heavy precipitation. Despite transportation challenges, he intended to travel to the city’s severely damaged northern area to distribute food and drinking water.
“The situation is very chaotic,” he said. “Everyone is doing their utmost to make sure everyone stays safe.”
Fire officials are urging citizens to inspect their properties for structural damage or collapse risks, including wall cracks and bulging, foundation fissures, and doors or windows that won’t open properly. Outdoors, residents should watch for muddy water flowing down slopes, tilting trees and power lines, and unusual cracking sounds from the earth – all indicating immediate hazards.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced Tuesday through social media that security personnel have been mobilized for rescue operations and are delivering emergency aid to storm-affected communities.
Climate researchers note that severe weather events are occurring with greater frequency as a result of human-driven climate change.
Catastrophic flooding struck Brazil’s southern Rio Grande do Sul state in May 2024, killing at least 185 people and devastating the region’s economic infrastructure, including retail stores, manufacturing facilities, and agricultural operations. Economic damages exceeded 10 billion reais ($1.9 billion).
DALLAS — Texas Congressman Wesley Hunt is drawing heavier fire from his more established Republican opponents as Tuesday’s GOP Senate primary approaches, which he interprets as evidence that his candidacy poses a real challenge to their ambitions.
“As an Apache helicopter pilot, it means I must be right over the target zone,” the Iraq War veteran told about 50 people during a recent event at Dallas GOP headquarters.
Hunt jumped into the Senate race late, disrupting what had been primarily a two-way battle between incumbent four-term Senator John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Throughout much of the campaign, political observers viewed him as the third-place contender whose presence would likely prevent either frontrunner from securing an outright victory, thereby triggering a May runoff.
During recent weeks, both Cornyn and Paxton have ramped up their advertising spending to target Hunt with critical messaging, indicating that these two prominent statewide officials view him as an obstacle to their nomination strategies.
The escalating attacks highlight Cornyn’s precarious position as he works to avoid becoming the first Texas Republican senator in state history to lose a primary challenge for renomination.
Should no candidate capture at least 50 percent of Tuesday’s vote, the nomination will be determined through a May 26 runoff between the two highest vote-getters.
Cornyn, who anticipates facing Paxton in a runoff, needs to prevent Hunt from overtaking him during the campaign’s final stretch. At the same time, Paxton could potentially secure an outright victory by reaching 50 percent if he successfully reduces Hunt’s support among voters seeking an alternative to Cornyn.
“I think it suggests Paxton thinks he might be able to get to 50 percent, and that Hunt is polling too close,” said Wayne Hamilton, a Republican strategist unaffiliated with any of the Senate candidates and an adviser to Gov. Greg Abbott. “And Cornyn may be seeing Hunt ticking up too close.”
Hunt, who serves Houston’s northwest suburban districts, rejects the notion that he’s merely disrupting the race and insists he can win the nomination outright.
“I was told this was going to be a vanity project and that I didn’t have a chance,” Hunt told reporters after his Dallas event. “If that were the case, then why are they spending all this money attacking me?”
Cornyn’s campaign organization and supporting super PACs have launched advertisements targeting Hunt, including one highlighting his 2008 Democratic presidential primary vote for Hillary Clinton. Hunt has explained that vote as part of a conservative strategy to assist GOP nominee John McCain by prolonging the contentious 2008 Democratic nominating process ultimately won by Barack Obama.
However, Hunt hasn’t been the primary target of Cornyn and his supporters, who include Senate Republican leadership. According to ad-tracking service AdImpact, the majority of the more than $63 million spent by Cornyn and his allies on television advertising has focused on attacking Paxton.
A super PAC backing Paxton also launched advertisements criticizing Hunt this month, particularly highlighting his House absences while campaigning across Texas as the least recognizable of the three candidates.
Hunt has positioned himself as the most loyal supporter of the former president, despite none of the three receiving Trump’s endorsement. He endorsed Trump’s 2024 campaign early and frequently served as a surrogate during his comeback effort two years ago.
Hunt entered the October race recognizing an opportunity against Cornyn, a former state Supreme Court justice who has lost favor with segments of the Republican primary base partly due to his early dismissal of Trump’s 2024 candidacy. Trump subsequently won Texas by nearly 14 percentage points.
Cornyn also became a conservative target for supporting gun-control legislation following the 2022 Uvalde school shooting tragedy.
“I would never vote for Cornyn,” said Bob Burns, a 74-year-old retired manufacturing executive from Dallas who attended Hunt’s GOP office appearance. He characterized the incumbent as disconnected from today’s Republican Party.
Burns indicated he will support Hunt because he’s “new” and “can carry on Trump’s good work.” He also appreciates Hunt’s advocacy for two-term limits for U.S. senators.
Hunt particularly identified an opportunity as an alternative to Paxton, whom Senate Republican campaign officials in Washington fear would require significantly more resources to defend in a general election. Paxton has endured a failed 2023 impeachment trial and faced allegations of extramarital relationships.
At 44, Hunt represents a generational shift for Texas Republicans choosing between him, the 74-year-old Cornyn who has served in the Senate since 2003, and the 63-year-old Paxton who has held the attorney general position since 2015.
Ultimately, some Texas Republicans suggest Hunt may have simply extended an already lengthy and contentious primary campaign by forcing a runoff, potentially without his participation.
“The biggest thing that’s happened in the race is Hunt’s getting in,” said Tyler Norris, a Texas Republican strategist unaffiliated with any of the Senate candidates. “But, so far, his major contribution is to guarantee a runoff where Paxton and Cornyn will spend tens of millions more to attack each other.”
A federal lawsuit filed Wednesday challenges the Trump administration’s decision to impose sanctions on a United Nations human rights investigator who criticized Israel’s conduct during the Gaza conflict.
The legal action, brought by the husband and minor child of UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, was filed in Washington’s U.S. District Court. The family argues the sanctions imposed last July infringe upon constitutional free speech protections.
According to the court filing, the penalties have severely disrupted the family’s daily life and professional activities, including limiting their ability to access their Washington D.C. residence.
The lawsuit states that “Francesca’s expression of her views about the facts as she has found them in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and about the work of the ICC is core First Amendment activity,” referencing the International Criminal Court, which has issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on war crimes allegations.
“At its heart, this case concerns whether Defendants can sanction a person — ruining their life and the lives of their loved ones, including their citizen daughter — because Defendants disagree with their recommendations or fear their persuasiveness,” the legal document states.
Neither the White House nor State Department provided immediate responses to requests for comment.
Albanese serves as the UN special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, appointed by the 47-nation UN Human Rights Council based in Geneva. Her role involves examining human rights violations in Palestinian territories, and she has publicly characterized Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide.”
Both Israeli officials and the United States, which provides significant military aid to Israel, have categorically rejected these genocide allegations. Washington condemned what it termed Albanese’s “campaign of political and economic warfare” against America and Israel before implementing the July sanctions, following failed attempts to pressure the UN to dismiss her from her position.
In a summer interview with The Associated Press following the sanctions announcement, the Italian human rights attorney discussed the personal and professional consequences she anticipated.
“My daughter is American. I’ve been living in the U.S. and I have some assets there. So of course, it’s going to harm me,” Albanese stated. “What can I do? I did everything I did in good faith, and knowing that, my commitment to justice is more important than personal interests.”
The sanctions have not deterred Albanese from continuing her investigative work or moderating her positions. She has persisted in publishing critical assessments of Israeli operations, including a recent report examining what she termed the nation’s “genocidal economy” within Palestinian territories.
Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon responded to one of her reports last year, saying “she has taken the word ‘genocide,’ born from the ashes of the Holocaust, and turned it into a weapon — not to defend the victims of history, but to attack them.”
Meanwhile, Israeli military actions have repeatedly interrupted the US-mediated ceasefire agreement established October 10. Some developments have occurred, including the Rafah crossing reopening, though Israel and Hamas remain at odds over withdrawal timelines from Gaza and the militant organization’s disarmament.
Though special rapporteurs operate independently from the UN without formal governmental powers, their investigations can increase international pressure on nations while providing evidence for ICC prosecutors and other international justice institutions.
Cuban military personnel engaged in a deadly firefight with occupants of an armed speedboat near the island’s northern coastline, resulting in four deaths and six wounded individuals who remain in custody following Wednesday’s violent encounter.
According to Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior, the vessel contained 10 Cuban nationals residing in the United States who allegedly initiated gunfire when confronted by government forces. Cuban officials claim the group was attempting to infiltrate the country for terrorist purposes, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified this was not an American government mission.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez stated on Thursday via social media platform X: “A thorough investigation is underway to clarify the facts. The defense of Cuba’s coasts, national territory, and national security is an inescapable duty.”
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel emphasized his nation’s defensive posture, writing on X: “Cuba does not attack or threaten. We have stated this repeatedly, and we reiterate it today: Cuba will defend itself with determination and firmness against any terrorist or mercenary aggression that seeks to undermine its sovereignty and national stability.”
Secretary Rubio indicated the U.S. government is conducting its own investigation, including determining the citizenship status of those involved. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida announced it is seeking answers “through every legal and diplomatic channel available,” noting that “facts remain unclear and conflicting.”
Cuban authorities have released the identities of seven passengers from the vessel. Two individuals, Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, are currently sought by Cuban law enforcement for alleged connections to terrorist activities including “promotion, planning, organization, financing, support or commission” of such acts.
The remaining identified passengers include Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra.
Among the four fatalities was Michel Ortega Casanova, whose brother Misael Ortega Casanova spoke with The Associated Press about his sibling’s “obsessive and diabolical” mission for Cuban liberation stemming from their hardships before emigrating to America. The brother confirmed Michel was a U.S. citizen who had lived in America for over two decades.
Galindo Sariol was previously featured in a 2025 interview with Martí Noticias, a U.S.-based media outlet advocating for Cuban governmental change, where he was described as a former political detainee.
The speedboat, registered in Florida according to Cuban officials, contained a substantial weapons cache including assault rifles, handguns, improvised explosive devices, body armor, telescopic equipment, and military-style clothing. The Associated Press could not independently confirm these details due to Florida’s private boat registration records.
Foreign Minister Rodríguez referenced the historical context Thursday on X, noting Cuba has endured “numerous terrorist and aggressive infiltrations” from the United States since 1959, “with a high cost in lives, injuries and material damage.”
The most notorious historical incident involving Cuban exiles was the Bay of Pigs Invasion in April 1961. The CIA had prepared a group of exiles during President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s term, led by José Miró Cardona, a former Castro government official who later headed the Cuban Revolutionary Council in America.
This unsuccessful invasion during President John F. Kennedy’s administration resulted in approximately 1,200 brigade members surrendering, while over 100 others lost their lives.
Another significant confrontation occurred February 24, 1996, when Cuban air forces destroyed two civilian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue, a Miami-based organization. Four individuals died in the attack, which the International Civil Aviation Organization determined took place over international waters.
Radio communications between a MiG-29 fighter and military control tower, published by the Organization of American States, revealed the pilot saying, “Hell, give us the authorization! We got it!” The tower replied: “Authorized to destroy.” After downing the second aircraft, the MIG-29 pilot declared, “The other is destroyed. Homeland or death, you bastards!” referencing Cuba’s revolutionary slogan.
Similar incidents occurred in 2022 involving gunfire exchanges and arrests in Cuban waters, though without reported casualties.
Confrontations between Cuba’s Coast Guard and American-flagged speedboats in Cuban territorial waters occur regularly. These vessels have previously carried unidentified cargo toward the island or attempted to transport Cubans illegally to the United States.
This shooting incident threatens to heighten diplomatic tensions as President Donald Trump’s administration has adopted an increasingly confrontational approach toward Cuba.
Following the U.S. military action in Venezuela and the arrest of its leader on January 3, oil shipments that were crucial to Cuba’s economic survival were suspended.
Trump subsequently signed an executive order January 29 imposing tariffs on any nation selling or supplying oil to Cuba, prompting the island to implement strict fuel conservation measures.
While the U.S. Treasury Department marginally relaxed Venezuelan oil sale restrictions to Cuba on Wednesday, the island’s energy and economic difficulties are anticipated to continue.
NEW YORK (AP) — Authorities in New York City have taken a 27-year-old man into custody Thursday following a chaotic winter scene where police officers sustained injuries after being bombarded with snow and ice during a large-scale snowball fight at Washington Square Park earlier this week.
According to the New York Police Department, the individual faces charges related to “assaulting our officers,” as stated in a department social media announcement. Department representatives indicated that specific charge details were not immediately available.
Details regarding legal representation for the detained individual remain unclear at this time.
The Thursday arrest stems from Monday’s snowball battle, which investigators believe was coordinated by social media influencers. The event created pandemonium as hundreds gathered in the well-known Manhattan park to hurl snowballs during an active winter storm.
Law enforcement responded to Washington Square Park following emergency calls reporting disruptive behavior. Footage from the scene captures two officers being pelted relentlessly with snowballs while an unruly mob shouted and recorded with mobile devices. The responding officers physically confronted several individuals, forcing at least two to the ground while navigating the park walkway under constant snowball bombardment.
Department officials report that numerous officers sustained direct hits to their faces from the projectiles. According to police union representatives, two officers required medical attention at a local hospital for injuries to their faces, heads, and necks.
Democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani characterized the incident as a “snowball fight that got out of hand” and expressed skepticism about pursuing criminal prosecution. His administration had not provided additional commentary by Thursday morning.
The police department continues investigating the matter, having distributed photographs of four individuals they seek to question. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has condemned the snowball confrontation as “disgraceful” and “criminal.”
