The family of legendary soul musician Isaac Hayes has reached a settlement agreement with Donald Trump’s presidential campaign regarding the unauthorized use of Hayes’ classic song “Hold On, I’m Coming,” the family announced this week.
The legal battle began in August 2024 when Hayes’ estate filed a federal lawsuit claiming Trump’s campaign had used the iconic track without proper authorization on 133 separate occasions during his 2020 and 2024 presidential runs. The complaint sought financial compensation for alleged copyright violations involving the song’s use in campaign videos and at political rallies.
Isaac Hayes III, the musician’s son, revealed on social media platform X that his family had reached an agreement with the campaign, stating they “are satisfied with the outcome.” However, the family did not disclose the specific terms of their settlement.
The disputed song, which became a major hit for the soul duo Sam and Dave in 1966, was co-written by Hayes and David Porter. Hayes, who passed away in 2008 at 65 years old, was a celebrated figure in soul and R&B music.
Federal Judge Thomas Thrash issued a court order in September 2024 requiring Trump’s campaign to cease all use of the song in future events and promotional materials. Trump’s legal team maintained they had already discontinued using the track prior to the judicial ruling.
The case took an interesting turn when Sam Moore, one half of the original Sam and Dave duo, filed court documents opposing the Hayes estate’s legal action. Moore had previously performed “America the Beautiful” at a Trump pre-inauguration event.
This settlement adds to a growing list of musical artists who have challenged Trump’s use of their work at campaign events, including pop star Sabrina Carpenter, Swedish group ABBA, and Canadian singer Celine Dion.
When contacted for comment, the White House directed inquiries to Trump’s private attorney, Ronald Coleman, who did not respond to requests for information.
In previous court filings, Trump’s legal representatives argued that the Hayes estate could not prove ownership of the disputed copyright or demonstrate any actual damages from the song’s use.
During a 2024 court hearing, Coleman told media representatives that the campaign had voluntarily agreed to stop using the track, explaining: “The campaign has no interest in annoying or hurting anyone, and if the Hayes family feels that it hurts or annoys them, that’s fine, we’re not going to force the issue.”
MEXICO CITY – Mexican officials dispatched 2,000 additional military personnel to Jalisco state on Monday as violence erupted following the capture and killing of the nation’s top-priority cartel boss.
The military reinforcements were sent to the western Mexican state after authorities apprehended and killed Nemesio Oseguera, who went by the alias “El Mencho” and was considered Mexico’s most wanted cartel leader.
The troop deployment represents the government’s response to unrest that broke out in Jalisco following Oseguera’s death while in custody.
PANAMA CITY – Panama officially ended more than two decades of port operations by a Hong Kong-based company on Monday, transferring temporary control of two vital Panama Canal terminals to major international shipping firms.
The country’s Supreme Court ruling, now published in Panama’s official record, officially terminated the port agreements held by Panama Ports Company, a division of Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison. The decision clears the path for new operators to manage the Balboa and Cristobal terminals.
Panama’s Maritime Authority has assumed control of both facilities through government decree to maintain continuous operations, according to Alberto Aleman Zubieta, who leads the technical committee managing the transition process.
The government announced Monday afternoon that it has authorized two interim operating agreements with the Maritime Authority, each running up to 18 months. APM Terminals Panama, owned by Maersk, will manage the Balboa facility, while TIL Panama, connected to Mediterranean Shipping Company, will oversee Cristobal operations.
President Jose Raul Mulino described the interim agreements as “a legitimate tool that respects asset ownership.”
“Let me be clear, this does not imply an expropriation of those assets, but rather their use to ensure the operation of the ports until their real value is determined for the corresponding actions. I repeat, this is not an expropriation,” Mulino stated during a Monday afternoon television broadcast.
Earlier this month, Mulino had indicated the government would proceed with formalizing arrangements with APM Terminals Panama to oversee the ports once the court decision became legally enforceable.
Mulino explained the temporary setup will continue while Panama creates a new “competitive” bidding process for future port management, “with the humility not to repeat the mistakes of the past.”
The president assured that neither port functions nor jobs would be disrupted during the transition period.
Maersk has not yet provided a response regarding the development.
“The moment the official gazette publishes the court’s ruling, Panama Ports loses control of the ports,” political observer Jose Stoute had predicted before the official publication.
The January court decision emerges during intensifying competition between the United States and China over international shipping lanes and represents a victory for Washington’s interests.
President Donald Trump has actively worked to limit Chinese control over the Panama Canal, a waterway that handles approximately 5% of worldwide maritime commerce.
A recent Supreme Court decision overturning former President Trump’s tariff policies is creating ripple effects in international trade relationships, according to agricultural economics experts.
The high court’s ruling against the former president’s tariff strategy has prompted concerns about the stability of existing trade agreements, says Ian Sheldon, an agricultural economist at Ohio State University.
“A lot of countries are now questioning the validity of the deals that they signed. The EU was already starting to back away a little bit. Countries,” Sheldon explained to Brownfield news.
The economist’s comments highlight growing uncertainty among international trading partners about the reliability of U.S. trade commitments following the Supreme Court’s intervention in tariff policy.
Wisconsin lawmakers concluded their legislative session Friday by moving several agriculture-focused bills through the State Assembly. Multiple measures that have successfully navigated both chambers of the legislature are now awaiting action from Governor Tony Evers, who will decide whether to sign them into law or issue vetoes.
According to Wisconsin Farm Bureau representative Tim Fiocchi, the bills that have completed the legislative process and are bound for the governor’s desk represent various agricultural policy initiatives. However, the legislative pipeline still contains additional farm-related measures that require Senate consideration before they can advance further in the process.
The completion of the Assembly session marks a significant milestone for Wisconsin’s agricultural community, as these pending bills could impact farming operations and rural communities throughout the state.
PARIS – France has prohibited US Ambassador Charles Kushner from conducting meetings with French government officials following his failure to appear at a scheduled Foreign Ministry appointment on Monday, according to diplomatic sources.
The ambassador had been called to the ministry to address statements made by the US Embassy regarding last week’s death of French far-right activist Quentin Deranque. A diplomatic source explained the situation: “Following the publication by the U.S. Embassy of comments on a tragedy that occurred in France and concerns only our national public debate – which we refuse to allow to be exploited – ambassador Charles Kushner was summoned today to the ministry. He did not show up.”
Deranque died after being attacked during a confrontation with suspected far-left activists in an incident that has deeply disturbed France. Some have compared it to “France’s Charlie Kirk moment,” referencing the shooting of the American conservative activist last year.
The American Embassy in France and the State Department’s counterterrorism office issued statements on social media platform X, declaring they were tracking the situation and cautioning that “violent radical leftism was on the rise” and represented a threat to public safety.
French officials expressed their displeasure with what they viewed as inappropriate interference. “Faced with this apparent misunderstanding of the basic expectations of an ambassador who has the honour of representing his country, the minister requested that he no longer be allowed direct access to members of the French government,” the diplomatic source stated.
This marks the second occasion Kushner has ignored a French government summons. Previously, in August 2025, he was called to provide explanations at the Foreign Ministry after publicly expressing concerns about increasing antisemitic incidents in France and condemning French officials for insufficient action against such acts.
Agricultural commodity markets concluded Monday’s trading session with mixed results across major grain and livestock contracts for February 23, 2026.
In grain markets, March corn futures held steady at $4.27 and 1/2 with no change from the previous session. March soybean contracts experienced downward pressure, closing at $11.34 and 1/4, representing a decline of 3 and 1/4 cents. Soybean meal for March delivery also fell, finishing at $308.70, down $1.10 for the day. However, March soybean oil bucked the trend in the soy complex, gaining 47 points to close at 59.39.
Wheat futures faced selling pressure, with March Chicago wheat contracts dropping 44 cents to settle at $5.69 and 1/2.
Livestock markets predominantly moved lower during Monday’s session. April live cattle futures declined $2.75 to close at $239.25, while March feeder cattle contracts fell more sharply, losing $3.72 to finish at $364.30. April lean hog futures provided the lone bright spot in livestock trading, edging up 2 cents to $93.70.
March Class III milk futures data was incomplete at market close.
MEXICO CITY – A daring military strike that eliminated Mexico’s top cartel kingpin has become President Claudia Sheinbaum’s most significant gamble since taking office, as she escalates her administration’s battle against the nation’s most dangerous criminal organizations.
Mexican forces executed a surprise assault Sunday targeting Nemesio Oseguera, better known as “El Mencho,” who commanded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The criminal organization, abbreviated as CJNG in Spanish, had grown into Mexico’s largest and most violent syndicate, surpassing even the notorious Sinaloa Cartel in geographic influence.
U.S. officials had placed a $15 million reward on Oseguera’s head, and the crime boss had successfully avoided capture across several American and Mexican presidential terms.
Sunday’s operation – representing Mexico’s most significant security action in over ten years – could signal a turning point in the nation’s ongoing cartel conflict.
American intelligence agencies assisted in the mission, as Washington has intensified pressure on Sheinbaum to strengthen anti-cartel efforts. President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned of potential unilateral U.S. military intervention in Mexico.
The successful raid allowed Sheinbaum to demonstrate to Washington that Mexico can execute complex operations against top criminals without requiring American ground forces. However, domestically, the action threatens to generate public opposition if it leads to uncontrolled violence.
“It was a huge bet to go against the most powerful criminal group in the country,” stated David Mora from the International Crisis Group in Mexico. “The stakes are really high.”
Mexico’s presidential office declined to provide comment on the matter.
DEPARTING FROM PREVIOUS STRATEGY
Oseguera’s followers responded with widespread revenge attacks Sunday that revealed the extensive territorial control of their criminal network through destructive displays.
Cartel members burned vehicles and commercial properties while establishing over 250 roadblocks across 20 of Mexico’s 32 states, with violence extending from the American border to Guatemala’s frontier, Mexican officials reported.
Authorities had cleared most blockades by Monday morning, though the violent outbursts renewed concerns among citizens exhausted by nearly twenty years of brutal cartel warfare.
These political dangers pose particular challenges for Sheinbaum, whose leftist MORENA party gained control in 2018 largely due to Mexican frustration with the drug conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and disappearances.
Former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador focused on addressing poverty and violence’s underlying causes through social initiatives, adopting the motto “hugs not bullets.” However, opponents argue his strategy enabled groups like CJNG to strengthen territorial control and diversify into numerous criminal enterprises, ranging from avocado producer extortion to sophisticated fuel trafficking operations.
Although Sheinbaum has generally continued Lopez Obrador’s political direction, Oseguera’s elimination marks her clear departure from her predecessor’s security approach, according to Jeronimo Mohar, who leads Aleph risk analytics firm.
U.S. officials immediately praised the mission. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Sunday that the Trump administration “commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation.”
Nevertheless, Trump maintained pressure on Sheinbaum Monday, posting on social media: “Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!”
EXPANDING THE CONFLICT?
Under Sheinbaum’s leadership, Mexico has experienced significant homicide rate reductions, though analysts wonder whether post-raid violence might reverse this improvement.
Mexican security specialist Carlos Perez Ricart explained that declining murder statistics partly resulted from CJNG establishing territorial monopolies in various regions. The leader’s death could destabilize this arrangement.
Unlike conventional cartels, CJNG operates through a franchise model – Perez Ricart likened it to Mexico’s widespread Oxxo convenience store network – with numerous smaller organizations functioning under CJNG branding. Following Oseguera’s elimination, some semi-independent groups might change loyalties, noted Carlos Olivo, a former U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent and CJNG specialist.
Mexican leadership must now determine whether to launch comprehensive operations against CJNG while already conducting year-long campaigns against the established Sinaloa Cartel. Mexico has positioned hundreds of soldiers in Sinaloa state, yet violent incidents continue, including January’s kidnapping of ten Canadian mining company employees.
Matthew Smith, former Joint Task Force North commander experienced in Mexican anti-cartel missions, questioned the military’s capacity to simultaneously wage intensive campaigns against both Sinaloa and CJNG organizations.
“The Mexican military couldn’t seize and hold terrain when they were fighting only the Sinaloa Cartel. There’s no way they could do it with both,” Smith explained.
Major cybersecurity firms experienced steep stock losses Monday as Wall Street reacted to the debut of a new artificial intelligence security product from startup Anthropic.
The AI company unveiled Claude Code Security, a feature that identifies serious security flaws in open-source software libraries and provides fixes for discovered problems.
Market reaction was swift and severe. CrowdStrike, Datadog and Zscaler each saw their stock prices tumble approximately 11%, while Fortinet and Okta declined about 6%. Palo Alto Networks dropped 3% and SentinelOne fell 5%.
The technology sector has faced mounting pressure in recent months as investors grow concerned about AI’s expanding abilities, especially after Anthropic introduced new plugins for its Claude language model in what appears to be an effort to expand into applications.
Shrenik Kothari, a security and infrastructure analyst at Robert W. Baird, characterized Monday’s market movement as ongoing investor anxiety. “What you’re seeing today is really the continuation of a panic-driven, narrative-led selloff,” Kothari stated.
However, Kothari noted important limitations in Anthropic’s new tool. Claude Code Security doesn’t perform immediate security functions like identifying active breaches, halting ongoing cyber attacks, or overseeing compiled software in live environments – capabilities that established security companies provide.
Market observers suggest the sell-off may be excessive, driven by oversimplified assumptions that artificial intelligence will eliminate the need for current cybersecurity products.
In related news, graphics chip giant Nvidia announced Monday it has partnered with Akamai, Forescout, Palo Alto Networks, Xage Security and Siemens to enhance immediate cybersecurity protection for industrial control systems.
A medical expert specializing in longevity research has departed from CBS News after correspondence linking him to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein became public knowledge, according to network officials Monday.
Dr. Peter Attia’s departure comes approximately three weeks following the public disclosure of his email exchanges with Epstein. The physician’s name surfaces more than 1,700 times throughout the massive collection of 3 million documents that the U.S. Department of Justice made available on January 30 as part of the Epstein legal files.
A representative for Attia explained the decision, stating: “Dr. Attia’s contributor role was newly established and had not yet meaningfully begun. As such, he stepped back to ensure his involvement didn’t become a distraction from the important work being done at CBS. He wishes the network and its leadership well and has no further comment at this time.”
The network had just announced Attia as a new contributor on January 27, bringing him aboard as part of Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss’ restructuring initiative. This plan involved adding 19 fresh contributors to implement a “streaming mentality” approach at the Paramount Skydance-owned network.
Attia had previously appeared on CBS programming, including an October “60 Minutes” segment where producers characterized him as “both a pioneer and a star in the growing field of longevity medicine.”
Following the document release, Attia addressed the controversy through a February 2 social media post on X, where he rejected any involvement in illegal activities. However, he expressed regret about the Epstein correspondence, acknowledging his shame regarding what he described as “crude, tasteless banter.”
The released emails reveal the nature of their relationship. In a 2015 message, Attia wrote: “The biggest problem with becoming friends with you? The life you lead is so outrageous, and yet I can’t tell a soul…”
Another email from 2016 showed Attia writing, using Epstein’s initials: “I go into JE withdrawal when I don’t see him.”
Epstein, a wealthy financier who maintained connections with prominent figures, received a 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. He died by suicide while in custody in 2019.
The Hollywood Reporter initially broke the story regarding Attia’s separation from CBS News.
This CBS departure represents the second professional consequence Attia has faced since the email revelations. Earlier this month, on February 2, he resigned from his position as chief science officer at protein-bar manufacturer David Protein, according to the company founder’s social media announcement. Attia had invested in the company and participated in its $10 million seed funding round completed in August 2024.
Digital currency exchange Crypto.com announced Monday that federal banking regulators have granted the company preliminary authorization to operate as a national trust bank, marking a major milestone in the cryptocurrency industry’s push toward mainstream financial services.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued the conditional charter approval, which positions the digital asset platform to become a federally supervised custodian for client investments.
This development reflects the shifting regulatory landscape under President Trump’s administration, where government agencies have begun reversing previous restrictions and enforcement measures against cryptocurrency businesses.
Under the new charter, Crypto.com would gain authority to safeguard and manage customer assets while processing transaction settlements within federal regulatory oversight. However, the authorization excludes traditional banking services such as accepting cash deposits or issuing loans.
The company stated that upon receiving final approval, it will function as a fully regulated national trust bank under OCC supervision.
Industry experts note that obtaining a national trust bank charter represents a crucial step for cryptocurrency-focused businesses seeking to attract large institutional investors and establish deeper connections with conventional financial institutions.
Established in 2016, Crypto.com operates as a widely-used digital asset trading platform, featuring more than 400 different cryptocurrency tokens for users to buy and sell.
Agricultural commodity markets showed varied performance on Monday as traders closely monitored crop conditions across South America. Soybean prices displayed mixed results while market participants tracked Brazil’s ongoing harvest progress, which has now reached approximately 30% completion.
Weather patterns in Argentina continue to capture traders’ attention as the country’s crop conditions have experienced significant challenges this growing season. However, recent rainfall has provided some relief, leading to modest improvements in crop ratings that now exceed last year’s levels during the same period.
Market analysts are also keeping a watchful eye on potential tariff developments and their impact on commodity demand moving forward.
Delaware transportation officials have shut down a section of Baker Mill Road following a tree collapse that’s blocking traffic flow.
The roadway closure is in effect at the intersection where Baker Mill Road meets Fleetwood Pond Road, according to DelDOT incident reports.
Motorists traveling through the area are being advised to seek alternate routes while cleanup crews work to remove the fallen tree and restore normal traffic patterns.
Officials have not provided an estimated timeframe for when the roadway will reopen to vehicle traffic.
The United States women’s ice hockey squad that claimed Olympic gold by defeating Canada last week will not be attending President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, multiple news outlets reported Monday.
The team’s absence from the 9 p.m. congressional address stems from scheduling conflicts, according to USA Hockey officials who expressed appreciation for the presidential invitation while acknowledging the honor of having their recent Olympic victory recognized.
“Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate,” USA Hockey said in a statement. “They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
The women’s squad secured their gold medal triumph in dramatic fashion, edging out Canada 2-1 in an overtime showdown at the Milano Cortina Olympics last week.
Meanwhile, the U.S. men’s ice hockey team, which also claimed gold by defeating Canada with an identical 2-1 overtime victory in Milan, has received invitations to both Tuesday’s State of the Union and a White House celebration scheduled for Wednesday. Their attendance remains unconfirmed.
Following their championship win, the men’s team received a congratulatory phone call from Trump in their locker room, during which the president extended the invitation to visit Washington.
Airlines across the United States continue working to recover from a massive winter storm that battered the Northeast, creating widespread travel disruptions with over 8,000 flights affected on Monday.
According to FlightAware, a service that monitors air traffic, 5,683 domestic flights were canceled while another 2,703 experienced delays. This comes after more than 11,000 flights faced similar issues on Sunday. Looking ahead, airlines have already grounded an additional 2,000 flights scheduled for Tuesday.
The storm hit some carriers particularly hard. JetBlue experienced the most severe impact, scrapping approximately 80% of its Monday schedule, according to FlightAware data. The budget carrier announced it has eliminated 1,600 flights spanning through Wednesday.
Other major airlines also felt significant effects, with American, Delta, and United each canceling roughly 20% of their Monday operations. The severe weather system brought more than 2.5 feet of snowfall to portions of the Northeast region.
Recovery efforts are gradually showing progress. American Airlines announced it has restored service at both Washington Reagan National Airport and Philadelphia International Airport.
Both Delta and American indicated they anticipate returning to normal operations at New York’s LaGuardia and JFK airports, as well as Boston Logan, by late Tuesday morning. Delta also plans to restart flights from Newark on Tuesday.
The transportation disruptions extended beyond aviation. Amtrak suspended numerous train services connecting New York and Boston, along with other Northeast corridor routes. Multiple states issued advisories urging residents to avoid non-essential road travel for extended periods due to dangerous snow accumulations.
A major winter storm has brought significant snowfall to several northeastern states, creating challenging conditions but also opportunities for winter recreation enthusiasts.
The storm delivered more than 12 inches of snow across Connecticut, with similar accumulations reported in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Despite harsh conditions including temperatures around 20 degrees and strong winds creating blowing snow, dedicated skiers and winter sports fans ventured out to take advantage of the fresh powder.
In Mansfield, Connecticut, a group of skiing enthusiasts braved the elements on Monday afternoon at Horsebarn Hill, making the most of the snowy conditions as the storm system continued to move through the region.
The winter weather event has impacted daily life across the affected states as residents and local authorities work to manage the aftermath of the significant snowfall.
The chief executive of America’s largest bank announced Monday that he plans to continue in his leadership role for several more years.
Jamie Dimon, who heads JPMorgan Chase, made his intentions clear during the financial institution’s investor meeting held in New York on Monday.
“I’m here for a few years as CEO, and maybe a few after that, as executive chairman,” Dimon told attendees at the bank’s investor day event in New York.
The announcement provides clarity about Dimon’s future plans at the helm of the nation’s biggest banking institution.
The Brazilian government announced Monday it will cancel a controversial policy that would have expanded privatization of Amazon waterways, following the takeover of a major grain shipping facility by Indigenous demonstrators.
Indigenous groups had occupied a Cargill grain terminal on the Tapajos River over the weekend, bringing operations at the Santarem port facility in Para state to a halt. The demonstrators had been protesting outside the terminal for several weeks before moving inside the facility.
The protesters opposed an August government decree that they said would lead to increased dredging of Amazon rivers including the Tapajos. They argued such operations would damage water quality and threaten the fishing that provides their primary food source. The waterways are crucial shipping routes for soybeans, corn and other agricultural products heading to international markets.
Guilherme Boulos, who heads Brazil’s presidential secretariat, confirmed the policy reversal while explaining the protesters’ concerns. “Indigenous people have been demonstrating for more than 30 days, questioning the decree and pointing out the effects it could have on their communities,” Boulos stated.
Demonstrators at the Cargill terminal cheered when they learned of the announcement, according to witnesses. However, a local Indigenous leader said the group would continue occupying the facility until the government officially publishes the decree’s cancellation in the federal register.
Cargill has not yet provided a statement regarding the situation at their Santarem terminal.
A Venezuelan government official announced Monday that approximately 2,200 individuals have been freed from the country’s prison system following the launch of a new amnesty program.
Jorge Arreaza, who heads the commission responsible for overseeing the amnesty law’s implementation, confirmed the prisoner releases. The legislation officially went into effect this past Friday.
Arreaza serves as the chairman of the monitoring body established to track how the new law is being carried out across Venezuela’s correctional facilities.
LIMA, Peru (AP) — Officials in Peru announced Monday the recovery of two bodies – a father and his son – who perished when heavy rainfall in the nation’s southern region caused deadly mudslides that have impacted approximately 5,500 residences and prompted mass evacuations.
The tragic deaths occurred when the pair were caught in a landslide within Arequipa city, in an area where houses were constructed directly on top of a historic natural waterway. Experts note these residences sit on a route that has channeled rushing water for hundreds of years whenever intense rainfall occurs.
Local officials in Arequipa are urging the nation’s interim president to issue an emergency declaration for their region. Regional Governor Dr. Rohel Sánchez Sánchez has announced the establishment of numerous emergency shelters throughout the Arequipa area. He also reported that both the National Institute of Civil Defense and Arequipa’s regional administration have begun distributing emergency supplies including food and temporary housing.
Weather experts attribute the recent weeks of torrential downpours to the El Niño Costero weather pattern.
Officials report that Pacific Ocean temperatures are rising, with El Niño Costero projected to intensify somewhat during March. The elevated ocean temperatures create higher evaporation levels and severe precipitation, along with swollen river systems.
TUCSON, Ariz. — Independent search teams continue combing through rugged Arizona desert terrain looking for Nancy Guthrie, the missing 84-year-old mother of NBC Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, even as local law enforcement agencies have requested civilian volunteers step back from the investigation.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department expressed gratitude for public concern regarding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance but emphasized that citizen volunteers should allow trained investigators to handle the complex case without interference.
“We all want to find Nancy, but this work is best left to professionals,” the agency said in a statement over the weekend.
Nancy Guthrie vanished from her residence on the outskirts of Tucson on January 31 and was officially reported as a missing person one day later. Law enforcement officials suspect she may have been taken by force, citing blood evidence discovered on her front porch, though investigators have released limited details about other evidence in the case.
Ignoring official requests to cease independent search activities, volunteer groups have persisted in their efforts. One small team discovered a black backpack on Sunday, though it did not match the brand seen in FBI surveillance footage showing a masked individual at Guthrie’s residence on the evening she disappeared.
A sheriff’s department representative informed Tucson’s KOLD television that the recovered bag and its contents did not appear to provide meaningful investigative leads. The Associated Press contacted the sheriff’s department seeking additional comment on Monday.
Members of Madres Buscadoras de Sonora, known as “Searching Mothers of Sonora,” arrived Sunday carrying excavation equipment near Guthrie’s residence, announcing their intention to participate in search efforts. The group attached flyers bearing Guthrie’s photograph and their contact details to her mailbox.
Former Santa Cruz County Sheriff Tony Estrada acknowledged that volunteer searchers possess admirable motivations and can provide valuable assistance, but stressed the importance of coordinating such efforts with official law enforcement operations.
“You can’t have people all over the place looking for something and not reporting to anybody or letting them know that they’re going to be in that area,” Estrada said. “They may be trampling into things that may come out to be helpful in the future.”
Chris Boyer, who serves as executive director of the National Association for Search and Rescue, noted that nearly every search operation conducted by U.S. law enforcement relies on volunteer personnel.
However, untrained civilians who arrive uninvited at search locations, despite good intentions, risk compromising crime scene integrity, according to experts.
“It’s painful for law enforcement when that happens,” Boyer said.
Boyer emphasized that volunteers should complete background screenings, receive training in areas such as first aid administration and crime scene preservation, and operate under direct law enforcement supervision. His organization provides educational resources, certification programs, and advocacy for search and rescue operations throughout the United States and internationally.
The sheriff’s department reports that several hundred personnel are actively working the Guthrie investigation, with more than 20,000 tips received from the public. Federal Bureau of Investigation agents and additional agencies are providing support.
Continuous surveillance has been established around Guthrie’s home, with authorities implementing temporary traffic restrictions to ensure emergency vehicles and waste collection trucks can navigate the area. The persistent presence of media crews, online content creators, and curious spectators has generated varied responses from local residents.
While some neighbors welcome the attention focused on the case, others have positioned traffic cones and warning signs on their properties to discourage trespassing.
A growing memorial continues expanding outside Nancy Guthrie’s home, featuring floral arrangements, yellow ribbons, religious crosses, written prayers, and figurines representing patron saints associated with elderly individuals and desperate circumstances.
Aran Aleamoni and his daughter Ariana selected a bouquet containing red, pink and white flowers, placing it at the boundary of Guthrie’s property next to a sign reading “Let Nancy Come Home” and an angel statue.
“My heart goes out to the entire family,” said Aran Aleamoni, who has maintained a longtime relationship with the Guthrie family. “We are all pulling for you. We’re with you in your corner.”
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. will receive a final tribute at the South Carolina State Capitol, returning to his birthplace where his journey as a civil rights champion first began during his teenage years when he fought to desegregate his hometown library.
Governor Henry McMaster has confirmed that Jackson’s remains will lie in state at the South Carolina Statehouse this coming Monday, with additional arrangements to be announced at a later time.
The renowned activist passed away on February 17 at the age of 84, following his struggle with a uncommon neurological condition that impaired his mobility and speech.
This week, Jackson’s body will first lie in repose at his Rainbow PUSH Coalition offices in Chicago. Following the South Carolina ceremony, his remains will travel to Washington, D.C., for additional memorial events. A large public memorial service is scheduled for March 6 at Chicago’s House of Hope, a venue that accommodates 10,000 people, with private funeral services planned for the following day at Rainbow PUSH headquarters, which will be broadcast online.
Jackson entered the world in 1941 in Greenville, South Carolina, in a modest home on Haynie Street near the city center. City officials plan to rename part of that street to commemorate his legacy.
As the starting quarterback for the all-Black Sterling High School, Jackson made history in 1960 when he guided seven fellow African American students into Greenville’s segregated public library, where they quietly read until police took them into custody.
This bold action launched an extraordinary civil rights journey that would see Jackson become a close associate of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., participating in the historic voting rights demonstration from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
Jackson later sought the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination during the 1984 and 1988 election cycles.
His activism in South Carolina continued throughout his life, including his 2003 campaign urging Greenville County officials to recognize the federal Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, and his 2015 efforts to remove the Confederate battle flag from the State Capitol grounds following the tragic racist massacre of nine African American churchgoers in Charleston.
A prominent health expert has voluntarily stepped down from his role at CBS News following revelations about his communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Dr. Peter Attia, known for hosting a popular podcast and writing “Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity,” was recently named by CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss as part of a new group of contributors to the network’s programming. The longevity specialist had been featured in a “60 Minutes” segment that aired in October.
However, Attia’s connection to the disgraced financier came to light when his name appeared in hundreds of documents released by the U.S. Justice Department last month. The correspondence between the two men was among the materials made public in the ongoing legal proceedings.
While maintaining his innocence regarding any criminal activity and stating he never participated in Epstein’s illicit gatherings, Attia issued a public statement earlier this month describing some of his email exchanges as “embarrassing, tasteless and indefensible.”
Rather than being terminated by the network, Attia chose to resign from his CBS position voluntarily, according to reports verified by the news organization on Monday. The network had not severed ties with him despite facing some public criticism.
Attia joins a growing list of prominent individuals from business and public life whose connections to Epstein have emerged in recent weeks, leading to several high-profile departures from various organizations.
Two fatalities resulted from a bombing incident that occurred during the early morning hours Tuesday outside a railway station in Moscow, according to statements from Russian law enforcement officials.
The deadly blast at Savyolovsky station in central Moscow claimed the lives of both a police officer and the individual suspected of carrying out the attack, Russian news agencies reported citing police sources.
According to law enforcement officials, surveillance video revealed that a suspect had approached a police vehicle stationed outside the railway terminal and positioned an explosive device at that location.
The incident also left two additional officers with injuries from the blast. Authorities have not provided any details regarding the motive behind the attack or circumstances that may have led to the incident.
The chief executive of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics organizing committee is firmly standing by his embattled chairman, despite mounting calls for the leader to resign following revelations in federal documents.
Reynold Hoover, CEO of LA28, expressed his complete confidence in Chairman Casey Wasserman during an interview Monday, marking his first public comments since Wasserman’s name surfaced in Justice Department files connected to Jeffrey Epstein released last month.
“The board has taken their position – they support him and I support him,” Hoover, a former three-star Army lieutenant general, stated following the conclusion of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
The controversy stems from flirtatious email communications between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s convicted associate, that occurred over twenty years ago. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly urged Wasserman to resign from his position.
Earlier in February, the LA28 board reinforced its backing of Wasserman after an independent legal review determined his previous connections to Maxwell and the deceased convicted sex offender Epstein were limited to what was already known publicly.
Hoover emphasized the organization’s impressive financial achievements as proof of effective leadership under the current structure.
“We’ve got a great leadership team here at LA28,” he declared. “Just look at the results.”
The privately-funded Olympic Games have already secured more than $2 billion in commercial sponsorship deals, according to Hoover, putting the organization at 80% of its $2.5 billion target with over two years remaining before the opening ceremonies.
Public enthusiasm for volunteering at the Games has also exceeded projections, he noted.
“We’ve exceeded all expectations, we’ve broken all Olympic records by any measure,” Hoover explained. “If that doesn’t give people confidence, I don’t know what will.”
According to Hoover, the Wasserman situation has not prompted discussions about leadership changes, disrupted daily operations, or raised concerns among current or prospective sponsors.
“I was at a meeting in Dallas with a potential sponsor – hopefully we’ll get them signed up – and it wasn’t even raised,” he revealed, noting that LA28 will soon unveil another major sponsor to join existing partners including Delta Air Lines, Honda, Google, Starbucks, Comcast, Intuit and Korn Ferry.
“No one is asking about it.”
Hoover, who began his role with LA28 nearly two years ago, described his relationship with Mayor Bass as “great, very close” and admitted he was “a little surprised” by her recent statement calling for Wasserman’s departure.
“Look, that’s her opinion. But she also said that the LA28 board has taken a position and is supporting Casey, so there’s nothing more to really be said on it,” he responded.
These comments represent the first official LA28 response since Wasserman issued a statement in late January expressing regret over his communications with Maxwell, which he said occurred “long before her horrific crimes came to light.”
Wasserman has maintained he never maintained personal or business ties with Epstein.
Los Angeles City Council member Monica Rodriguez has denounced the LA28 board’s support for Wasserman and recently proposed a resolution “reaffirming Los Angeles’ commitment to the core values of the Olympic movement, including excellence, respect and integrity in leadership.”
The 51-year-old Wasserman has dedicated more than ten years to bringing the Olympic Games back to Southern California, and Hoover stressed their commitment to organizing what he described as the largest and most spectacular Summer Games in Olympic history.
“This is going to be an incredible, incredible Games and people need to start focusing on that aspect of it, and let’s move on,” Hoover concluded.
A digital currency associated with the Trump family experienced a temporary decline in value Monday after what company officials described as a security incident targeting their platform.
The cryptocurrency known as USD1, which is designed to maintain a steady $1 value, dropped to approximately $0.994 before bouncing back to normal trading levels. The currency serves as a key offering from World Liberty Financial, a company established in 2024 with backing from President Donald Trump and his three sons.
Representatives from World Liberty Financial told reporters that their technical and security staff had “successfully repelled a coordinated attack.” The company clarified that unauthorized individuals had gained access to social media accounts belonging to some co-founders, though they did not specify which accounts were compromised.
In a social media statement, the organization emphasized that the underlying technology and digital wallets supporting both World Liberty Financial and USD1 remained untouched by hackers.
“Zero smart contracts were affected. All USD1 funds remain completely safe, secure, and fully backed. Our infrastructure and team operated exactly as designed,” the company stated in their public response.
USD1 operates similarly to other stable digital currencies, maintaining reserves of U.S. dollars and equivalent securities to keep its market value near the $1 target. While minor fluctuations are typical, sudden drops in value draw significant attention from investors and industry observers.
Current trading data shows USD1 at $0.9994, which falls within its normal price range. According to CoinGecko.com, a cryptocurrency tracking service, USD1 ranks as the fifth-largest stable digital currency by total market value.
The Trump administration is exploring additional national security-based tariffs targeting approximately six specific industries following last week’s Supreme Court decision that struck down many of the president’s broader second-term trade levies, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Monday.
These proposed tariffs would be implemented using Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and would operate independently from the 15% worldwide tariff that Trump announced over the weekend, the newspaper reported, referencing sources with knowledge of the administration’s plans.
Reuters was unable to independently verify the Wall Street Journal’s reporting. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment from Reuters.
Last week, the nation’s highest court overturned Trump’s comprehensive tariff program that had been implemented under legislation designed for national emergency situations. Following that ruling, Trump initially established a temporary 10% tariff on imports from all nations before increasing that rate to 15%.
According to the Wall Street Journal report, the potential new tariffs could impact several key sectors including large-scale battery manufacturing, cast iron and iron fitting production, plastic piping systems, industrial chemical manufacturing, and equipment used in power grid and telecommunications infrastructure.
New Castle County drivers can breathe a little easier tonight after Governor Meyer canceled the Level 1 Driving Warning at 6:00 p.m.
Despite the lifted warning, state officials are asking motorists to stay alert while traveling. Snow remains on certain roads and intersections throughout the county, creating potentially dangerous conditions.
Bridge crossings require extra attention, as these elevated surfaces are prone to freezing and may still be slippery. Drivers should reduce speed and increase following distance when crossing any bridge.
The warning cancellation comes from Smyrna, where state transportation officials have been monitoring road conditions throughout the day.
U.S. stock markets experienced significant losses Monday as investors grappled with fresh uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s trade policies and growing concerns about artificial intelligence’s impact on the software industry.
The market downturn came after the Supreme Court declared most existing tariffs unlawful, prompting Trump to immediately respond with a temporary 15% levy on global imports. This development has created widespread confusion among investors, businesses, and consumers who thought they had navigated the previous round of trade disputes.
The uncertainty extends beyond just trade policy, affecting federal revenue projections, potential tariff refund litigation, existing trade agreements, upcoming midterm elections, inflation expectations, and asset valuations. Market analysts acknowledge that nobody has clear answers about the ultimate consequences.
Adding to market stress, the private credit sector continues facing scrutiny due to exposure to struggling U.S. software companies and liquidity issues. Blue Owl, an alternative asset manager, suspended redemptions at one of its funds, causing its shares to drop another 3% Monday. The company has lost nearly 25% of its value this month alone.
Major private credit firms Apollo and KKR saw their stock prices fall 5% and 9% respectively. UBS analysts warn that private credit defaults could potentially increase by 8% over the coming year in a worst-case scenario.
The software sector’s troubles have deepened, with the industry down 25% year-to-date and having erased almost all gains made since April’s “Liberation Day.” This decline pushed the S&P 500 back into negative territory for the year.
While the Nasdaq has fallen 3% and the Dow remains up 1.5% year-to-date, U.S. markets are significantly underperforming international counterparts. Europe’s STOXX 600 has gained 6%, Britain’s FTSE 100 is up 8%, and Japan’s Nikkei has climbed 12%. Asian chip-making centers Taiwan and South Korea have seen even stronger performance, with stocks rising 16% and 38% respectively.
During Monday’s trading session, investors sought traditional safe-haven assets. Gold reached a three-week high above $5,200 per ounce, while silver jumped 5%. Treasury bonds rallied, pushing yields down as much as 7 basis points. The Swiss franc and Japanese yen strengthened, while the U.S. dollar weakened and bitcoin fell 5% below $64,000.
Among U.S. stocks, six S&P 500 sectors managed gains, led by healthcare and consumer staples. However, five sectors lost at least 1%, with financials suffering the biggest decline at 3% – their worst performance since April. Individual stock losers included IBM, down 13%, and KKR, falling 9%.
Currency markets saw the Mexican peso as the day’s biggest decliner, falling 1%, while the Norwegian crown dropped 0.5%. Oil prices hit six-month highs before ending lower.
Looking ahead, several Federal Reserve officials are scheduled to speak Tuesday, including Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee, Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic, and Boston Fed President Susan Collins. The Treasury Department will auction $69 billion in two-year notes, and President Trump will deliver his State of the Union address after markets close.
The current market environment reflects growing concerns about policy uncertainty and sector-specific challenges, with investors remaining cautious as they await clearer direction on trade policies and economic conditions.
Motorists are advised to avoid the intersection of Veale Road and Evergreen Lane where a fallen tree is blocking traffic in the area.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reported the tree obstruction, which is causing delays for drivers traveling through the intersection.
DelDOT crews are working to remove the downed tree and restore normal traffic conditions. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes until the roadway is cleared.
No timeline has been provided for when the tree removal will be completed and traffic will return to normal.
Shipping giant FedEx has taken legal action against the federal government, demanding repayment of tariffs the company paid during former President Donald Trump’s administration.
The Memphis-based logistics company filed the lawsuit Monday in the U.S. Court of International Trade, following last week’s Supreme Court ruling that declared Trump’s emergency tariffs unlawful.
In court documents, FedEx stated it wants complete reimbursement from the government for all duties it paid under the emergency measures. The tariffs were originally implemented by Trump using authority granted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
“Plaintiffs seek for themselves a full refund from Defendants of all IEEPA duties Plaintiffs have paid to the United States,” the company wrote in its legal filing.
The lawsuit represents FedEx’s effort to recover what could amount to significant financial losses from the now-invalidated trade policy.
A former basketball journalist is making the transition from covering sports to working behind the scenes in professional women’s basketball.
Ben Pickman has been brought on board by the Portland Fire as their new salary cap and strategy analyst, according to a Monday report from Front Office Sports.
Pickman’s journalism career included a four-year stint at Sports Illustrated from 2018 through 2022, where he reported on both collegiate and professional basketball. He later transitioned to The Athletic, focusing specifically on women’s basketball coverage including both the WNBA and college levels.
In January, Pickman revealed he was departing from The Athletic, hinting that he had “more to come soon” while keeping details about his next move under wraps.
The Portland franchise is assembling their administrative team as they gear up for their return to professional women’s basketball. The city previously hosted a WNBA team under the same Fire name that competed from 2000 through 2002. Leading the organization as general manager is Vanja Cernivec, who brings experience from her previous role with the Golden State Valkyries during their inaugural WNBA season in 2025.
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to use the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens as their preferred strategy to retain the talented pass-catcher while maintaining financial flexibility to bolster their defensive roster.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones outlined this approach during Monday’s discussions at the NFL Scouting Combine, where league personnel conduct business throughout the week.
“We want Pickens here. We think the world of him,” Jones stated. “Want him here. Love him, and I think he wants to be here. So all that’s a plus.”
Should Dallas apply the franchise tag to Pickens, the organization would face a one-year commitment of approximately $28 million, though both parties could still negotiate a multi-year deal before the July 15 deadline.
The 24-year-old receiver, who celebrates his 25th birthday on March 4, recorded 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns during the 2025 campaign.
Dallas has already secured running back Javonte Williams with a three-year, $24 million extension, preventing another key offensive weapon from entering free agency.
Following the dismissal of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after the 2025 season, the Cowboys brought in Christian Parker to rebuild their defensive unit. Jones emphasized that personnel improvements are essential to this reconstruction effort.
“We want to fix this defense,” Jones explained regarding the team’s spending priorities. “We feel really good about the offensive side of the ball now that we got Javonte done and we know that we’ll have George back. So, we feel really good about that side of the ball. Obviously we spent a lot of time on it already in the offseason, revamping the defensive coaching staff, and now we’ll take the next steps, which are to improve the personnel on that side of the ball.”
Pittsburgh originally drafted Pickens in the second round of 2022, where he spent his initial three NFL seasons. Throughout his 65-game career spanning 55 starts, Pickens has accumulated 267 catches, 21 touchdowns, and 4,270 receiving yards.
Congressional Democrats are condemning the Trump administration’s decision to halt several technology security initiatives targeting Chinese companies, arguing the move puts national security at risk to maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing.
In correspondence delivered Monday to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Democratic representatives questioned the administration’s choice to suspend restrictions on China Telecom’s domestic operations and proposed prohibitions on TP-Link router sales within the United States. The letter also addressed halted bans concerning the American internet operations of China Unicom and China Mobile.
“The Administration’s actions suggest a troubling pattern of sacrificing America’s national and economic security to stabilize relations with China and resolve the trade war the President himself started,” wrote Gregory Meeks, the leading Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, alongside Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who serves as the ranking Democrat on the committee’s South and Central Asia Subcommittee.
The Democratic legislators requested that Lutnick provide committee briefings regarding any national security evaluations conducted by his department concerning these decisions. They also sought confirmation about reports suggesting the office responsible for examining foreign technology risks was directed to shift focus away from China-related threats.
Neither the Commerce Department nor China’s Washington embassy provided immediate responses when contacted for comment.
This correspondence represents part of mounting Democratic criticism suggesting the Trump administration is pulling back on actions that might provoke Beijing, following a trade agreement reached between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and President Trump last October.
The concerns come as Trump prepares for a significant diplomatic visit to China scheduled from March 31 through April 2, marking a crucial meeting between the leaders of the world’s largest economies.
Additional suspended measures reportedly included restrictions that would have prevented Chinese electric vehicle sales in America and banned Chinese equipment purchases for domestic data centers.
WASHINGTON – Federal officials announced Monday that the State Department will now collaborate with the Department of Education to investigate what they consider harmful foreign influence within American higher education institutions.
The Trump administration has previously warned universities about potential cuts to federal funding over various campus issues, including protests supporting Palestinians during the Israel-Gaza conflict, policies regarding transgender students, climate-related programs, and diversity initiatives. These threats have sparked concerns about protecting free speech and academic independence on college campuses.
An executive order signed by Trump in April 2025 demanded stronger enforcement of Section 117 of the Higher Education Act. This law mandates that colleges receiving government funding must disclose any foreign gifts or agreements valued at more than $250,000. The Education Department created a new online reporting system for these disclosures in December.
Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers explained the State Department’s expanded involvement would “ensure an invigorated compliance assurance effort by the federal government.”
“The Department of State will be applying our national security expertise and our expertise countering foreign malign influence to bolster oversight efforts by the Department of Education,” Rogers stated during a State Department press briefing.
When pressed for concrete examples of problematic foreign influence in higher education, officials did not provide specific cases. They emphasized their primary goals are increasing university compliance with reporting requirements and enhancing transparency.
Congressional interest in this issue intensified after a 2019 Senate subcommittee investigation documented China’s influence within the American education system, leading to stricter enforcement of existing disclosure regulations.
According to Education Department data, American colleges and universities reported 8,300 foreign funding transactions worth $5.2 billion in 2025. This figure encompasses money from foreign governments, private corporations, and individual donors. Qatar provided the largest amount at $1.1 billion, with Britain contributing $633 million and China supplying $528 million.
Motorists will need to find alternate routes after a fallen tree completely blocked Seenytown Road at Judith Road.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials report the roadway is currently impassable due to the tree obstruction spanning across the entire road surface.
The closure remains in effect while crews work to remove the debris and restore normal traffic flow to the area.
Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes until further notice.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey issued a special weather statement on February 23rd at 6:34 PM Eastern Standard Time.
The alert was distributed through the weather service’s official notification system, though specific details regarding the nature of the weather conditions or warnings were not immediately available from the source information.
Residents across the Delmarva Peninsula are advised to monitor local weather conditions and check with the National Weather Service for the most current updates and any potential impacts to the region.
A fallen tree is completely obstructing traffic on Windmill Drive at Pine Grove Lane, according to Delaware Department of Transportation officials.
The tree has come down across the entire roadway, making it impassable for vehicles in both directions. DelDOT crews are expected to respond to clear the obstruction, though no timeline has been provided for when the road will reopen.
Drivers are advised to find alternative routes and avoid the area until the tree can be removed and normal traffic flow restored.
Chicago residents have chosen politics alongside practicality in their city’s yearly snowplow naming competition, selecting ‘Abolish ICE’ as this year’s top choice.
The winning entry in Chicago’s fourth annual ‘You Name a Snowplow’ contest cleverly combines winter weather terminology with a pointed political message aimed at President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The selection comes after Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted extensive operations in Chicago and surrounding areas last fall.
Starting in September, the federal initiative called ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ led to over 4,000 detentions, included a deadly shooting incident, and created significant tension between federal authorities and Chicago’s Democratic leadership, especially within the city’s substantial immigrant communities. Even during harsh winter conditions, ‘ICE Out’ demonstrations have persisted in downtown Chicago, around federal facilities, and across suburban areas.
Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed appreciation to Chicago residents in an official statement, praising their ‘unmatched creativity, sense of humor, and civic pride.’
When questioned about potential controversy surrounding the chosen name, a city representative noted that ‘Abolish ICE’ won by a significant margin, stating, ‘The people of Chicago clearly have no issue with the name of this snowplow.’
Officials from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security were contacted for their response to the naming decision.
While numerous cities hold similar snowplow naming competitions, Chicago’s winning selection stands out for its political edge. Other municipalities have chosen less controversial options, such as Nashville’s ‘Dolly Plowton’ honoring country star Dolly Parton, and Minnesota’s ‘Taylor Drift’ celebrating pop icon Taylor Swift.
Chicago voters also selected several lighter-hearted names during the competition. Winners included ‘Stephen Coldbert,’ referencing late-night television host Stephen Colbert, and ‘Pope Frio XIV,’ incorporating the Spanish term for cold while honoring Chicago-born Pope Leo.
Additional winning names featured ‘Blizzard of Oz,’ ‘Svencoolie’ as a tribute to local television horror personality Svengoolie, and ‘Caleb Chilliams’ celebrating quarterback Williams, who recently guided the Bears to their first playoff appearance in fifteen years.
Johnson noted that he and the Department of Streets and Sanitation were ‘grateful and inspired by the record-breaking participation in the contest this year.’ The competition attracted 13,300 name submissions and generated 39,000 votes during the final selection process. The department operates 300 vehicles to maintain 9,400 miles of city streets during winter weather.
According to Ryan Gage, spokesperson for Streets and Sanitation, the competition followed the same format used in previous years. Citizens submit suggestions through the Chicago Shovels website using a survey application for both preliminary and final voting rounds.
Department staff members evaluate all submissions and select finalists, which then go to the mayor’s office for ultimate approval, Gage explained.
The United States Ambassador to Chile stood firm Monday in supporting recently imposed visa restrictions targeting three senior Chilean government officials, characterizing the decision as America’s sovereign authority to control border access.
Ambassador Brandon Judd addressed the diplomatic tensions arising after the Trump administration implemented travel prohibitions against the officials over their purported participation in actions that Washington claims have jeopardized regional stability. Transport and Telecommunications Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz is among those facing sanctions.
“It’s our sovereign right to take actions when we feel that the region’s security is being threatened,” Judd stated during a Santiago press briefing.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled the penalties Friday, alleging the three officials engaged in “activities that compromised critical telecommunications infrastructure and eroded regional security.” This statement appears to reference a proposed underwater fiber optic cable project, currently under review, that would establish communications links between Chile and China.
Chilean authorities confirmed Muñoz was targeted by the sanctions but declined to reveal the identities of the remaining two officials.
The ambassador maintained that Washington pursued all diplomatic channels before implementing sanctions, asserting that despite explicit concerns about the submarine cable initiative, Chilean leadership failed to offer adequate transparency.
The American action has triggered fierce backlash from Chile’s leftist administration. President Gabriel Boric criticized the decision, alleging the Trump government made “indeterminate accusations” and imposed “unilateral sanctions” that violate Chilean independence.
Boric, scheduled to transfer authority to far-right leader José Antonio Kast within two weeks, has emerged as one of President Donald Trump’s most outspoken regional opponents.
When questioned about the heated Chilean government response, the US ambassador insisted America poses “no threats.” “We are not making any threats. What we have strictly told you all the time is that everything we do depends upon communication and security,” he explained.
Without identifying particular nations, Judd contended that “there are many malicious actors in this region that want to cause harm, not just to this region and to Chile, but to the United States as well.”
Chilean-American relations have significantly worsened during Trump’s second presidency. Boric has launched harsh attacks against his American counterpart, describing the Republican’s governing approach as resembling a “new emperor.”
Trump has publicly expressed frustration with Boric while embracing Kast’s forthcoming presidency after his decisive December electoral triumph.
“We look forward to working with the new government to provide what the Chilean people demanded,” Judd commented.
WASHINGTON — A former attorney with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement who oversaw the preparation of new deportation officers testified Monday that the agency’s educational program for recruits is “deficient, defective and broken.”
Ryan Schwank made these statements at a congressional hearing organized by Democratic lawmakers during a period of heightened examination of officers implementing President Donald Trump’s large-scale deportation plans. Advocacy organizations and Democratic officials have criticized deportation officers for allegedly using unnecessary force during immigrant arrests, confronting people who film their actions, and disregarding constitutional rights protections.
The Department of Homeland Security is quickly expanding its deportation officer workforce, sparking worries that proper vetting and preparation of candidates may be compromised to expedite their deployment. Department officials rejected claims of shortcuts, stating that new officers receive instruction in weapon handling, force protocols, and safe arrest procedures.
Schwank appeared before a panel organized by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut and Representative Robert Garcia from California. According to Blumenthal’s office, Schwank left the agency on February 13.
“I am here because I am duty-bound to report the legally required training program at the ICE academy is deficient, defective and broken,” Schwank said.
He further alleged that the department has dismantled the preparation program for new deportation officers while being dishonest about their actions.
“DHS told the public the new cadets receive all the training they need to perform their duties, that no critical material or standards have been cut,” he said. “This is a lie. ICE made the program shorter, and they removed so many essential parts that what remains is a dangerous husk.”
This marked the third public hearing conducted by the two Democrats to investigate how ICE prepares thousands of new officers and evaluate their behavior in the field. Both lawmakers have consistently criticized ICE officer conduct. Opening the session, Blumenthal praised witnesses, including Schwank, for their “courage and strength.”
According to Blumenthal’s office, Schwank was among two unnamed whistleblowers who previously revealed a new ICE directive allowing deportation officers to enter immigrants’ homes by force for removal purposes without court-approved warrants.
His office also made public numerous documents concerning deportation officer preparation, noting the materials came from whistleblowers.
Blumenthal’s office stated the documents revealed “drastic cuts” to training and evaluation procedures for new deportation officers. These modifications affect testing requirements, required coursework, and training duration for new officers.
“The training has been truncated and reduced, both in numbers of courses and substantive policy,” the senator said at the start of the hearing.
Homeland Security firmly rejected claims that training requirements have been eliminated or standards lowered for officers. ICE recruits complete 56 days of preparation plus an average of 28 days of field training, the department stated Monday responding to forum allegations.
“Despite false claims from the media and sanctuary politicians, no training hours have been cut. Our officers receive extensive firearm training, are taught de-escalation tactics, and receive Fourth and Fifth Amendment comprehensive instruction,” department spokeswoman Lauren Bis said in an e-mailed statement.
She added that ICE recruits are supervised during field work following academy completion.
The department has “streamlined training to cut redundancy and incorporate technology advancements, without sacrificing basic subject matter content,” Bis said.
According to Democratic Senate staff analysis, the documents reveal ICE is removing more than twelve “practical exams” previously required for deportation officer certification. ICE also appears to have eliminated several classes from preparation, including “Use of Force Simulation Training.”
Based on the documents, deportation officers seem to be receiving reduced overall training hours.
County officials in Wicomico announced that their Government Office Building will stay closed today as power restoration efforts continue following recent severe weather.
According to the announcement, road conditions have significantly improved due to the dedicated efforts of the Public Works Department crews who have been working to clear debris and restore normal traffic flow.
However, fallen trees and widespread electrical outages continue to impact numerous county residents, with the government facility among the buildings still without power service.
The closure affects regular county office operations and public services typically available at the Government Office Building.
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal made an impressive spring training debut Monday, tossing two scoreless frames despite his team falling 3-0 to the Minnesota Twins in Lakeland, Florida.
The two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award recipient, who secured a $32 million salary after prevailing in arbitration, recorded four strikeouts while keeping Minnesota off the scoreboard during his stint. In his first inning of work, Skubal fanned two hitters with runners on base to escape trouble.
Following his outing, Skubal informed media members he intends to make just one appearance for Team USA during the World Baseball Classic’s round-robin portion before heading back to Detroit’s training facility.
Minnesota secured the victory behind home runs from Emmanuel Rodriguez and Alex Jackson, while pitcher Mick Abel contributed three scoreless innings with five strikeouts for the Twins.
Detroit’s offense managed only three base hits, including a triple from Matt Vierling and a double off the bat of Javier Baez.
Mets 4, Blue Jays 3
In Dunedin, Florida, New York edged Toronto as Cristian Pache connected for a home run and MJ Melendez drove in a run with a double.
Veteran hurlers Clay Holmes and Jose Berrios each surrendered two earned runs in their spring debuts for the Mets and Blue Jays respectively.
Toronto’s major offseason signing from Japan, Kazuma Okamoto, launched his first homer of the spring – a two-run blast in the second frame. The slugger inked a four-year, $60 million contract during the winter.
Braves 10, Orioles 7
Atlanta rallied past Baltimore in Sarasota, Florida, scoring eight times in the sixth inning, capped by Jorge Mateo’s grand slam.
The Braves collected 13 hits total, with Dominic Smith, Eli White, Lizandro Espinoza and Aaron Schunk each recording two hits apiece.
Baltimore got a two-run homer from Vance Honeycutt but left 11 runners stranded on the bases.
Rays 2, Red Sox 1
Tampa Bay completed a dramatic comeback in Port Charlotte, Florida, as Jonny DeLuca delivered a walk-off two-run single to defeat Boston.
Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen struck out three batters across two shutout innings. Tampa Bay managed just two hits through eight innings before collecting three more in the decisive ninth.
Boston took the lead when Mickey Gasper drove in a run with a triple in the top of the ninth.
Cardinals 5, Marlins 4
St. Louis scored three runs in the final inning to beat Miami in Jupiter, Florida, with Ryan Weingartner and Jeremy Rivas contributing RBI doubles before a wild pitch ended the game.
Rivas finished with two of St. Louis’ five hits, while Jose Fermin added an RBI single in the opening frame against Miami starter Eury Perez.
The Marlins got on the board first via Jakob Marsee’s spring training home run debut in the first inning, but Miami struggled with runners in scoring position, going 2-for-13 and leaving 13 men on base.
Yankees 6, Pirates 2
New York pulled away from Pittsburgh in Bradenton, Florida, scoring four times in the second inning behind RBI hits from Ben Rice and Jasson Dominguez.
Rice started the rally with a two-run single, followed by Dominguez’s RBI double. The Yankees also received a home run from prospect Miguel Palma and drew 11 walks to compensate for managing only five hits.
Pittsburgh’s highly regarded pitching prospect Bubba Chandler struggled in his spring debut, walking four batters and allowing four runs despite not surrendering a hit over 1 2/3 innings. The Pirates got an early RBI single from newly signed Marcell Ozuna, who joined the team on a one-year, $12 million contract.
WASHINGTON – With November’s midterm elections approaching, Democratic House candidates are collecting campaign contributions at nearly twice the rate of their Republican opponents in the nation’s most contested districts, new campaign finance data reveals.
An analysis of federal campaign reports shows that while sitting lawmakers from both parties maintain substantial fundraising advantages over their challengers, there’s a stark difference between how well Democratic and Republican challengers are performing against each other.
In 30 highly competitive districts where current representatives are running for reelection, the numbers tell a clear story. Republican candidates vying for 16 seats currently held by Democrats managed to raise approximately $20 million combined last year – averaging around $465,000 per candidate across 42 hopefuls.
Meanwhile, Democratic challengers targeting 14 Republican-controlled seats brought in roughly $50 million total, with 54 candidates averaging nearly $918,000 each.
The fundraising disparity comes as Republicans maintain a razor-thin 218-214 advantage in the House. Historical trends suggest the party controlling the White House typically loses ground during midterm cycles, meaning Democrats would need to capture just a small number of additional seats to seize control of the chamber during the final two years of Donald Trump’s presidency.
In the three competitive districts where no current officeholder is seeking reelection, Democrats hold fundraising leads across the board.
These financial snapshots provide insight into the battle for House control as primary season kicks off March 3 with contests in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas.
Democratic political operatives argue that House Republicans are concentrating more energy on defending their narrow majority rather than pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy, emphasizing incumbent protection over recruiting strong new candidates.
“Given the fact that Republicans have claimed for the last year that they’re on offense, one could be shocked to learn how weak their recruitment has been this cycle,” said Katarina Flicker, a spokesperson for the Democratic super PAC House Majority PAC. “In competitive, Democratic-held seats across the country, Republicans are struggling to field credible candidates.”
Republican officials push back against this characterization, arguing their incumbents maintain clear advantages in both fundraising and messaging on key voter concerns.
Mike Marinella, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said GOP incumbents as a whole “are absolutely dominating Democrats” in fundraising and on issues voters care about.
“It says a lot about the national Democrats’ desperation when they have to cherry-pick scraps of data to convince themselves they’re competing,” Marinella said.
The political landscape faces additional complications as at least 31 House Republicans plan to leave their positions early next year due to retirement or campaigns for higher office. House Democrats’ campaign organization has identified six of these seats as targets, though political experts expect only three to be genuinely competitive.
The fight for congressional control will ultimately be decided in roughly three dozen House districts and eight pivotal states for Senate races. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority.
Additional variables could significantly influence November’s outcomes, including new congressional district boundaries drawn in several states and spending by political action committees, national party organizations and independent expenditure groups.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association announced that the WNBA has achieved a historic financial milestone, becoming profitable enough to share revenue with players for the first time in the league’s history.
WNBPA officials informed ESPN on Monday that players across all 13 teams from the 2025 season will split $8 million in revenue sharing payments.
This achievement stems from a collective bargaining agreement signed in early 2020, which established specific financial targets that would unlock revenue sharing opportunities once met. While the union confirmed the milestone was reached, they declined to reveal the league’s complete 2025 revenue figures or specify the exact threshold required.
The league actually set aside $16 million from its revenue for players, but half of that amount is designated for marketing partnerships rather than direct player compensation, according to the report.
“I’m just hopeful that this distribution gives them a little bit of comfort and a lot of confidence in what we’re doing,” WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson told ESPN.
Additionally, players will collectively earn $9.25 million from licensing deals involving merchandise sales, video games, and jersey purchases.
This revenue sharing development comes during ongoing contract negotiations between the union and league officials. With the draft and training camp approaching in just a few months, the players association recently modified its financial demands in a new proposal submitted last week.
The union’s updated proposal requests an average of 27.5% of total league revenue, starting at 25% in year one of any new agreement. Their revised salary cap proposal would begin below $9.5 million for the first season.
The union’s earlier demands were significantly higher, seeking 31% of gross revenue on average, with an initial year starting at 28%. Their previous salary cap proposal called for $10.5 million in the opening year.
WASHINGTON – Federal securities regulators announced Monday they have approved a groundbreaking request from investment firm WisdomTree, permitting real-time trading of digital shares in a Treasury money market fund. The Securities and Exchange Commission said the decision could accelerate transaction processing and improve investment access for everyday investors.
The regulatory approval represents a significant milestone in the growing movement to digitize traditional financial markets using blockchain technology. Previously, investors would have been restricted to conducting transactions only at the close of each trading day under standard SEC mutual fund regulations.
Will Peck, who oversees digital assets at WisdomTree, expressed excitement about the regulatory breakthrough. “This relief preserves the protections of a regulated money market fund while permitting retail investors intra-day liquidity,” said Brian Daly, who leads the SEC’s Investment Management division.
The Treasury Money Market Digital Fund becomes the first tokenized mutual fund to receive this type of regulatory exemption, according to company officials. Peck described WisdomTree as “thrilled” by the development in a company statement.
The approval comes as cryptocurrency and blockchain companies increasingly seek to expand into traditional financial services, benefiting from a more favorable regulatory climate in Washington toward digital asset innovations. Tokenized securities allow traditional investments to be traded on distributed digital ledgers, potentially offering faster settlements and broader market access.
SANTO DOMINGO – Electricity vanished across the Dominican Republic on Monday morning after a catastrophic breakdown in the country’s electrical transmission system, government officials announced, marking the Caribbean nation’s second complete power failure in three months.
The widespread outage brought traffic to a standstill, crippled public transportation networks, and forced numerous businesses to close their doors while utility crews rushed to restore electrical service nationwide.
Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos revealed during a news briefing that the electrical system collapsed around 10:50 a.m. due to a malfunctioning transmission line switch that activated protective shutdowns throughout the grid.
“From the very first moment, the established protocols for this situation were activated, with the goal of restoring the system as quickly as possible,” Santos told the press.
According to the government-owned Dominican Electricity Transmission Company, the nation’s primary power generation facilities unexpectedly reduced their output before noon, creating a cascade effect that shut down additional power plants across the system.
Santos reported that by the middle of the afternoon, electrical crews had managed to restore approximately 30% of the grid’s normal operating capacity.
Critical infrastructure including medical facilities, water treatment plants, public transportation systems, and airports continued operating through emergency backup power systems, Santos confirmed.
Electrical service interruptions occur frequently throughout the Caribbean island nation, which previously suffered a similar country-wide power failure in November.
A major Hollywood bidding battle has escalated as Paramount increased its acquisition offer for Warner Bros Discovery, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations who spoke to Reuters on Monday. The move aims to disrupt the entertainment company’s existing agreement with Netflix.
The competition centers on valuable entertainment properties, including beloved franchises such as “Harry Potter” and “Game of Thrones,” as companies fight for streaming market control.
Netflix currently holds the preferred position with Warner Bros after proposing to purchase the studio and streaming operations for $27.75 per share in cash, totaling $82.7 billion. However, the streaming giant now has the opportunity to counter Paramount’s enhanced proposal.
With substantial financial resources at its disposal, Netflix could increase its bid for the HBO Max parent company, while Paramount’s competing offer has backing from Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison through his son David Ellison’s leadership.
Paramount’s comprehensive company bid reaches $108.4 billion, equivalent to $30 per share.
Warner Bros requested Paramount submit its “best and final offer” after declining an improved proposal that would have covered the $2.8 billion Netflix termination fee and included a quarterly “ticking fee” of 25 cents per share starting next year to offset any deal completion delays for shareholders.
Warner Bros stated that Paramount’s February 10 proposal remained inadequate for board consideration as a superior alternative, establishing a seven-day February 23 deadline for a revised submission.
MoffettNathanson analysts previously indicated that a Paramount offer around $34 per share would likely conclude the competition and “eliminate continued discussion about Discovery Global’s worth.”
Warner Bros estimates suggest Discovery Global’s value could range from $1.33 to $6.86 per share.
Netflix maintains its proposal provides Warner Bros shareholders additional benefits through the Discovery Global separation, which the company claims will create value by offering enhanced strategic, operational and financial flexibility to the resulting entity.
Conversely, Paramount has characterized the cable division spinoff that forms the core of the streaming company’s offer as having no meaningful value.
Warner Bros, under David Zaslav’s leadership, faced pressure from Ancora Capital after the activist investor acquired approximately $200 million in HBO owner shares and criticized the company for insufficient engagement with Paramount.
The investor issued a warning that rejecting renewed Paramount negotiations would result in opposition to the Netflix agreement and accountability measures against the company’s board during the annual shareholder meeting.
America’s most popular national destination, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has relied heavily on community volunteers after experiencing significant workforce reductions over the past year.
The National Park Service eliminated approximately 25% of staff positions last year, creating substantial operational challenges for the Tennessee park that welcomes more visitors annually than any other national park in the country.
Local volunteers have stepped forward to fill critical roles and ensure park operations continue running smoothly despite the dramatic personnel cuts affecting the federal agency.
A fallen tree has forced the closure of Seven Hickories Road at Main Street, according to Delaware Department of Transportation officials.
The roadway remains blocked as crews work to remove the downed tree and restore normal traffic flow through the intersection.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while DelDOT personnel address the situation. No timeline has been provided for when the road will reopen.
Motorists will need to find alternate routes as a fallen tree has blocked Thicket Road at its intersection with Pickett Road.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports the roadway is currently impassable due to the tree obstruction. Crews are working to remove the debris and restore normal traffic flow.
Drivers are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes until the road reopens.
Delaware officials announced Sunday that driving restrictions in the state’s two southern counties have been reduced following ongoing winter storm recovery operations.
Kent and Sussex counties, which had been under a complete driving prohibition, now face more limited travel restrictions that still discourage non-essential trips. Meanwhile, New Castle County continues under its existing driving advisory.
The announcement came from Smyrna as state agencies work around the clock to clear roadways and restore normal travel conditions throughout Delaware.
Under the current Level 2 restrictions in Kent and Sussex counties, residents are strongly urged to avoid unnecessary travel while road crews continue their cleanup efforts. The previous Level 3 designation had completely prohibited vehicle operation except for emergency situations.
State officials have not provided a timeline for when restrictions might be lifted entirely, saying conditions will continue to be monitored as recovery work progresses.
The champion U.S. women’s hockey squad that captured Olympic gold has respectfully turned down President Trump’s offer to join him at Tuesday evening’s State of the Union address.
In a statement issued Monday, the women’s team expressed appreciation for the recognition while explaining their absence. “We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal–winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” the team’s statement read. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate. They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
President Trump extended similar invitations to both the men’s and women’s Olympic hockey champions. However, timing presents obstacles as NHL action resumes Wednesday with five scheduled contests, while the PWHL returns to play Thursday. Both championship teams touched down in Miami Monday.
White House officials have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the attendance status of either squad.
The recent Olympic hockey competition delivered dramatic championship matches, with both gold medal contests decided in overtime periods. The American women claimed victory over Canada 2-1 in Thursday’s final, while the men’s team also defeated Canada on Sunday.
Men’s team member Matthew Tkachuk shared his excitement upon returning to U.S. soil in Miami. “It’s been a whirlwind, it’s been amazing. It’s a dream of ours, it was such an amazing way to unite the country,” Tkachuk commented after the team’s arrival.
“We felt the support being across the Atlantic and now being back on home soil we could feel it the second the wheels hit the ground. So excited to be back in the greatest country in the world and so excited to celebrate.”
Tkachuk described receiving communication from Trump following their victory as meaningful. “And so we are definitely honored to represent him and the millions and millions across the country.”
During the Games’ opening week, Vice President JD Vance and his family were present for two of the U.S. women’s preliminary victories.
A fallen tree has forced the closure of a busy intersection in the Wilmington area, according to Delaware Department of Transportation officials.
The roadway blockage occurred at the intersection of Silverside Road and Sweetbriar Road, where a tree has come down across the travel lanes. DelDOT crews are currently on scene working to remove the obstruction and restore normal traffic flow.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while cleanup efforts continue. The department has not provided an estimated time for when the intersection will reopen to vehicle traffic.
Traffic is being rerouted in the downtown area after a fallen tree completely blocked Main Street at its intersection with West Commerce Street.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials report the roadway is currently impassable due to the tree obstruction spanning across the entire street.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while crews work to clear the debris and reopen the intersection to normal traffic flow.
No timeline has been provided for when the roadway will reopen to vehicles.
A fallen tree has prompted authorities to shut down Bethel Road at the Firemans Road intersection, blocking traffic in the area.
The roadway remains impassable as the large tree lies across the pavement, preventing vehicles from getting through. Drivers traveling in the vicinity should plan alternative routes until cleanup crews can remove the obstruction and reopen the road to normal traffic flow.
Officials have not provided an estimated timeline for when the roadway will be cleared and reopened to the public.
Traffic is being diverted around a section of Redden Road after a fallen tree completely blocked the roadway at Camp Road.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials report the tree has made the road impassable, prompting a full closure of that intersection until further notice.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while crews work to remove the obstruction and reopen the roadway to normal traffic flow.
MEXICO CITY — Mexican officials revealed Monday that tracking one of his romantic relationships ultimately led to the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the feared boss of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel who went by “El Mencho.”
Defense Secretary Gen. Ricardo Trevilla announced that the high-stakes military mission on Sunday, supported by American intelligence, concluded when elite troops discovered Oseguera Cervantes “hiding in the undergrowth” within his native Jalisco state. Following multiple firefights, eight gunmen lost their lives while the drug kingpin and two personal guards sustained injuries. All three were detained but succumbed to their wounds during transport to Mexico City, according to Trevilla.
The total death count from the operation and subsequent violence exceeded 70 individuals, encompassing military personnel, alleged cartel operatives, and civilians.
Mexican and American law enforcement had pursued “El Mencho” for years, with multiple warrants pending in both nations for organized crime and narcotics trafficking charges.
This breakthrough came when military intelligence officers identified and monitored a close companion of one woman linked romantically to Oseguera Cervantes. This associate accompanied the woman to Tapalpa, Jalisco, on Friday for a rendezvous with the crime boss. Trevilla explained that pinpointing his exact whereabouts was made possible through “very important additional information” supplied by U.S. intelligence agencies.
After the woman departed following an overnight stay with “El Mencho,” special operations teams completed their tactical preparations, having verified his presence in the region alongside armed protection.
Mexican army and National Guard forces created a perimeter on the ground while six helicopters and backup special forces units positioned themselves in neighboring states around Jalisco.
Air Force assets provided additional reconnaissance and aerial support, Trevilla reported. The assault commenced before dawn Sunday after confirming his location. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum received continuous updates throughout the mission while traveling in northern Mexico.
Gen. Trevilla characterized the criminals’ reaction as exceptionally brutal.
During the battle, he reported that “El Mencho” tried escaping with two bodyguards while a heavily armed faction stayed behind to delay military progress. The on-site casualty count reached eight, four higher than Sunday’s initial reports.
Confiscated weapons included two rocket launchers, one matching the type the CJNG employed in 2015 to bring down a military helicopter. That 2015 incident marked a dark turning point, demonstrating the cartel’s willingness to engage Mexican forces with devastating, military-grade firepower.
Oseguera Cervantes sought refuge in a forested area scattered with small structures near Tapalpa’s edges. Despite the criminals possessing rocket launchers, Trevilla observed they failed to use them effectively. Special forces ultimately “located him hiding in the undergrowth,” sparking another fierce battle that wounded “El Mencho” and his two guards.
Amid the violence, a military helicopter made an emergency landing after taking gunfire, leading to two arrests at the location. Three soldiers suffered injuries during the engagement.
After securing the area, the cartel leader and his guards were placed aboard a helicopter for urgent medical transport. However, Trevilla confirmed their deaths during the flight, stating they were already in “critical condition.”
The flight path was then altered. Rather than touching down in Jalisco’s capital, the remains were transported to Mexico City to prevent potential violent revenge by the criminal organization.
Approximately 100 kilometers west of Tapalpa, a logistics and financial operative identified only as “El Tuli” allegedly promised gunmen 20,000 pesos — more than $1,000 — for each soldier eliminated, Trevilla stated.
The defense minister also identified “El Tuli” — reportedly Oseguera’s second-in-command — as the architect behind numerous roadblocks, arson incidents, and attacks on government facilities throughout Jalisco state.
Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch reported that Jalisco experienced the worst violence, with fatalities including 25 National Guard personnel, one prison worker, one prosecutor’s office staff member, and one presumed civilian woman, plus 30 suspected criminals.
In adjacent Michoacán, four additional gunmen perished while 15 security officers sustained wounds.
A paratrooper rifle unit hunted down “El Tuli” and eliminated him in a gunfight, recovering various firearms and nearly $1.4 million in combined American and Mexican currency. Nevertheless, cartel retaliation persisted across several Mexican states.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spent decades as an environmental attorney battling against glyphosate, a disputed herbicide component, and secured a major victory against chemical corporation Monsanto by demonstrating that its Roundup product played a role in causing his client’s cancer.
However, in his current role as the country’s leading health official, Kennedy has aligned himself with President Donald Trump following the issuance of an executive directive designed to increase glyphosate manufacturing. The directive would additionally provide restricted legal protection to producers who comply with federal guidelines.
On Sunday night, Kennedy published an extensive statement on social media describing pesticides as “toxic by design” while positioning Trump’s decision as essential for farming stability and national defense.
“President Trump did not build our current system — he inherited it,” Kennedy wrote. “I support President Trump’s Executive Order to bring agricultural chemical production back to the United States and end our near-total reliance on adversarial nations.”
This demonstration of allegiance to the president who facilitated Kennedy’s transformation of vaccination policies at federal levels has created a potentially damaging division within their political alliance before November’s midterm elections.
Supporters of Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again movement are growing frustrated with a Republican administration that has mostly ignored their demands for pesticide regulation, and they’re voicing concerns about what they consider a betrayal.
“It’s been a year. Not a single thing has been done by the EPA to reduce our children’s and families exposure to pesticides,” Moms Across America founder Zen Honeycutt, a prominent MAHA activist, replied to Kennedy’s post. “We love you Bobby but this administration needs to keep their word.”
Opponents of the executive directive claim it represents a broader trend that benefits pesticide producers, who maintain their products undergo thorough regulatory review to confirm they pose no health risks when used correctly.
For instance, House Republicans have proposed legislation that would complicate lawsuits against pesticide corporations for inadequate danger warnings. The Justice Department also supported Monsanto parent company Bayer in a Supreme Court case last December that could reduce future Roundup liability.
“That is America Last, Anti-MAHA, and unforgivable,” prominent activist Kelly Ryerson wrote on social media.
Trump’s executive directive aims to safeguard domestic manufacturing of elemental phosphorus, utilized in military equipment and glyphosate-based herbicide production. It also seeks to protect glyphosate-based herbicide manufacturing, which officials consider vital to farming supply networks.
Kennedy has consistently maintained his belief that glyphosate triggers cancer, including statements made as recently as January.
Although multiple studies have supported Kennedy’s position, the Environmental Protection Agency has determined the chemical likely poses no cancer risk to humans when properly applied. Bayer stated in an email that it “stands behind the safety of our glyphosate-based products which have been tested extensively, approved by regulators and used around the globe for more than 50 years.”
In his social media statement, Kennedy indicated he is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and EPA to accelerate progress toward a food system independent of dangerous chemicals. Supporting this goal, the Trump administration introduced a $700 million regenerative pilot program in December to help farmers implement practices that improve soil health, water quality and productivity.
Nevertheless, some experienced environmental advocates report seeing little evidence of meaningful transformation.
“If there is a big plan, a big MAHA-style plan to move in the direction of detoxifying agriculture from these chemicals, where is it?” said Ken Cook, head of the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, which has fought for raising environmental standards since the 1990s. “What I’m seeing here is a very aggressive effort to try and hang onto MAHA principles even as, at every turn, you betray them.”
Cook stated that many seasoned public health advocates never expected Kennedy would deliver the changes MAHA supporters anticipated. He noted that Kennedy’s statement language resembled arguments he has observed from pesticide manufacturers for years.
“He’s jumped onto their message square and is dancing on it,” he said of Kennedy.
The EPA has hinted at an upcoming MAHA agenda addressing issues including forever chemicals, plastic contamination, food quality, Superfund cleanups and lead pipes. On Friday, federal officials announced they would implement a strict 10-year timeline for lead pipe replacement to improve drinking water safety. EPA press secretary Brigit Hirsch stated the agenda is “in the final stages” and will reaffirm the agency’s dedication to science and transparency regarding pesticides.
Kennedy’s MAHA coalition, an enthusiastic and politically diverse group including anti-vaccine activists, environmental advocates and healthy food supporters, represents a politically significant constituency that Republicans need to maintain their slim Congressional majorities.
However, the movement doesn’t consistently support Republican policies, creating a “tough spot” for Kennedy, according to Matt Motta, a professor at Boston University School of Public Health.
“He does need to try to please his base of supporters who care a lot about this issue and presumably think that it can cause cancer – while also pleasing the president if he wants to be able to keep this job,” Motta said.
As Democrats observe the widening divide between MAHA supporters and the Trump administration, some recognize a political opportunity.
Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who faces reelection this fall, described the executive order as “a slap in the face to the thousands of Americans who have gotten cancer from glyphosate.” He argued on social media the administration’s message is that “chemical company profits are more important than your health.”
Democratic strategist Anjan Mukherjee predicted more left-leaning midterm candidates will emphasize to MAHA supporters “how this administration has failed them.”
“What this administration has shown to them over and over again is that they’re only interested in enriching themselves and putting more money into the pockets of the wealthy,” Mukherjee said.
These efforts may not succeed in attracting MAHA supporters who have witnessed Kennedy advance many of their other objectives, including reforming childhood vaccination guidelines and changing the FDA’s stance on artificial food coloring.
Giving Democrats Congressional control could introduce oversight and budget constraints that would hinder that progress, said David Mansdoerfer, a Department of Health and Human Services official during Trump’s first presidency who currently advises several MAHA organizations.
“MAHA has a choice this election season,” he said. “Support the Trump administration and continue to have a voice in Washington or stay at home and watch their federal agenda come to a halt.”
WASHINGTON — Federal education officials announced Monday they are transferring additional programs to other government agencies, advancing the Trump administration’s plan to eliminate the Department of Education entirely.
Two new agreements will relocate millions of dollars in grant programs currently managed by education officials. The Department of Health and Human Services will assume control of funding streams that support school safety initiatives and community outreach programs. Meanwhile, the State Department will manage a system that monitors foreign donations to American universities.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the transfers in a prepared statement, saying the moves represent progress toward dismantling federal education oversight.
“As we continue to break up the federal education bureaucracy and return education to the states, our new partnerships with the State Department and HHS represent a practical step toward greater efficiency, stronger coordination, and meaningful improvement,” McMahon stated.
President Trump and McMahon have both recognized that only Congress possesses the power to completely eliminate the Education Department, though they have indicated the agency’s primary responsibilities could be distributed among various federal departments.
The HHS agreement affects a limited number of grant programs while leaving special education services untouched for now. McMahon has previously indicated her intention to eventually transfer special education programs to HHS as well, reiterating that goal to advocacy groups as recently as December.
However, McMahon’s special education plans have created political challenges, drawing criticism even from members of her own party during congressional hearings. The current agreements avoid mentioning the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, which administers billions in grants and monitors state adherence to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
These latest transfers follow seven similar agreements signed last year that moved substantial responsibilities to the Departments of Labor, Interior, State, and HHS. Those previous deals involved billions in federal funding, including Title I programs that assist schools serving low-income students.
The union representing Education Department employees criticized the new agreements, arguing they place educational programs under agencies lacking relevant expertise.
“This isn’t efficiency — Secretary McMahon is creating confusion for schools and colleges, eroding public trust, and harming students and families,” stated Rachel Gittleman, president of AFGE Local 252.
“This is an insult to the tens of millions of students who rely on the Department to safeguard access to quality education and to the taxpayers who depend on federal oversight to prevent waste.”
Democratic Senator Patty Murray of Washington expressed concern that the transfers would negatively impact students and families.
“These illegal agreements aren’t just creating pointless new bureaucracy that burdens our already-overworked teachers and schools; they are actively jeopardizing resources and support that students and families count on and are entitled to under the law,” Murray said.
The State Department agreement expands that agency’s role in collecting data and enforcing Section 117, which mandates that colleges and universities report annual gifts exceeding $250,000.
Under the HHS arrangement, six programs will move to the Administration for Children and Families, which will manage grant competitions and provide technical support for these initiatives.
The future of these transferred programs remains questionable. The Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal seeks to eliminate funding for five of the six programs being moved to HHS. Additionally, some organizations receiving Promise Neighborhoods and Full-Service Community Schools grants, which fund academic and after-school programs, learned in December that their 2026 funding would be discontinued, forcing them to halt operations abruptly.
WASHINGTON — Three individuals died Monday when American forces attacked what officials described as a drug trafficking vessel in Caribbean waters, according to military officials. The deadly operation represents the latest action in the Trump administration’s ongoing offensive against suspected narcotics smugglers that launched in early September.
The Monday incident raises the casualty count to no fewer than 151 deaths since the current administration initiated its campaign targeting individuals it labels as “narcoterrorists” operating small watercraft.
Following the pattern of previous military communications regarding the more than 40 documented attacks, U.S. Southern Command reported it engaged suspected drug runners traveling established smuggling corridors. Officials provided no concrete proof the targeted boat carried narcotics, though they released footage on social media platform X showing the destruction of a small vessel equipped with outboard motors.
“Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” Southern Command stated in a post on X. “Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this action.”
President Donald Trump has declared the United States engaged in “armed conflict” with Latin American cartels, defending these operations as essential measures to prevent illegal drugs from entering American territory. However, his administration has provided minimal proof supporting its assertions about eliminating “narcoterrorists.”
Opponents have challenged both the legal foundation for these operations and their practical value, noting that fentanyl responsible for numerous deadly overdoses generally enters the U.S. through overland routes from Mexico, where it’s manufactured using chemicals sourced from China and India.
The watercraft attacks have faced sharp condemnation after reports emerged that military forces killed survivors from the initial boat strike in a subsequent attack. Trump administration officials and Republican legislators defended the actions as lawful and essential, while Democratic politicians and legal scholars characterized the deaths as murder or potentially war crimes.
The University of Delaware Blue Hens baseball squad is preparing for a pair of away games this week, with matchups scheduled against Maryland and La Salle.
The midweek road trip will test the Blue Hens as they take on two different opponents in what promises to be challenging contests for the Delaware team.
Both games represent important opportunities for the Blue Hens to build momentum as they continue their season with these non-conference matchups.
Twenty-two Democratic senators filed legislation Monday demanding the Trump administration return all money collected from tariffs recently overturned by the Supreme Court, plus interest, within six months.
The proposed bill would direct U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which handles tariff collection at ports nationwide, to give priority treatment to small businesses seeking refunds.
Last Friday, the Supreme Court invalidated Trump’s sweeping tariffs that were imposed using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, but the justices provided no guidance on refunds. Instead, they sent the matter back to a lower trade court for further proceedings.
The Democratic proposal would mandate CBP return all unlawfully collected IEEPA tariffs with interest, including those already finalized through the agency’s liquidation process.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joined 21 other Democrats in sponsoring the measure, including key committee leaders Ron Wyden of Oregon, Edward Markey of Massachusetts, and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire from the Finance, Small Business, and Foreign Relations committees.
“Senate Democrats will continue fighting to rein in Donald Trump’s price-hiking trade and economic policies,” Wyden stated. “A crucial first step is helping people who need it most, by putting money back into the pockets of small businesses and manufacturers as soon as possible.”
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s office from South Dakota refused to say whether the Democratic bill would receive floor consideration.
Since the legislation was just filed and must undergo committee review, any decision on moving forward remains distant.
House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated the Republican-controlled chamber would avoid the tariff refund issue entirely.
“The White House is going to sort that out, and we have to give them the time and space to do it. This is an unprecedented event, of course, so there’s no playbook to follow,” the Louisiana Republican told reporters. “I think they’ve (the White House) got good arguments on their side, and we’ll see how it shakes out. That’s not something that really involves the House at this point.”
The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment about the proposed legislation.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday the administration would await lower court decisions on refunds. “We will follow what they decide, but it can take weeks or months until we hear from them,” Bessent told CNN.
CBP must stop collecting the IEEPA tariffs beginning Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time.
According to Penn-Wharton Budget Model economists, the Supreme Court ruling potentially affects more than $175 billion in IEEPA tariff collections. Their analysis showed these tariffs were bringing in over $500 million daily in gross revenue.
Banking giant Citigroup announced Monday it has reached agreements to divest a significant portion of its Mexican banking subsidiary to a consortium of major investors in a deal worth approximately $2.5 billion.
The financial services company will transfer 24% of its ownership in Banamex to a diverse group of institutional investors and family investment offices. The buyer group includes several prominent names in finance: private equity giant General Atlantic, an affiliate of asset management firm Sura, Banco BTG Pactual, insurance company Chubb, and investment funds operated by Blackstone, Liberty Strategic Capital, and Qatar Investment Authority.
Once this transaction closes, which Citigroup anticipates will happen sometime in 2024, the bank’s controlling interest in its Mexican division will drop from the current 73% to 49%.
Shares of Keysight Technologies jumped more than 15% in after-hours trading Monday after the electronic testing equipment manufacturer projected second-quarter earnings that exceeded Wall Street predictions.
The company, which specializes in electronic design, testing and simulation software, continues to capitalize on robust demand from data centers that are scaling up operations to handle artificial intelligence computing needs.
Based in Santa Rosa, California, Keysight anticipates second-quarter revenue between $1.69 billion and $1.71 billion, surpassing analysts’ consensus estimate of $1.51 billion compiled by LSEG.
The company projects adjusted earnings per share will fall between $2.27 and $2.33 for the upcoming quarter, well above the $1.91 per share that analysts had predicted.
The company noted that its projections do not account for possible effects from the February 20 U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned President Donald Trump’s tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or any follow-up measures by the current administration.
Keysight also exceeded Wall Street expectations for both revenue and earnings in its first quarter that concluded January 31, powered by robust results from its communications solutions division.
Revenue from that division climbed 27% to reach $1.12 billion during the quarter, fueled by ongoing investments in AI-centered data center infrastructure, satellite and space-based network applications, and military equipment upgrades.
Total quarterly revenue reached $1.6 billion, topping analyst projections of $1.54 billion.
The company’s adjusted first-quarter earnings per share hit $2.17, exceeding the $2 per share estimate.
The National Football League may grant replay officials the authority to call penalties for certain infractions, marking a potential first in professional football history.
Troy Vincent, the NFL’s vice president of football operations, announced that league officials are exploring giving replay booth personnel the power to flag specific violations, particularly those involving non-football conduct.
“You don’t want to just be just expanding the Pandora’s box, but we believe that things like the non-football act, you can really, really restrict what that is,” Vincent explained during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where committee members gathered Monday afternoon. “That’s something that we believe that potentially there’s a little bit of tweaking in the language, that may be the first step.”
Vincent referenced a controversial moment from Super Bowl LX as an example of when this new authority could prove valuable. During that game, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe punched New England Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs, but field officials failed to call a penalty despite the clear violation.
Television replays clearly captured Diggs receiving a left-handed strike to his helmet, while cameras lingered for over 30 seconds on Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel’s frustrated response to the missed call – exactly the type of non-football conduct Vincent discussed during Monday’s meetings.
According to Vincent, there’s decreased opposition to this concept compared to previous discussions, though he emphasized any implementation would be gradual and serve as “the first step in getting to putting flags on the field” for replay officials.
Vincent also confirmed reports that no franchise proposed eliminating the controversial “tush push” play this year. The specialized short-yardage technique, perfected by Philadelphia, sparked heated debate last season when Green Bay raised player safety concerns, but efforts to ban the Eagles’ signature move ultimately failed.
JPMorgan Chase announced Monday it will stick with its annual spending budget of $105 billion while setting a goal of achieving a 17% return on tangible common equity, the nation’s biggest bank told investors.
During a presentation to investors in New York, bank officials expressed optimism about their financial outlook. “We remain confident in achieving our longer-term ambitions,” the banking giant stated.
The return on tangible common equity figure represents an important measure of how well a financial institution uses its physical assets to create sustained profits over time.
Last month, JPMorgan announced fourth-quarter earnings that surpassed what financial analysts had predicted, with the bank’s trading division capitalizing on market turbulence. According to LSEG information, the financial institution exceeded Wall Street earnings projections during each quarter of the previous year.
The bank’s stock performance showed strong gains of 34.4% in 2025, doing better than both the index that tracks major U.S. banking institutions and the overall stock market benchmark.
Following the announcement, JPMorgan shares showed slight increases in after-hours trading sessions.
Livestock commodity markets experienced volatile trading today at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, with cattle contracts experiencing steep declines while hog futures moved higher.
Live cattle contracts faced significant selling pressure as traders cashed in profits and concerns about potential trade policy changes weighed on broader commodity markets. The April live cattle contract dropped $2.75 to close at $239.25 per hundredweight, while the June contract fell $2.07 to settle at $235.45.
Feeder cattle saw even steeper losses, with March contracts tumbling $3.72 to end at $364.30 per hundredweight. The selling was attributed to a combination of technical factors and uncertainty surrounding potential tariff policies affecting agricultural commodities.
In contrast to the cattle market weakness, lean hog futures posted gains during the same trading session, showing the divergent trends affecting different livestock sectors.
WASHINGTON — A devastating nor’easter that buried much of the Northeast under nearly three feet of snow represents the most powerful winter storm to strike the region in ten years, according to weather experts who describe it as a textbook example of extreme weather conditions.
The massive storm rapidly strengthened into what meteorologists classify as a “bomb cyclone” while producing rare phenomena including thundersnow and lightning strikes. Despite creating dangerous and paralyzing conditions for millions across the Eastern Seaboard, weather professionals expressed fascination with the storm’s remarkable combination of intensity and meteorological perfection.
According to Owen Shieh, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center in Maryland, the blizzard achieved what he called a “Goldilocks situation” — perfect atmospheric conditions that maximized snowfall potential. The temperatures were precisely right for heavy, wet snow accumulation; slightly warmer conditions would have prevented snow formation, while colder air would have contained insufficient moisture to fuel such massive precipitation.
The storm also followed an optimal path for maximum impact. Jeff Masters, co-founder of Weather Underground and current meteorologist at Yale Climate Connections, explained that a track slightly more inland would have cut off the system’s oceanic energy source, while a more seaward path would have dumped the heaviest snow over open water instead of populated areas.
“I’ve always been fascinated about how Mother Nature figures out how to put all the pieces together in order to maximize the most extreme outcome,” said private meteorologist Ryan Maue, a former chief scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “I think you could make a pretty good case that this is on par with some of the most impressive blizzards in history.”
“There’s this sweet spot that can generate your highest snow totals and that’s kind of where we’re at, so in a way that kind of adds to that classic-ness of it,” Shieh said.
By Monday midday, Providence shattered its all-time snowfall record with 32.8 inches, surpassing the previous mark set in 1978, with snow continuing to fall, according to the National Weather Service office in Boston.
Other significant accumulations included 26.5 inches at Islip Airport on Long Island, 24.2 inches in Freehold, New Jersey, and 24 inches in Southampton, New York — all recorded before noon Monday while precipitation continued. New York City measured over 15 inches with totals still climbing, and Philadelphia exceeded 13 inches, based on preliminary weather service data.
Shieh warned that the heavy, moisture-laden snow poses serious health risks, particularly for cardiac events during snow removal activities.
“Just a word of caution for those who are going to be out shoveling the snow, that this will be easy to overexert yourself on,” Shieh said. “So take frequent breaks.”
Weather experts evaluate storm strength by measuring atmospheric pressure at the system’s center — lower pressure indicates greater intensity. This particular storm underwent rapid intensification, with pressure dropping 39 millibars within 24 hours, far exceeding the 24-millibar daily decrease threshold required for “bombogenesis” or “bomb cyclone” classification, according to Shieh and Maue.
“I guess you could call it a superbomb,” Maue said.
Masters explained that such winter storms derive their power from temperature contrasts between cold continental air masses and warm, moisture-rich oceanic air, combined with thermal energy from the seas.
“This is about as intense as you can get,” Maue said. The storm’s minimum pressure reading of 966 millibars would equate to Category 2 hurricane strength in tropical systems, leading him to describe it as “a hurricane with snow.”
Former weather service director Louis Uccellini, who authored meteorological textbooks on winter storms, praised the system’s exceptional characteristics, comparing it to notable storms from 2016 and 1961. “It is a classic in terms of not only the snowfall rates, but the intensity of the storm itself,” said Uccellini. “It was just an amazing storm system.”
Research published last summer indicates that climate change is causing the most powerful nor’easters to become significantly more intense in our warming world.
MIT’s Judah Cohen identified a stretched polar vortex — when extremely cold Arctic air typically confined near the North Pole extends southward — as a contributing factor that began just before the storm developed. His separate research from last year found these polar vortex stretching events are becoming more frequent due to Arctic warming.
The storm produced an extraordinary combination of winter and summer weather phenomena, including thundersnow and lightning strikes that excited meteorologists covering the event. Masters noted that such occurrences happen “only in the most intense winter storms.”
Weather Channel extreme weather meteorologist Jim Cantore experienced lightning strikes while reporting live from Plymouth, Massachusetts — remarkably, the same location where he witnessed similar phenomena 11 years earlier during another storm.
“Holy smokes. We got it again baby,” Cantore screamed. “In the same place. Unbelievable.”
Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci, a Plymouth native who said he had long hoped to witness thundersnow, expressed excitement about the “really cool” lightning strikes that hit a New York City skyscraper and offshore wind turbines near the Massachusetts coast. However, Shieh noted that the weather service received no thundersnow reports from New York City.
Weather enthusiasts including Cappucci, Cohen, and Uccellini celebrated satellite imagery of the storm, which clearly showed all the meteorological elements that created such perfect conditions.
Shieh said the storm’s appearance was almost too perfect to be real, resembling something from a Hollywood production.
“It almost looks like CGI (computer generated image),” he said.
American officials have directed non-essential government employees and eligible family members to evacuate the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, following increased security threats throughout the Middle East region.
The State Department announced the evacuation Monday, explaining their decision in an official statement: “The Department of State has ordered the departure of non-emergency US government personnel and eligible family members from US Embassy Beirut.” Officials further stated: “We continuously assess the security environment, and based on our latest review, we determined it prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel.”
This diplomatic withdrawal coincides with a massive American military deployment throughout the region. Current U.S. naval forces include destroyers stationed in the Mediterranean Sea (two vessels), Red Sea (one vessel), and Persian Gulf (four vessels). The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and its four accompanying destroyers are positioned in the Arabian Sea, while the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier arrived in Mediterranean waters Friday with its escort ships.
According to Axios reporting Tuesday, American forces have deployed over 50 fighter aircraft to Middle Eastern locations within the last day, as confirmed by a U.S. official. Flight tracking services documented F-16, F-22, and F-35 warplanes heading toward the region as part of the expanded air and sea presence near Iran.
These security measures occur while Washington prepares for nuclear negotiations with Iran scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. However, The New York Times reports that President Donald Trump is evaluating potential limited military action against Iran designed to force Tehran’s compliance with nuclear agreement terms.
The newspaper’s reporting indicates initial strike options would focus specifically on Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters, ballistic missile installations, or components of Iran’s nuclear program. Should these targeted operations prove unsuccessful, the administration is reportedly considering a broader military campaign later this year designed to remove Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from power.
Canadian government officials have ordered top safety executives from OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, to appear in Ottawa following revelations that the firm detected concerning activity from a future school shooter but failed to notify authorities.
Canada’s Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon announced Monday that he has called OpenAI’s senior safety team to meet with him Tuesday to explain their decision-making process regarding when to alert law enforcement about potentially dangerous users.
Last June, OpenAI discovered the account belonging to Jesse Van Rootselaar through their monitoring systems designed to catch “furtherance of violent activities.” Despite internal discussions among approximately twelve staff members about contacting Canadian authorities, the San Francisco-based company ultimately chose not to reach out to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The tech giant determined that Van Rootselaar’s online behavior fell short of their criteria for law enforcement referral, which requires evidence of “an imminent and credible risk of serious physical harm to others.” Company officials stated they found no indication of immediate or believable attack planning. OpenAI subsequently suspended the account for policy violations.
Earlier this month, the 18-year-old Van Rootselaar carried out one of Canada’s most devastating school attacks, claiming eight lives in a remote British Columbia community before taking her own life.
Only after news of the shooting broke did OpenAI personnel contact the RCMP to share information about Van Rootselaar’s platform usage, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal.
Solomon expressed immediate concern upon learning of OpenAI’s handling of the situation. “I have summoned the senior safety team from OpenAI to come here to Ottawa from the United States,” Solomon stated. “Canadians expect, first of all, that their children particularly are kept safe and these organizations act in a responsible manner.”
Canadian officials held preliminary discussions with some OpenAI representatives Sunday, Solomon confirmed. While he declined to specify whether new regulations for AI chatbots are being considered, the minister emphasized that “all options are on the table.”
The tragic incident unfolded when Van Rootselaar first killed her mother and stepbrother at their family residence before targeting the local school. Authorities noted she had previous mental health-related encounters with police, though her motivations remain unknown.
The attack occurred in Tumbler Ridge, a small community nestled in the Canadian Rockies approximately 600 miles northeast of Vancouver, close to the Alberta border. Among the victims were a 39-year-old educational aide and five students between ages 12 and 13.
This shooting represents Canada’s most lethal mass violence incident since 2020, when a Nova Scotia gunman killed 13 people and caused fires that resulted in nine additional deaths.
Agricultural markets could face significant turbulence in the months ahead, according to a financial expert who specializes in farming economics. Tanner Ehmke, an economist with CoBank, is warning that shifting weather patterns may trigger substantial price fluctuations across commodity markets.
The transition away from La Nina conditions has Ehmke particularly concerned about market stability. “There are signs that we could be getting some hot and dry conditions, so we’ve got to keep an eye on” the developing weather situation, he explained.
Beyond weather concerns, Ehmke is also monitoring how international tensions and conflicts could impact agricultural trade and pricing. These geopolitical factors, combined with changing climate patterns, create a complex environment that could surprise markets with sudden shifts.
The economist’s assessment comes as farmers across the region prepare for the upcoming growing season, making critical decisions about crop selection and input purchases that could be affected by the market volatility he’s predicting.
GALAXIDI, Greece (AP) — In a vibrant display of tradition, people in the Greek coastal community of Galaxidi engage in an exuberant custom of pelting each other with colorful flour sacks, creating a lively spectacle of chaos and celebration.
This spirited tradition serves as the finale to carnival celebrations while simultaneously welcoming the solemn period of Lent. The festive flour battle transforms the seaside community into a rainbow of colors as both locals and tourists participate in the joyous mayhem.
The images showcase this unique cultural celebration curated by Associated Press photographers.
The Israeli Defense Forces and law enforcement officials are looking into allegations that Jewish settlers torched the Abu Bakr al-Taddiq Mosque in the Arab community of Tel, located near Nablus in the West Bank, according to reports from both Palestinian and Israeli sources on Monday.
According to reports, the perpetrators also spray-painted the words “revenge” and “price tag” on the mosque walls after starting the blaze.
The Palestinian Authority’s Religious Affairs Ministry described the incident through the PA-controlled news agency WAFA as a “nationalistic attack.”
In response to the incident, the IDF issued the following statement: “The IDF strongly condemns such incidents, including harm to religious institutions, and will continue to act resolutely to maintain security and order in the region.”
The PA ministry highlighted an increasing pattern of attacks on Islamic religious facilities, claiming that 45 mosques have been targeted in 2025, which they attribute to what they termed a “protection of the occupation.”
In a separate incident also occurring Monday, Israeli forces detained four teenagers suspected of planning an assault on military personnel in Karmiel, according to Israel’s domestic security service, Shin Bet. The security agency stated in their announcement that the suspects had “conspired to carry out an attack targeting soldiers in Karmiel” and noted that several of the individuals had undergone training and received instructions for executing their planned operation.
A series of new trade agreements with Southeast Asian countries could open significant opportunities for American pork producers, according to industry officials.
Maria Zieba, who serves as vice president of government affairs for the National Pork Producers Council, reports that these recent trade frameworks are eliminating barriers that have historically limited U.S. pork exports to the region.
The agreements address both traditional tariffs and other regulatory obstacles that previously restricted trade access. Zieba highlighted Malaysia’s particularly cooperative approach to the negotiations.
“Malaysia went above and beyond,” Zieba stated, adding that “All plants are going” to benefit from the expanded market access.
The development represents a potentially major shift for American pork producers seeking to expand their international market reach in Southeast Asia.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have shut down a section of Arvey Road near its intersection with Hudson Road after a tree fell across the roadway.
The fallen tree is blocking traffic flow, forcing DelDOT to close the affected portion of Arvey Road until crews can safely remove the obstruction and reopen the route to vehicles.
Motorists traveling in the area are advised to seek alternate routes while cleanup operations are underway. DelDOT has not provided an estimated time for when the road will reopen to normal traffic.
Three student-athletes from Goldey-Beacom College earned recognition from the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference this week for their exceptional performances on the court and field.
Sophomore basketball player Tre Powell, who hails from Mount Laurel, New Jersey, was selected for the CACC Men’s Basketball Weekly Honor Roll following another strong week of play.
The college’s baseball program also received recognition, with two players earning spots on the weekly honor roll. Sophomore Roman Keith from Selbyville, Delaware, and senior Kory Williams from Pennsauken, New Jersey, both received the conference accolade for their contributions to the Lightning’s baseball team.
The weekly honors highlight the continued success of Goldey-Beacom’s athletic programs as they compete in conference play this season.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Once considered destined for extinction, the world’s only flightless parrot is making a remarkable comeback thanks to an extraordinary conservation success story.
The kakapo, a nocturnal bird native to New Zealand, was previously thought to have no chance of survival due to its hefty build, sluggish movement, and appealing taste to predators. The species also exhibits an extremely casual attitude toward breeding that has complicated recovery efforts.
However, dedicated conservation work has helped increase the population from just 50 individuals to over 200 during the past thirty years. An abundant harvest of the unusual parrot’s preferred berries has now triggered exceptional breeding activity, raising hopes among conservationists for a record-breaking number of offspring expected in February. This development could significantly advance the kakapo’s journey away from what seemed like inevitable extinction just decades ago.
These remarkable birds inhabit three small, isolated islands located off New Zealand’s southern coastline, making wild sightings extremely uncommon. The current breeding cycle has brought one female to online stardom through a live video feed of her subterranean nesting site, where a chick was anticipated to emerge this week.
While the kakapo represents a magnificent species capable of living 60 to 80 years, their appearance is undeniably distinctive.
These birds can exceed 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) in weight. Their features include owl-like faces, whiskers, and speckled green, yellow and black feathers that blend with filtered sunlight on forest floors.
Living on the ground has created survival challenges for these flightless parrots.
“Kakapo also have a really strong scent,” said Deidre Vercoe, the operations manager for the Department of Conservation’s kakapo program. “They smell really musky and fruity — gorgeous smell.”
This distinctive fragrance proved problematic when humans first reached New Zealand centuries ago. The arrival of rats, dogs, cats and stoats, combined with human hunting and native forest destruction, pushed many of the nation’s ground-dwelling bird species, including the kakapo, toward complete or near elimination.
By 1974, experts believed no kakapo remained alive. Conservation teams continued searching, and during the late 1970s, researchers found a surviving group of these birds.
Restoring their numbers has presented numerous challenges.
The kakapo’s slow population growth stems partly from their unusual reproductive patterns. Successful egg-laying can be separated by years or even decades between occurrences.
Mating seasons occur only every two to four years, triggered by abundant fruit production from native rimu trees that these parrots prefer. The last such event occurred in 2022. Chick survival requires massive food availability, though scientists remain uncertain how adult birds detect these plentiful harvests.
“They’re probably up there in the canopy assessing the fruiting,” said Vercoe. “When there’s a large crop developing, they somehow tune into that.”
The breeding behavior becomes particularly unusual at this point. Male kakapo create hollowed-out depressions in the earth and produce deep booming calls followed by sounds called “chings,” resembling squeaky bed springs.
These resonant booms can travel across entire forests on calm evenings, drawing female kakapo to the males’ ground bowls. Females may produce up to four eggs and raise their young independently.
Since January, bird enthusiasts have enjoyed an uncommon look at this process through live streaming footage of 23-year-old kakapo Rakiura’s underground nest on Whenua Hou island. She has produced three eggs, with two being fertile. Due to the species’ fragile status, the actual eggs have been replaced with artificial ones while the real eggs receive indoor incubation. They will be returned to the nest moments before hatching.
The extraordinary measures New Zealanders have taken to preserve the kakapo may be the only thing more remarkable than the bird itself. Increasing the population four-fold over three decades has required moving them to three isolated, predator-free offshore islands and carefully managing every aspect of their breeding relationships.
“We do what we can to make sure we don’t lose any further genetic diversity,” Vercoe said. “We manage that carefully through having the best matches possible on each island.”
Every bird receives a name and wears a small tracking device on their back; without these monitors, disappeared birds would be nearly impossible to locate. With the kakapo remaining critically endangered, intensive conservation work will likely continue indefinitely, though staff are gradually reducing direct intervention each breeding season.
This meticulous species preservation effort might appear unusual to outsiders, but the parrot represents just one of many unique and spirited birds in a nation where avian species dominate. New Zealand’s only native land mammals consist of two bat species, so the country’s birds, which developed distinctive characteristics before human and predator arrival, have become cherished national icons.
“We don’t have the Eiffel Tower or the pyramids, but we do have kakapo and kiwi,” Vercoe said. “It’s a real New Zealand duty to save these birds.”
GENEVA (AP) — A senior American arms control official on Monday released what he described as newly declassified information about a suspected Chinese underground nuclear test from nearly six years ago, calling on the international community to pressure Beijing and Moscow toward greater nuclear disarmament efforts.
Christopher Yeaw, who serves as assistant secretary of state for arms control and nonproliferation, addressed a United Nations-supported forum following this month’s expiration of the final nuclear weapons agreement between America and Russia. The treaty’s end has removed restrictions on the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals, sparking fears of a renewed arms competition.
Yeaw demanded increased openness from China while highlighting weaknesses in the expired New START agreement, including its failure to cover Russia’s extensive collection of tactical nuclear weapons — estimated at up to 2,000 warheads.
“But perhaps its greatest flaw was that New START did not account for the unprecedented, deliberate, rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup by China,” he told the U.N.-backed Conference on Disarmament.
According to Yeaw, Beijing “has deliberately, and without constraint, massively expanded its nuclear arsenal” contrary to its public statements. He expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding China’s ultimate objectives or “endpoint.”
“We believe China may achieve parity within the next four or five years,” he said.
China has resisted any limitations on its smaller yet expanding nuclear stockpile and continues to deny conducting such nuclear testing.
Yeaw held discussions Monday with Russian representatives and planned to meet with Chinese and additional delegations Tuesday in Geneva. American officials have already conducted multiple sessions with allies, including nuclear powers France and Britain.
During his remarks, Yeaw referenced a blast registered at China’s Lop Nur underground facility in the western region as a 2.75 magnitude seismic occurrence on June 22, 2020, according to data gathered from an international monitoring network station in nearby Kazakhstan.
“It was a probable explosion based upon comparisons between historic explosions and earthquakes,” he said. “The seismic signals were indicative of a single fire explosion, not typical of mining explosions.”
Yeaw stated that China has made monitoring its testing operations “difficult” for the global community and that during negotiations, Beijing refused to permit seismic monitoring equipment at distances comparable to what America allows near its Nevada test facility.
China’s representative to the conference responded Monday that Beijing “resolutely rejects the unfounded accusations” from the US and criticized the “continued distortion and smearing of China’s nuclear policy by certain countries.”
“The U.S. accusation that China conducted a nuclear explosion test is completely unfounded and is merely a pretext for resuming its own nuclear testing,” Ambassador Jian Shen said. “The U.S.’s practice of smearing other countries to evade international arms control obligations seriously damages its own international standing.”
President Donald Trump indicated in October America’s intentions to restart nuclear testing for the first time since 1992, though Energy Secretary Chris Wright subsequently clarified such tests would not involve nuclear detonations.
During his initial presidency, Trump unsuccessfully attempted to establish a three-nation nuclear agreement including China.
Following the New START treaty’s expiration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated America was “pursuing all avenues” to achieve Trump’s “desire for a world with fewer of these awful weapons,” while emphasizing Washington would not remain passive as Russia and China build up their nuclear capabilities.
“Since 2020, China has increased its nuclear weapons stockpile from the low 200s to more than 600 and is on pace to have more than 1,000 warheads by 2030,” Rubio wrote on Substack this month.
America has indicated willingness to explore various diplomatic approaches to address the issue — whether through bilateral discussions, small group negotiations, or broader international talks.
“We are looking to all of you to help encourage nuclear-weapon states like China and Russia to engage meaningfully in a multilateral process,” Yeaw told the conference, which includes approximately 65 nations addressing nuclear, biological and chemical weapons issues.
Shen emphasized that China has continuously backed the objectives of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, “always adhered” to commitments by the five nuclear weapon states to halt nuclear testing and “never” participated in activities violating the agreement.
He also noted that Beijing, despite its recent extensive military expansion, maintains a smaller nuclear arsenal than America or Russia and called it “unfair, unreasonable and unfeasible” to expect China to participate in three-way nuclear arms control discussions.
“China’s nuclear arsenal is not on the same scale as the country with the largest nuclear arsenal, and the strategic security environment faced by China’s nuclear policy is completely different from that of the U.S.,” Shen said.
OAKLAND, Calif. — Roughly 31,000 healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente facilities in California and Hawaii will clock back in on Tuesday, bringing their month-long work stoppage to a close as union leaders report meaningful progress in contract talks.
The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals announced Monday that “significant movement at the bargaining table” led to their decision to suspend the walkout. Union officials have not revealed specifics about what breakthroughs occurred during recent negotiations or outlined terms of any preliminary agreement.
“According to the union, returning members to their patients and their livelihoods is the clearest path to securing a final agreement and building on the progress achieved during the strike,” the organization stated.
Kaiser Permanente management has not yet responded to the union’s announcement about ending the work stoppage.
The labor action, which launched on January 27, represents the second significant strike by this union in recent months. Workers previously walked off the job for five days in October, leading to resumed talks that ultimately stalled in December.
Striking employees, including pharmacists, midwives and rehabilitation therapists, argued their compensation has failed to match rising costs of living while understaffing issues prevent adequate patient care.
Union members sought a 25% pay boost spread across four years, claiming their current wages lag behind comparable positions by at least 7%.
The healthcare giant had offered a 21.5% raise over the same timeframe. Company representatives argued their unionized staff already earns 16% more than industry counterparts on average, and meeting striker demands would force higher costs onto patients.
Medical facilities stayed operational throughout the strike, though some face-to-face appointments moved to telehealth platforms and certain non-urgent procedures were postponed.
Based in Oakland, Kaiser Permanente runs one of America’s biggest nonprofit healthcare networks, providing services to 12.6 million patients across 600 medical facilities and 40 hospitals, primarily in western states.
Meanwhile in New York City, nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital system voted Saturday to accept a new contract, ending their own strike that lasted over a month.
Two additional major New York hospital networks, Montefiore and Mount Sinai, resolved their nursing strikes earlier this month through contract deals with the same union.
Federal law enforcement officials are examining a gunfire exchange that occurred early Sunday morning at New Hampshire’s border with Canada, where an individual allegedly shot at a border patrol officer who fired back and wounded the attacker.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported the confrontation happened around 1 a.m. Sunday in Pittsburg, a small community of approximately 800 residents located at the Canadian border. Bureau officials have not released the identity of the alleged gunman, though they confirmed the individual is being treated at a medical facility.
The border patrol officer involved in the shooting was not injured during the encounter, according to an FBI representative. The gunfire occurred in this remote area that houses New Hampshire’s only international crossing point with Quebec, Canada.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott confirmed the confrontation happened close to the port of entry. The FBI’s Boston division will conduct the investigation alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Hampshire’s District.
“Initial reports indicate that the subject opened fire on the agent at which time the agent returned fire,” Scott said in a statement. “CBP is cooperating fully with investigators.”
Representatives from the FBI, CBP, and U.S. Attorney’s Office refused to share additional details about the alleged shooter or what circumstances preceded the gunfire exchange. The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated in their announcement that more information would be made public if criminal charges are filed against the individual.
Pittsburg sits approximately 150 miles north of New Hampshire’s capital city, Concord. The community shares borders with Maine, Vermont, and Canada. The shooting occurred near this typically peaceful crossing point in New Hampshire’s sole town that adjoins Canada. The international boundary in this area extends for nearly 60 miles.
Israeli health authorities disclosed Monday that roughly 50% of vegetables imported from Palestinian territories contain toxic chemical residues at dangerously elevated concentrations.
During a Knesset Health Committee session, officials reported that approximately 15,000 tons of agricultural products enter Israel annually from these regions, with significant contamination detected across multiple vegetable varieties.
Ziva Hamma, who leads the Health Ministry’s Food Risk Management Department, informed committee members that current testing protocols allow produce shipments to reach markets before laboratory analysis results become available.
According to reporting by The Jerusalem Post, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories announced plans to implement an eight-month suspension period following discoveries that contamination rates reached 50% for cucumbers, 49% for tomatoes, and 66% for hot peppers from Palestinian Authority regions.
The new suspension protocol would require all produce to remain warehoused until testing confirms pesticide levels meet safety standards.
Laboratory analysis revealed that 13% of tested produce contained more than five different chemical pesticides, while 14% of samples showed presence of organophosphates – neurotoxic compounds associated with developmental risks in fetuses, infants, and children, as well as increased Parkinson’s disease risk.
Samir Maadi, Agricultural Coordinator at the Civil Administration, explained that contaminated produce gets removed from sale immediately, with responsible farmers facing temporary market exclusion. Among approximately 3,000 farmers in the program, several hundred have faced disqualification. Banned producers may return to selling after three months, provided they pass subsequent inspections.
MK Amit Halevi from the Likud party criticized the situation, stating: “The data provided by the Health Ministry itself shows that the food of Israeli citizens is poisoned, and the Coordinator of Government Activities’ considerations should not influence the ministry’s decisions.”
Halevi further commented: “Israeli citizens have been suffering from cancer for years because of this produce and the Health Ministry remains silent. Employees of the Ministries of Agriculture and Health have failed in their duties and their mission and obeyed the Civil Administration to poison the citizens.”
The lawmaker also encouraged individuals who developed cancer potentially linked to contaminated produce consumption to pursue legal action against Civil Administration leadership who approved the import procedures.
Federal antitrust officials announced Monday they will launch a public review process to develop updated rules governing when companies can legally cooperate with their competitors, according to a senior Justice Department spokesperson.
The initiative comes at a time when more businesses are turning to third-party services that collect industry-wide data and provide pricing recommendations to clients. Officials from both enforcement agencies are requesting public feedback on which emerging business practices and technologies should be covered in the new guidance.
The agencies had previously operated under guidelines established in 2000, but those rules were scrapped in December 2024 during the final weeks of President Joe Biden’s term after regulators determined they no longer reflected current market conditions.
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey will be sidelined for an extended period following an upper-body injury he suffered during the Milan Cortina Olympics, according to TSN’s Monday report.
The veteran player left Canada’s opening match against Czechia on February 12 and remained out for the rest of the Olympic tournament, missing Sunday’s 2-1 overtime defeat to the United States in the championship game.
Morrissey managed only 7:10 of playing time during the Olympics, marking another setback after he previously sat out last February’s 4 Nations Face-Off title game due to sickness. Canada claimed victory in that Boston event, defeating the U.S. 3-2 in overtime.
The injury creates a significant void for the Jets, who resume play following the Olympic pause with a Wednesday matchup against the Vancouver Canucks. Morrissey serves as a crucial offensive contributor from the blue line and plays in all game situations.
The 30-year-old ranks as Winnipeg’s fourth-highest point producer with 42 points across 56 contests this season, while logging the 11th-most ice time league-wide at 24:37 per game.
“We want Josh in this game. He helps us with puck moving and everything he does, but in the end, if you’re not physically able to do it…” Canada head coach Jon Cooper stated prior to the Olympic championship. “When it comes to the flag, no one is getting in the way of it. If (players are) incapable of giving what they think is optimal effort, they don’t want to put the country in harm. They understand what we have here.”
Now in his tenth complete campaign with Winnipeg, Morrissey was selected 13th overall by the franchise in 2013. Throughout his career, he has accumulated 415 points on 90 goals and 325 assists over 718 NHL appearances.
Following their Presidents’ Trophy championship last year, Winnipeg has fallen dramatically to 13th place in the Western Conference standings, sitting 11 points behind a playoff position.
Detroit Tigers star pitcher Tarik Skubal will limit his participation in next month’s World Baseball Classic to a single appearance for Team USA.
The two-time Cy Young Award recipient announced following his first spring training outing on Monday that he intends to make only one start during the tournament’s group stage, which kicks off March 5. After that appearance, he’ll head back to Detroit and won’t be available for any potential elimination round starts.
Reports indicate Skubal’s single outing for the American squad will occur March 7 during pool play against Great Britain.
“If they go to the finals, I think I’m going to try and lobby to just go watch and be with the guys,” Skubal said.
This decision represents a setback for Team USA, which seeks its second World Baseball Classic championship and first since capturing the title in 2017. Over the past two seasons, Skubal has established himself as baseball’s premier pitcher, accumulating 31 victories combined with an ERA below 2.40 in both 2024 and 2025. Throughout his six-year career with Detroit, he’s compiled a 54-37 record with a 3.08 ERA across 137 games, including 134 starts.
Despite Skubal’s limited availability, the U.S. roster remains deep with pitching talent, featuring 2025 Cy Young winner Paul Skenes alongside 2025 All-Stars Logan Webb, Joe Ryan and Matthew Boyd.
Team USA has been placed in Group B and will begin tournament play March 6 against Brazil in Houston. The group also includes Great Britain, Italy and Mexico. The World Baseball Classic championship game is scheduled for March 17 in Miami.
WASHINGTON – Project managers overseeing a massive $16 billion tunnel construction initiative connecting New York and New Jersey report that prolonged delays in federal funding approval have resulted in substantial financial setbacks totaling millions of dollars.
According to the Gateway Development Corporation, the Trump administration held back crucial funding for the Hudson Tunnel Project beginning October 1st, creating a financial standstill that lasted several months. While federal officials recently approved the release of $235.7 million in previously frozen funds, project leaders indicate the damage has already been done.
The corporation revealed in court documents filed Monday that an additional $19 million remains outstanding for the infrastructure project. Due to ongoing uncertainty about whether the U.S. Transportation Department will continue providing necessary payments, construction crews are only returning to limited operations this week rather than full-scale work resumption.
Multiple sources indicate the Atlanta Falcons intend to place the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts to keep him from entering free agency.
The 25-year-old player was scheduled to become a free agent, but the franchise designation would guarantee him roughly $16.5 million for the 2026 season, which represents the average of the five highest-paid players at the tight end position.
According to NFL Network, both parties plan to negotiate a multi-year contract that would make the franchise tag unnecessary for the coming season. The deadline for reaching such an agreement is July 15.
Selected fourth overall by Atlanta in the 2021 NFL Draft, Pitts has experienced a mixed professional trajectory. While his rookie campaign remains his only season surpassing 1,000 receiving yards, he returned to prominence last year with 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns, marking a career best in scoring.
Under new head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, Pitts will continue serving as a key target in the passing game alongside wide receiver Drake London.
Though the organization has not made an official announcement, Pitts appears to be the first player subject to the franchise tag this offseason. Reports suggest the Dallas Cowboys may apply the designation to wide receiver George Pickens.
NFL teams must finalize their franchise tag decisions by March 3.
The chief executive of agricultural news organization Agri-Pulse has earned a prestigious recognition from the Software Information Industry Association.
Sara Wyant, who established and currently heads Agri-Pulse, received the McAllister Top Management Fellow designation from the industry group. The annual honor includes a special three-day engagement each autumn where the recipient collaborates with both students and professors at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
An Iowa angler has made fishing history by reeling in a black crappie that shattered the state’s previous record. The achievement has garnered attention from fishing enthusiasts across the Midwest.
Mickey Thompson, the angler behind this remarkable catch, recently spoke about his record-breaking experience. The fish exceeded the previous Iowa state record for black crappie, marking a significant milestone for the state’s fishing community.
Details about the exact weight, location, and circumstances surrounding the catch have made this story particularly noteworthy among local fishing circles. Thompson’s achievement represents years of dedication to the sport and knowledge of Iowa’s waterways.
The new record has been officially recognized by state wildlife authorities, cementing Thompson’s place in Iowa fishing history. His success story continues to inspire other anglers hoping to land their own trophy fish in the state’s lakes and rivers.
A leading agricultural economist predicts the Federal Reserve will reduce short-term interest rates in the months ahead as economic conditions shift.
Ernie Goss from Creighton University shared his forecast with Brownfield, stating his expectation for multiple rate reductions. “I look for a couple of cuts on the short end – two or three – going forward. None at this meeting in March, but we will see some rate cuts and that will,” Goss explained.
The economist’s projections come as financial markets closely monitor Federal Reserve policy decisions that could impact borrowing costs across various sectors, including agriculture.
A new bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan promises to boost American wheat exports by permanently removing import tariffs, according to a trade policy specialist.
Ryan Olson from U.S. Wheat Associates explains that this recently unveiled reciprocal trade arrangement will create lasting benefits for American wheat producers by setting tariff rates at zero indefinitely.
“Taiwan has committed to purchasing over 130 million bushels of U.S. wheat almost through the end of this decade,” Olson stated.
The agreement represents a significant opportunity for expanding American agricultural exports to the Taiwan market, with the elimination of trade barriers expected to make U.S. wheat more competitive in the region.
GALAXIDI, Greece — A coastal Greek community transformed into a chaotic battlefield of flying flour Monday as locals and tourists engaged in their traditional celebration marking the beginning of the Lenten season.
The main waterfront street in Galaxidi became covered in a rainbow of colored flour as participants hurled bags of the dyed powder at one another during the annual festivities. Town residents and numerous visitors enthusiastically joined the messy celebration, while others watched safely from nearby balconies.
The colorful chaos lasted several hours, though some dedicated participants continued the festivities well into the evening hours.
“This custom was brought here by (our ancestors) in their sailboats, in 1800. It only exists here,” said Panayiotis Paphilis, a local resident.
This vibrant spectacle occurs annually on Clean Monday, an important Orthodox Christian observance that begins Lent — the 40-day fasting period leading up to Easter. The holiday also signals the conclusion of carnival season, which maintains connections to the nation’s ancient pre-Christian customs.
First-time visitors, particularly young adults, made up a significant portion of the crowd.
“We had a great time. We’ll come back,” said Stephanos Kapetanakis, 28, who was accompanied by several of his friends.
Across most of Greece, Clean Monday observances tend to be much calmer, typically involving kite flying and eating large quantities of shellfish and seafood.
However, in Galaxidi — a former shipping hub located approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of Athens — the celebrations are notably boisterous, with participants attempting to make each year more intense than the last.
While many comparable festivals trace back to ancient pagan origins that have been incorporated into Christian traditions, Galaxidi’s flour battle appears to have more recent beginnings.
The custom dates to the 1800s, when seafaring merchants drew inspiration from similar events they witnessed in Sicily during the era when locally-constructed sailing vessels traveled global trade routes.
Those prosperous times eventually ended, and Galaxidi — now home to 1,700 residents — became cut off from the wider world as harbor traffic declined and mountain ranges blocked road access to other areas.
Road construction didn’t occur until the 1960s, but the decades of isolation helped maintain the community’s distinctive traditions.
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Slovakia has suspended emergency power assistance to Ukraine on Monday, intensifying a disagreement over oil shipments as Ukraine continues to face widespread blackouts from Russian attacks on its electrical infrastructure.
Oil deliveries from Russia to Slovakia and Hungary have been disrupted since January 27 following what Ukrainian authorities describe as Russian drone strikes that harmed the Druzhba pipeline, a crucial route transporting Russian crude through Ukrainian land into Central Europe.
Slovakia and Hungary, considered the EU’s most Russia-friendly nations, have accused Ukraine of intentionally blocking oil shipments. Both countries secured temporary waivers from European Union restrictions on Russian oil imports.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, a populist leader, announced Monday’s action came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused to address the matter with him before Wednesday.
“Given the seriousness of the situation and the declared state of oil emergency in Slovakia, we are forced to take the first reciprocal measure immediately. It will be lifted immediately after the resumption of oil transit to Slovakia,” Fico said in a statement.
“As of today, if the Ukrainian side turns to Slovakia with a request for assistance in stabilizing the Ukrainian energy network, it will not receive such assistance,” he said.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged both nations “to engage in constructive cooperation and responsible behavior.”
Opposition parties in Slovakia criticized the move.
Fico warned of additional actions if oil deliveries don’t restart, including withdrawing Slovak support for Ukraine’s European Union membership bid.
Both Slovakia and Hungary have disputed Ukraine’s account, asserting the Druzhba pipeline remains operational for oil transport, though they haven’t provided supporting evidence.
“Our intelligence services report that the oil pipeline in Ukraine is functional,” Fico said. “Our ambassador to Kyiv has not yet been allowed to visit the part of the oil pipeline that the Ukrainian side claims is damaged.”
The Slovak leader claimed halting oil shipments represented “a purely political decision with the aim of blackmailing Slovakia” due to the country’s differing perspective on the Russian conflict compared to mainstream European views.
Agricultural financing experts are predicting a substantial reduction in rice cultivation across Arkansas this spring season, citing depressed market prices as the primary factor affecting the nation’s leading rice-producing state.
According to Greg Cole, a representative from AgHeritage Farm Credit Services, the state normally plants between 1.3 and 1.4 million acres of rice annually. However, Cole warned in an interview with Brownfield that current economic conditions could force a significant decrease in planted acreage.
“We could see rice acres” drop considerably from typical levels, Cole indicated, as farmers grapple with unfavorable pricing that makes rice cultivation less profitable compared to alternative crops.
This potential decline in Arkansas rice production could have broader implications for the national rice supply, given the state’s dominant position in American rice agriculture.
The chief executive of biofuel company POET is expressing frustration over continued delays in advancing nationwide E15 ethanol legislation through Congress. Jeff Broin, who founded and leads the company, shared his disappointment with the ongoing obstacles preventing year-round E15 availability across the country.
“We have been working on that for literally over a decade,” Broin said in an interview with Brownfield. “I cannot believe what it’s taken.”
According to Broin, pushing federal E15 policy through to President Trump’s desk represents a vital step for America’s rural communities. The legislation would allow the higher ethanol blend to be sold throughout the entire year nationwide, rather than facing seasonal restrictions.
The nation’s egg industry kicked off 2026 with encouraging production figures, according to new data from federal agriculture officials.
January numbers show the country produced nearly 9.2 billion eggs, representing a 2% increase over the same month in 2025. The United States Department of Agriculture released the production statistics showing 9.196 billion eggs were laid during the first month of the year.
The growth stems from improvements in both the size of laying flocks and individual bird productivity. The total number of laying hens reached 374.566 million birds, climbing 1% from the previous year. Meanwhile, production efficiency also improved, with each group of 100 hens producing an average of 2,455 eggs, also up 1% annually.
These January figures suggest the industry may continue its expansion trajectory throughout the year, building on steady growth patterns in the agricultural sector.
TORONTO (AP) — Canada’s most populous province leader declared Monday that mounting pressures are constraining President Donald Trump following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned numerous Trump tariffs, while expressing anticipation for November’s U.S. midterm elections that might further limit Trump’s authority.
Doug Ford, Ontario’s Premier, characterized the current situation as an “economic war” and stated that no agreement would be preferable to a poor arrangement with Trump.
“The situation is extremely difficult at this time. I often pause to reflect, and I’m not alone in this. People worldwide are questioning how a single individual can generate such widespread chaos globally, not just in Canada but everywhere. It’s quite remarkable. I’m eagerly awaiting the midterms,” Ford stated.
Friday’s court ruling eliminated tariffs that Trump had placed on virtually all nations worldwide through emergency powers legislation. Trump has indicated he will now utilize different, though more restricted, legal mechanisms.
“The Supreme Court delivered an encouraging signal,” Ford commented.
While the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, or USMCA, protects most Canadian exports to America, certain tariffs continue to impact specific areas of Canada’s economy, especially aluminum, steel, automotive, and lumber industries.
Ford cautioned that Trump might eliminate the free trade agreement currently under evaluation this year.
Ford mentioned that nations such as Japan and the United Kingdom “hurried to secure agreements and suddenly, he attacked them like a venomous snake. We will proceed carefully.”
Ford highlighted that numerous Republican positions will be contested in November’s congressional elections, including several in neighboring Michigan.
The premier also referenced the House’s recent vote to counter Trump’s Canadian tariffs, representing an unusual though largely ceremonial rejection of White House policies as Republicans joined Democrats despite GOP leadership opposition. The resolution aims to terminate Trump’s declared national emergency used to implement tariffs, though actually reversing the policy would need presidential support, which seems extremely doubtful. The measure now advances to the Senate.
“President Trump is facing increasing constraints,” Ford declared. “You witnessed his defeat in the vote when six Republicans sided with Congress, and then there was the Supreme Court decision.”
Ford indicated the tariffs are driving up prices.
“Americans are experiencing financial strain. They’re not seeing reduced costs for food and other products. This all stems from the instability he’s created worldwide and with his primary global customer,” Ford explained.
Trump has recently threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Canadian imports due to that nation’s proposed China trade agreement, escalating tensions with the longtime U.S. partner and Prime Minister Mark Carney.
PARIS (AP) — France’s foreign minister announced Monday that US Ambassador Charles Kushner will face restrictions on his direct access to French government officials following his failure to attend a mandatory diplomatic meeting.
Kushner was ordered to appear at France’s Foreign Affairs Ministry Monday evening to address controversial statements made by the Trump administration regarding the fatal beating of a far-right activist, but diplomatic sources confirm he did not attend.
Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot implemented the access restrictions citing “this apparent misunderstanding of the basic expectations of the mission of an ambassador, who has the honor of representing his country.”
Despite the diplomatic tensions, French officials indicated willingness to resolve the dispute.
“It remains, of course, possible for Ambassador Charles Kushner to carry out his duties and present himself at the Quai d’Orsay, so that we may hold the diplomatic discussions needed to smooth over the irritants that can inevitably arise in a friendship spanning 250 years,” the ministry stated.
The diplomatic crisis began after the State Department’s Counterterrorism Bureau published a social media post declaring that “reports, corroborated by the French Minister of the Interior, that Quentin Deranque was killed by left-wing militants, should concern us all.” The US Embassy subsequently shared this statement on its social platforms.
Deranque, who was involved in far-right activism, succumbed to severe brain trauma earlier this month following a violent assault in Lyon, France. The attack occurred during clashes on the sidelines of a student gathering featuring a far-left politician as the main speaker.
The incident has intensified France’s already volatile political atmosphere as the nation approaches its upcoming presidential election.
“We reject any instrumentalization of this tragedy, which has plunged a French family into mourning, for political ends,” Barrot declared over the weekend. “We have no lessons to learn, particularly on the issue of violence, from the international reactionary movement.”
The State Department’s original post asserted that “violent radical leftism is on the rise and its role in Quentin Deranque’s death demonstrates the threat it poses to public safety. We will continue to monitor the situation and expect to see the perpetrators of violence brought to justice.”
This marks the second time Kushner has avoided a diplomatic summons, having previously failed to appear in August when called to explain his correspondence to French President Emmanuel Macron criticizing France’s efforts to combat antisemitism. On that occasion, French officials met with a representative from the US embassy instead.
CAIRO (AP) — University campuses throughout Iran’s capital became centers of opposition demonstrations Monday, with eyewitness accounts and online footage showing renewed civil unrest while American military assets position themselves in the region for potential military action.
The campus demonstrations, which saw numerous students voicing backing for Iran’s exiled royal heir from the former monarchy, started over the weekend. Monday witnessed protest activity on no fewer than three university grounds, with one incident resulting in physical confrontations involving the paramilitary Basij force.
Iranian authorities launched a brutal suppression campaign in January targeting widespread demonstrations, resulting in thousands of deaths and the imprisonment of tens of thousands more. President Donald Trump issued threats of military intervention in response before redirecting attention to Iran’s controversial atomic program and demanding negotiations.
American and Iranian representatives plan to conduct another session of indirect negotiations in Geneva this week, with Iran anticipated to present a comprehensive plan for limiting its nuclear activities. The USS Gerald R. Ford, representing the globe’s most massive aircraft carrier, is currently en route to the Middle East to supplement another carrier already deployed.
Iranian officials maintain their atomic program serves entirely civilian purposes and claim no uranium enrichment has occurred since 12 days of combined Israeli and American bombardments last June. The United States and international partners have historically questioned Iran’s intentions regarding nuclear weapons development. Iran has blocked inspections of atomic facilities following extensive bombing campaigns last year.
Country-wide demonstrations began late last year following Iran’s currency collapse under persistent American sanctions targeting the nuclear program. Protesters have demanded the removal of the Shiite religious government that has controlled the nation since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Monday’s demonstrations included activity at Sharif University, a prestigious institution in the capital, according to a student witness. The student described how he and fellow classmates assembled outside dining facilities at midday before covering their faces and applauding while chanting during the Muslim prayer call broadcast through speakers.
As participant numbers grew, one student displayed a printed banner featuring the lion-and-sun symbol of the former monarchy, while dozens voiced support for exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi.
The student reported physical altercations between demonstrators and Basij members, who have historically suppressed opposition activities, as campus security personnel attempted to keep the groups apart.
At the University of Tehran, protest activity occurred during commemorative services for a student killed in previous demonstrations, another student reported. Participants chanted “women, life, freedom” — the rallying cry from 2022 protest movements — and demanded the removal of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The student noted that university security did not intervene. Both student sources requested anonymity citing safety concerns.
Video footage reviewed and confirmed by The Associated Press documented additional protests at Al Zahra University, where female students assembled and voiced pro-Pahlavi messages.
Measuring Pahlavi’s actual support within Iran remains challenging, though some of the largest demonstrations in years erupted in early January following his public call for street protests. Trump issued military action threats regarding protester killings and potential mass executions as authorities worked to eliminate those demonstrations.
The United States-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports at least 7,015 deaths during recent protest activities and government crackdowns, including 214 government personnel. The organization has demonstrated accuracy in documenting casualties during previous Iranian unrest periods and uses activist networks within the country to confirm deaths. The casualty count continues increasing as the group verifies information.
Iran’s government provided its sole official death count from earlier protests on January 21, claiming 3,117 fatalities. Iran’s religious leadership has historically undercounted or failed to report deaths from past civil unrest.
The Associated Press cannot independently verify casualty figures, partly due to significant disruptions affecting Iran’s communication infrastructure.
