A vehicle collision on Route 273 at Harmony Road is causing traffic disruptions with lanes periodically closing as crews respond to the incident.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that drivers should expect delays and plan alternate routes if possible while emergency personnel work to clear the scene.
Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the area and allow extra time for their commute until normal traffic patterns resume.
The Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games taking place in Italy this year are occurring during Ramadan, the sacred Muslim month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, spiritual contemplation, and community gatherings. This timing presents unique challenges and opportunities for Muslim visitors and residents in the predominantly Catholic nation.
The two Olympic venues present contrasting experiences for Muslim worshippers. Milan, known for its diverse and international character, features numerous Islamic centers and mosques throughout the metropolitan area where faithful can congregate for prayers. Several of these locations are extending invitations to people of all backgrounds to join iftar meals, the evening gatherings when Muslims end their daily fast.
However, in the mountainous region surrounding Cortina d’Ampezzo, finding appropriate worship spaces proves more difficult. Despite these obstacles, local Muslim residents have gradually established their own religious communities in recent years.
The Al-Wahid mosque in Milan has extended an open invitation throughout Ramadan, welcoming visitors to participate in fast-breaking ceremonies and evening worship services. Located near the popular Navigli area, this mosque has held official recognition from city authorities as a legitimate house of worship since 2000.
Each Friday, which serves as the primary congregational prayer day in Islamic tradition, brings increased attendance to local mosques. Throughout recent Ramadan seasons, Al-Wahid has hosted representatives from municipal government, community organizations, Catholic Church leadership, and various faith communities during these Friday gatherings. Such interfaith iftar celebrations have gained popularity worldwide, from Muslim-majority nations like Indonesia and Pakistan to countries where Muslims represent smaller populations, including Australia and the United States.
While these open community gatherings weren’t designed specifically for Olympic attendees, they continue weekly until March 14, which falls one day before the Paralympic Games conclude.
“The Olympics are a symbolic moment,” Imam Yahya Pallavicini, vice president of a national Islamic religious association known by its acronym COREIS, told The Associated Press. “Sport, culture and art can help reduce prejudice and fear toward a particular culture or religious identity.”
During one recent evening on February 20, several dozen Muslim worshippers gathered closely together under decorative hanging lights. They awaited the traditional call to prayer before ending their fast with dates served on elegant silver trays. Following this ritual, participants sat together on the floor sharing lentil dishes, rice, meat, and water before concluding with communal prayers.
Research conducted in 2025 by ISMU, a Milan-based migration studies organization, indicates nearly 400,000 Muslims reside in Lombardy, the Italian region containing the highest immigrant population and including Milan, the nation’s second-largest city. The study identifies Moroccan and Egyptian communities as the largest Muslim groups in the area.
According to Pallavicini, the broader Muslim community also encompasses individuals from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bosnia, and numerous other countries.
In Cortina, the second Olympic host city situated approximately 1,220 meters (4,000 feet) above sea level, eight Muslim individuals interviewed by the AP described significant difficulties locating prayer facilities.
This exclusive mountain resort, nicknamed the Queen of the Dolomites, houses slightly more than 5,000 residents. Roughly half the population belongs to Italy’s Ladin ethnic minority, whose ancestors established the mountain settlement of Anpezo one thousand years ago.
Rabah Boubegtiten, who came to work as a driver for Qatari security during the Olympics, described his journey to Brunico — where he discovered the closest mosque — as taking more than an hour on challenging roads. He located the facility through social media after unsuccessful Google searches.
“There are many nationalities here, many Muslims from various countries: Algerians, Tunisians, other Africans, and many Qataris, because we are working with them during the Winter Olympic Games. They look everywhere to find a place to pray, but it’s almost impossible,” Boubegtiten, 52, who lives in Paris and is originally from Algeria, said. “For us, it’s really difficult. Sometimes, even if we want to come, we simply can’t.”
While interfaith prayer rooms exist at athlete residential facilities throughout the Games venues, these spaces remain off-limits to general public access.
Throughout other parts of the Dolomites region, residents have created their own worship areas. Local Muslims report adequate religious facilities around Brunico, which serves approximately 17,000 people, along with halal meat markets and specialty stores catering to the Muslim population.
Approximately 120 worshippers gathered for Friday prayers in Brunico, seated closely together on the floor in a curtain-enclosed room while listening to sermons delivered in Italian. Following services, attendees were asked to contribute donations toward covering rental costs and utility expenses for the space.
“In Italy, Ramadan is not an impossible thing. It is possible to practice Ramadan, it’s possible to pray,” said Kreem Wardi, whose father is Muslim from Morocco and mother is from Italy and Catholic. “It is not easy to find a mosque everywhere in Italy. But in this area, we are fine for now, inshallah.”
Wardi, a 20-year-old student, observed that in Brunico it remains unusual to invite non-Muslims to iftar dinners or share Ramadan customs with the broader community.
“They maybe don’t want to talk about Islam. It’s not that they hate us Muslims, but it’s just that they are maybe not interested, so we don’t want to force it upon them,” he explained.
Although the overwhelming majority of Italy’s 59 million citizens received Catholic baptism, approximately three-quarters currently identify with that faith, while significantly fewer participate in regular church attendance. Muslims total 1.7 million people, representing more than 30% of the foreign resident population for the first time, according to ISMU’s July research findings.
Immigration patterns over the past decade have fueled right-wing, anti-immigrant political movements across parts of Europe. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, promised stricter migration policies upon taking office in 2022, aiming to discourage potential refugees from paying smugglers for dangerous Mediterranean Sea crossings.
While many of Italy’s current Muslim residents are immigrants, Pallavicini noted in Milan that growing numbers include second-generation Italian Muslims, religious converts, and people born within Italy’s borders.
When the evening call to prayer finally resonated throughout the Al-Wahid mosque near 7 p.m., men and women prostrated themselves in synchronized worship, their foreheads touching the floor.
Amina Croce, 28, participated in these prayers. Born to Italian Catholic parents who embraced Islam and raised her within the Muslim faith, she described the mosque as having “been a very significant part of who I am.”
Beyond religious practice, Croce views her faith as integral to Europe’s historical narrative.
“We believe this diversity is part of Italy’s broader cultural heritage,” said Croce, who directs the youth division of COREIS. “It may still be underappreciated, but we hope it will be recognized more in the future.”
Military forces from Denmark conducted an emergency medical evacuation of an American submarine crew member near Greenland waters over the weekend, according to officials.
Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command reported through social media that the sailor was airlifted on Saturday approximately 7 nautical miles from Nuuk, Greenland’s capital city, and taken to a local medical facility. A Danish Seahawk helicopter from a patrol vessel carried out the rescue operation.
The medical emergency occurred as diplomatic tensions escalate between the two NATO partners over Greenland’s future. On Saturday evening, President Trump revealed intentions to dispatch a hospital vessel to the Danish territory, claiming residents lack adequate medical care.
“Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. It’s on the way!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social, referencing his appointed special representative for Greenland matters.
The announcement drew a sharp response from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who pushed back against suggestions that Greenland’s healthcare system is inadequate.
Writing on Facebook Sunday, Frederiksen stated she was “happy to live in a country where there is free and equal access to health for all. Where it’s not insurances and wealth that determine whether you get proper treatment.”
“You have the same approach in Greenland,” she added, concluding her message with “Happy Sunday to you all” alongside a smiling emoji.
Relations between Washington and Copenhagen have deteriorated significantly in recent months as Trump has intensified discussions about potentially acquiring the mineral-rich Arctic island, which holds strategic military importance. The two nations have maintained strong cooperative ties since World War II.
JERUSALEM – Multiple Middle Eastern nations have sharply criticized recent statements made by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee regarding Israel’s territorial claims based on biblical references, with regional leaders describing his words as reckless and provocative.
During a television interview with Tucker Carlson that was recorded Wednesday in Israel and broadcast Friday, Huckabee responded to questions about Israel’s territorial rights rooted in religious scripture. The ambassador, known for his evangelical Christian beliefs and long history of supporting Israel, has consistently backed Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank throughout his political career – territory that Palestinians view as essential for their future nation.
The international community generally considers Israeli settlements in areas seized during the 1967 conflict to violate international law, though Israel rejects this interpretation and points to religious and historical connections to these regions.
When Carlson referenced the Book of Genesis and asked about Israel’s potential claim to lands that God allegedly promised Abraham – territory spanning from the Euphrates River to the Nile and encompassing much of the Middle East – Huckabee responded with controversial remarks.
“It would be fine if they took it all. But I don’t think that’s what we’re talking about here today,” Huckabee stated during the interview.
The ambassador continued by saying: “We’re talking about this land that the state of Israel now lives in and wants to have peace in, they’re not trying to take over Jordan, they’re not trying to take over Syria, they’re not trying to take over Iraq or anywhere else. They want to protect their people.”
These statements triggered a coordinated response from Palestinian leadership and numerous countries including Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan, who issued a unified condemnation.
The joint statement characterized his words as: “Dangerous and inflammatory remarks, which constitute a flagrant violation of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and pose a grave threat to the security and stability of the region.”
A representative from the US Embassy clarified that Huckabee’s statements do not signal any shift in American foreign policy, emphasizing that his complete comments demonstrated Israel’s lack of interest in expanding beyond its existing borders.
Israeli government officials have not yet provided public responses to either the interview content or the regional backlash from the countries that signed the joint condemnation.
MILAN – Olympic officials are celebrating what they’re calling an extraordinary achievement at the Milano Cortina Winter Games, which wrapped up despite facing numerous construction setbacks and organizational challenges leading up to the international competition.
The winter sports spectacular, which kicked off February 6 with an elaborate opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro stadium, had been under intense scrutiny for years as organizers struggled with tight construction timelines and venue delays scattered throughout northern Italy.
As the final curtain prepares to drop at Sunday’s closing ceremony in Verona’s arena, both event organizers and International Olympic Committee leadership are expressing relief and satisfaction.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry praised the effort during her remarks to committee members, stating: “They have been fantastic. It could not happen without incredible teamwork… and we had it every step of the way.”
Coventry, who is overseeing her first Olympics since being elected last year, added: “Over the last two weeks we have seen and experienced incredible Games. I have no words really.”
The positive outcome represents a dramatic turnaround from just weeks before the Games began, when organizers were racing against time to finish the Santagiulia ice hockey facility and the controversial new sliding center in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The sliding center project became a major point of contention during preparations due to its hefty price tag and compressed construction schedule. Italy made the decision in 2023 to proceed with building the new facility, rejecting IOC recommendations to relocate those events to an existing track in another nation.
Italian officials insisted on keeping all Olympic competitions within their borders, adding significant pressure to an already strained organizational effort.
Political tensions also surfaced on opening day, with demonstrators protesting the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement analysts, while Vice President JD Vance faced crowd disapproval when appearing on stadium screens during the ceremony.
The IOC’s pre-Games concerns were evident when Milano Cortina chief Giovanni Malago, himself an IOC member, suffered a stunning defeat in his bid for the Olympic committee’s executive board just before the opening ceremony. An overwhelming 48 members voted against him in an unusual rebuke of a host nation representative.
However, once competition began, most operations proceeded smoothly, catching organizers off guard with their success.
Unlike many Olympic Games that face operational hiccups or atmosphere problems, the Italian event avoided major crises while benefiting from cooperative winter weather that provided spectacular Alpine scenery.
Early worries about transportation between Milan and the mountain venues in the Dolomites quickly subsided, largely because most spectators chose to remain in either the city or mountain locations rather than make the lengthy six-to-seven-hour journey between sites.
The European timing also boosted television audiences across the continent and in North America compared to recent Asian-hosted winter Games. NBC Universal reported selling out all advertising slots a full month before competition started.
The Games received additional momentum from Italy’s strong medal performance, with the host nation capturing 30 medals including 10 golds by Sunday morning, placing them among the top five countries. Domestic interest surged during competition, with several hundred thousand additional tickets sold to bring the total to approximately 1.5 million, up from 1.2 million at the start.
Games chief Malago expressed gratitude to the IOC session, saying: “Thank you for never ceasing to believing in us. For supporting us in the most difficult moments and there were not a few.”
He concluded: “Together we were stronger than any challenge and any adversity.”
ANTERSELVA, Italy – The International Olympic Committee presented its highest honor, the Olympic Order, to International Biathlon Union President Olle Dahlin on Sunday, celebrating his transformative leadership of the winter sport over the past eight years.
The 71-year-old former athlete, who competed in both biathlon and cross-country skiing, received the recognition during the IOC’s closing session, just one day after biathlon concluded its spectacular Olympic run. Dahlin plans to retire from his presidential role before the year ends.
“It has been a fantastic journey, not least this international journey that is being crowned with the Olympic Order, which is perhaps the finest prize in sports in the world. It is a huge honour,” Dahlin shared during an interview at the Antholz-Anterselva Biathlon Centre.
The Swedish leader emphasized how far the sport has progressed under his guidance. “It’s been a tremendous journey in biathlon, it’s now at a top, top level and can be compared to many, if not all, of the world’s biggest sports in terms of the level it is at,” he explained.
“At the Olympics we have seen the development over recent decades on the world stage, the biggest stage that exists. We have top-class stadiums, and our World Cup competition is at a very high level,” Dahlin added.
The recent Olympic competition showcased the sport’s evolution, with massive crowds witnessing intense battles where traditional powerhouses Norway and France claimed multiple medals, though they faced strong challenges from emerging nations.
Nations like Bulgaria and the Czech Republic celebrated bronze medal victories, demonstrating the success of IBU initiatives under Dahlin’s leadership to level the competitive playing field and give smaller countries better opportunities to compete.
The women’s mass start finale exemplified biathlon at its peak, as France’s Oceane Michelon delivered a thrilling final lap performance to overtake Czech Republic’s Tereza Vobornikova for the gold medal, all unfolding before a roaring crowd of enthusiastic spectators.
Dahlin takes particular pride in the IBU’s investment in the Anterselva venue, located in Italy’s biathlon stronghold region, which created an electric atmosphere that captivated fans throughout the competition.
“It’s primarily the atmosphere that has been fantastic. We had the biggest arena at the Olympics with space for 19,000 fans, so we’ve had around 200,000 here in total,” Dahlin noted.
“When people who have never seen biathlon live before come here and experience this, it’s a huge surprise, so it’s been so positive to receive these visitors,” he continued.
Throughout his tenure, Dahlin has championed a data-focused and creative strategy for developing the sport at grassroots levels, with particular emphasis on expanding biathlon’s reach beyond its traditional European base.
“It’s probably easiest to focus on where we already have, but we also see two particular areas where we can focus – North America and Asia – so we’re working with developing the sport there, and also the communication,” he explained.
Attracting new audiences represents a cornerstone of the IBU’s future strategy, leading the organization to significantly expand its internal media and communications operations to connect with potential fans worldwide.
This growing popularity has generated increased revenue streams, providing the IBU with additional resources for further investment in sport development.
“I often say money isn’t everything, but it’s good to have,” Dahlin remarked with a laugh. “Last year we organised a tournament on roller skis in downtown Munich. It cost a lot of money but we had 50,000 fans.”
“We’ve also had more than 100,000 young people test biathlon with laser rifles, so that’s the kind of investment we’re going to make – these things are gaining us more fans, but they are also giving biathlon a future,” he concluded.
State officials in Maryland have granted commercial watermen an additional two weeks to harvest wild oysters after harsh winter conditions prevented boats from reaching fishing areas for extended periods.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources approved extending the harvesting season until April 14, pushing back the original March 31 deadline. Bitter cold weather in January and early February created ice formations across numerous waterways and sections of the Chesapeake Bay, leaving fishing vessels stranded at docks.
All existing regulations regarding equipment types and daily catch limits will continue during the extended period. However, handscraping methods will not be allowed in designated hand tong zones throughout the extension.
State crews operated ice-breaking vessels around the clock this winter to maintain open navigation channels and provide access to oyster beds. Despite these continuous efforts, the extreme cold caused waters to refreeze rapidly, severely limiting commercial fishing operations.
The timing coincides with encouraging news about oyster populations, which have reached their strongest levels in more than twenty years. Recent stock assessments revealed adult oyster numbers in Maryland waters have surged to 7.6 billion, representing more than a three-fold increase from the 2005 low point of 2.4 billion.
Reproduction surveys tracking young oyster development showed healthy breeding activity in 2024 and 2025, following exceptional results in 2023. That record year produced approximately 87 young oysters per bushel – nearly four times the typical average of 23.6 per bushel – with widespread distribution throughout bay waters and tributaries.
The State Oyster Committee, comprised of county oyster committee representatives, initially petitioned for the season extension. The Tidal Fish Advisory Commission, which includes commercial fishermen and seafood industry dealers, reviewed and endorsed the proposal before forwarding it to state officials for final approval.
The extended season also addresses ongoing market difficulties facing oyster harvesters. Despite abundant oyster availability in harvesting areas, buyers have significantly reduced their purchasing frequency, with many watermen reporting sales opportunities limited to just one day per week or less over the past two years.
DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz authorized the two-week extension on Thursday, with the agency posting official notification on its website the same day. The new regulations took effect February 23, 2026, applying to all commercial harvesting equipment types through the April 14 conclusion date.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented a temporary speed reduction on Interstate 495, lowering the limit to 55 miles per hour due to dangerous weather conditions affecting the roadway.
The speed restriction went into effect as weather conditions deteriorated, creating potentially hazardous driving situations for motorists traveling the heavily used highway corridor.
Transportation officials are urging drivers to exercise extra caution and reduce their speed while traveling on I-495 until weather conditions improve and normal speed limits can be restored.
Motorists should expect the reduced speed limit to remain in place until DelDOT determines that road conditions have returned to safe levels for normal highway speeds.
Weather officials have declared a blizzard warning for the Delmarva Peninsula, alerting residents to prepare for potentially dangerous winter storm conditions.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey activated the warning at 6:00 AM on February 22, with hazardous conditions expected to persist until 6:00 PM on February 23.
During a blizzard warning, meteorologists anticipate sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or higher, combined with considerable falling or blowing snow that will reduce visibility to less than a quarter mile for three hours or more.
Local residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and ensure they have adequate supplies including food, water, medications, and emergency equipment. Those who must venture outside should dress in layers and inform others of their travel plans.
The warning affects Delaware and surrounding areas of the Delmarva Peninsula, where winter storms can create particularly hazardous conditions due to the region’s coastal location and flat terrain.
Weather officials have issued a blizzard warning for the Delmarva Peninsula that took effect Friday morning at 6:00 AM and will remain active until Sunday evening at 6:00 PM.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey issued the warning on February 22nd, alerting residents across Delaware and the Eastern Shore to prepare for severe winter weather conditions.
The blizzard warning indicates that significant snowfall, strong winds, and reduced visibility are expected throughout the weekend, creating potentially dangerous travel conditions and other hazards for residents in the region.
Local authorities encourage residents to monitor weather updates closely and take necessary precautions as the storm system moves through the area over the next several days.
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian emergency officials reported Sunday that a large-scale Russian assault using missiles and drones left one person dead in areas surrounding the capital city.
Emergency responders pulled eight individuals from the wreckage of demolished structures, including one child, according to Ukraine’s Emergency Service.
The overnight bombardment sparked blazes and caused destruction across five suburban districts around Kyiv. In Putrivka village within the Fastiv district, rescue teams worked to free residents trapped beneath collapsed debris.
Russian forces also targeted power facilities in Ukraine’s southern Odesa region, igniting major fires that emergency crews later brought under control, officials reported.
Throughout the four-year conflict since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and even as U.S.-led diplomatic initiatives have intensified over the past year, Ukrainian citizens have faced relentless bombardment from above. Russian military forces have increasingly focused their strikes on Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure, depriving civilians of power and heat during the brutal winter months.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported Sunday that the nighttime assault involved 297 drones and 50 missiles of different varieties. Ukrainian defenses successfully intercepted or disabled 274 drones and 33 missiles, while 14 missiles and 23 drones found their targets across 14 different locations. Three missiles remain unaccounted for, according to military officials.
In a separate incident unconnected to the Russian aerial bombardment, an explosion in Ukraine’s western city of Lviv resulted in one fatality and 25 injuries, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced via Telegram on Sunday. Authorities have detained one individual in connection with this incident.
Russian defense officials claimed Sunday that their air defense systems eliminated 86 Ukrainian drones during the overnight period.
In the Russian-controlled Ukrainian city of Luhansk, two Ukrainian drones struck an oil storage facility, injuring a security guard and igniting a fuel tank, according to Moscow-appointed leader Leonid Pasechnik.
India has postponed plans to dispatch a trade delegation to Washington this week, primarily due to confusion following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump, according to a trade ministry official who spoke Sunday.
This represents one of the initial tangible responses from Asian countries to the court’s ruling, which came after Trump implemented a temporary 15% tariff on Saturday – the highest rate permitted under law – on American imports from all nations following the judicial rejection.
“The decision to defer the visit was taken after discussions between officials of the two countries,” said the source, who sought anonymity as the matter is a sensitive one. “No new date for the visit has been decided.”
The postponement stemmed primarily from confusion surrounding tariffs after Friday’s court decision, the official explained.
The Indian delegation was scheduled to depart Sunday for negotiations to complete a preliminary trade agreement, following both nations’ approval of a framework for Washington to reduce punitive 25% tariffs on certain Indian exports connected to New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.
American tariffs on Indian products were planned to decrease to 18%, while India committed to purchasing American goods valued at $500 billion across five years, including energy supplies, aircraft and components, precious metals, and technology items.
India’s opposition Congress party had demanded the preliminary agreement be suspended, pushing for renewed negotiations and challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s choice to release a joint statement prior to the court’s decision.
Saturday saw the Indian trade ministry announce it was examining the consequences of the judicial ruling and subsequent American declarations.
Trade Minister Piyush Goyal stated last week that the preliminary agreement could become effective in April, once remaining issues were settled during the delegation’s Washington visit.
Italy will conclude two weeks of Olympic competition on Sunday evening with an elaborate farewell celebration at the historic Verona Arena, the ancient Roman amphitheater that has hosted countless performances over the centuries.
The finale, titled “Beauty in Action,” begins at 8:30 p.m. local time and will showcase renowned Italian ballet star Roberto Bolle while highlighting the nation’s artistic legacy alongside its sporting accomplishments.
Organizers expect a more festive and casual atmosphere compared to the opening ceremonies, now that all medals have been awarded. Italian performer Achille Lauro and DJ/producer Gabry Ponte are set to energize the crowd, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attending as a special guest.
The venue itself carries significant cultural weight – the open-air Roman structure is famous for opera performances and concerts in the northern Italian city that Shakespeare immortalized in “Romeo and Juliet.”
Attendees paid between 950 euros ($1,120) and 2,900 euros for tickets, with favorable weather conditions expected for the outdoor event.
The Winter Games, jointly hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, have earned praise from new International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, while Italy’s record-breaking medal performance has boosted national spirits. However, some protesters opposing the Games are anticipated to gather near the Arena on Sunday.
These Olympics followed an innovative format, spreading competitions across northern Italy’s mountainous region. Athletes have responded favorably to the arrangement.
“I would say … to Italy, I think that they did an absolutely fantastic job hosting the Olympics,” said U.S. freestyle skier Christopher Lillis, who commended the facilities, cuisine, and welcoming environment.
“So I want to give a huge shout-out to them, because hosting the Olympics is no easy feat,” added Lillis, who captured gold in the mixed team aerials competition in the mountain resort of Livigno.
Political tensions emerged during the opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro stadium, where U.S. Vice President JD Vance faced crowd disapproval and the Israeli delegation encountered some negative reactions.
Olympic flames have been burning in both host cities since the Games began on February 6. These will be put out Sunday but will be rekindled for the Paralympic Games running March 6-15.
Italy will officially transfer hosting responsibilities to the French Alps, which will stage the next Winter Olympics in 2030.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made a diplomatic appeal Sunday, expressing his nation’s opposition to creating a “new Cold War” as he prepares for an upcoming meeting with President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi following a three-day visit to India, the Brazilian leader delivered a direct message to the American president.
“I want to tell U.S. President Donald Trump that we don’t want a new Cold War,” Lula stated. “We don’t want to interfere in any other country, we want all countries to be treated equally.”
The South American president indicated he anticipates meeting with Trump in Washington during the first week of March. Their discussions are expected to cover several key areas including trade relationships, immigration policies, investment opportunities, and academic partnerships between universities.
The leftist leader has previously found himself at odds with Trump on various policy matters, including the Republican president’s tariff strategies, Israel’s military actions in Gaza, U.S. actions regarding Venezuelan President Maduro, and Trump’s Board of Peace initiatives.
When asked about Friday’s Supreme Court ruling that eliminated many of Trump’s tariffs on international goods entering the United States – which Trump indicated would be replaced with 15% duties under different legislation – Lula chose not to provide commentary.
However, the Brazilian president expressed optimism about future diplomatic relations, stating, “I think relations between the U.S. and Brazil will be in a better position.”
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey has issued a coastal flood warning for Delaware’s coastal areas, effective from February 22nd at 4:47 AM through February 23rd at 5:00 AM.
Local residents in coastal communities should prepare for potential flooding conditions during this timeframe. The warning indicates that water levels may rise to levels that could impact low-lying areas, roads, and properties near the shoreline.
Delaware residents are advised to monitor local conditions and take appropriate precautions during the warning period. Those in flood-prone areas should be prepared to take action if water levels begin to rise.
A high-ranking Iranian official revealed Sunday that Tehran and Washington continue to disagree on how sanctions should be removed in return for limitations on Iran’s nuclear activities, with fresh negotiations scheduled for early March.
Speaking to Reuters, the official indicated that Iran might seriously evaluate a plan involving the export of portions of its highly enriched uranium stockpile, reducing the concentration of its enriched uranium, and establishing a regional uranium enrichment partnership. However, the official emphasized that any agreement must acknowledge Iran’s right to “peaceful nuclear enrichment.”
“The negotiations continue and the possibility of reaching an interim agreement exists,” the official stated.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced Friday his expectation to complete a draft counterproposal within days after this week’s nuclear discussions with the United States, while President Donald Trump indicated he was weighing limited military action.
The Iranian official clarified that Tehran would retain control over its oil and mineral assets, though noted that American companies could participate as contractors in Iran’s energy sector operations.
MILAN — The stage is set for the ultimate Olympic hockey showdown as Team USA and Canada prepare to battle for gold in Milan.
The North American hockey giants have proven their dominance throughout the tournament, with both nations advancing to what many consider the most anticipated final matchup possible. Team USA secured their spot by defeating Sweden, while Canada mounted a comeback victory over Finland after trailing by two goals in their semifinal clash.
The rivalry between these neighboring countries has been building momentum, particularly following their intense matchups during last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, which demonstrated their status as the world’s premier hockey nations.
“If you’re going to get through to your goal, you’re going to probably have to go through them at some point,” U.S. winger Matthew Tkachuk said. “They’ve had the success in pretty much all the Olympics that NHL players have been going to. Two great teams, and I can only speak for ourselves, we’re just so excited for this opportunity, honored to represent our country and honored to be in this position.”
Canada enters the final as the defending Olympic champion, having captured gold in both 2010 and 2014 when NHL players last competed in the Games. Meanwhile, Team USA is still chasing their first Olympic gold since the legendary 1980 “Miracle on Ice” victory.
The recent 4 Nations tournament showcased the intensity between these rivals, including one memorable game that began with three fights occurring within the first nine seconds. While Olympic rules prohibit fighting, the competitive fire remains evident, as demonstrated when Canada’s Tom Wilson accepted an automatic ejection for dropping his gloves against France.
“There’s no fighting (but) I expect a hard-fought game, the same as it was the last two times we played them,” U.S. forward J.T. Miller said.
Canada may face a significant challenge with captain Sidney Crosby’s status uncertain after he sustained what appeared to be a right knee injury during their quarterfinal victory over Czechia. Crosby was unable to participate in the semifinal against Finland.
Team USA appears to have better health heading into the championship game. Forward Tage Thompson, who shares the team lead with three goals, briefly left the semifinal after blocking a shot but is anticipated to be ready for the gold medal contest.
For many players, this represents a career-defining moment that will be remembered long after their playing days end.
“Everybody that’s playing is going to be 50 years old one day, not playing in the NHL anymore and playing thousands of games hopefully, and you’re going to remember start to finish a handful of games,” Tkachuk said. “This is probably one of them.”
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey has declared a blizzard warning for the Delmarva Peninsula, effective from 2:56 AM on February 22nd through 6:00 PM on February 23rd.
This weather alert indicates that dangerous winter storm conditions are expected across Delaware and the surrounding region, with the potential for heavy snowfall, powerful winds, and drastically reduced visibility that could make travel extremely hazardous.
Residents throughout the Delmarva area should take immediate steps to prepare for the severe weather event and avoid unnecessary travel during the warning period. The combination of snow and wind associated with blizzard conditions can create life-threatening situations for those caught unprepared.
Local authorities recommend stocking up on essential supplies, ensuring backup power sources are ready, and making arrangements to stay indoors during the height of the storm.
Weather officials have issued a blizzard warning for Delaware and surrounding areas, alerting residents to prepare for severe winter conditions.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey activated the warning at 2:56 AM on Friday, February 22nd. The alert will remain active through Sunday, February 23rd at 6:00 PM.
Residents across the Delmarva Peninsula should take necessary precautions and prepare for potentially dangerous travel conditions and power outages during this extended period of severe weather.
Local emergency management officials recommend stocking up on essential supplies and avoiding unnecessary travel once conditions deteriorate.
Weather officials have issued a blizzard warning for the Delaware region that will remain in effect through Saturday evening.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey activated the warning at 2:56 AM on February 22nd. The alert will continue until 6:00 PM on February 23rd.
Residents across the Delmarva Peninsula should prepare for dangerous winter weather conditions during this timeframe. The weather service typically issues blizzard warnings when sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or higher are expected, along with considerable falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to less than a quarter mile for three hours or more.
Local authorities encourage residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the warning period and to stock up on essential supplies before conditions deteriorate.
The Department of Homeland Security has temporarily halted two popular expedited airport security programs as the partial government shutdown continues to impact federal operations.
Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry services have been suspended, affecting travelers who depend on these programs for quicker passage through airport security checkpoints.
The suspension comes as the government shutdown enters its latest phase, forcing various federal agencies to reduce or eliminate certain services. These trusted traveler programs typically allow pre-approved passengers to move through security screening more rapidly at airports across the country.
The halt in services will likely create longer wait times at airports as travelers who normally use the expedited lanes will need to proceed through standard security screening processes.
KYIV – A deadly bombing attack in western Ukraine has claimed the life of one police officer and left two dozen others wounded, according to Ukrainian National Police reports released Sunday.
The tragic incident unfolded at midnight in the city of Lviv when multiple homemade bombs went off in what authorities are calling a coordinated attack.
“It has been preliminarily established that homemade explosive devices detonated,” police officials announced through their Telegram channel.
According to investigators, the first blast happened when patrol officers responded to reports of a suspected store burglary. A second explosion followed shortly after the initial detonation.
Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi has denounced the deadly incident as an act of terrorism targeting the western Ukrainian city.
The attack adds to the ongoing violence affecting Ukraine, bringing deadly consequences to the historic city of Lviv, located in the country’s western region.
Third-ranked Duke delivered a statement victory Saturday night, defeating the nation’s number one team Michigan 68-63 in a highly anticipated neutral-site battle in Washington D.C.
Cameron Boozer paced the Blue Devils’ attack with 18 points while controlling the glass with a game-leading 10 rebounds. Duke (25-2) received strong support from Isaiah Evans who contributed 14 points, followed by Caleb Foster with 12 and Patrick Ngongba II adding 11. Boozer also facilitated the offense effectively, dishing out a game-high seven assists as the Blue Devils dominated the rebounding battle 41-28.
For Michigan (25-2), Yaxel Lendeborg provided the offensive spark with 21 points, including 16 in the opening half. Morez Johnson Jr. chipped in 13 points while Aday Mara was perfect from the floor, converting all four field goal attempts for 10 points despite foul difficulties. However, the Wolverines struggled with their shooting touch, connecting on just 40% of their field goals and managing only 6-of-25 attempts from beyond the arc. The loss snapped Michigan’s 11-game winning streak.
The matchup drew significant attention, with the NCAA Tournament selection committee earlier that day identifying Michigan and Duke as the top two overall seeds in their bracket preview. A crowd of 20,537 witnessed the contest, marking the season’s largest attendance for a neutral-site game.
In other Top 25 action, fourth-ranked Arizona stunned second-ranked Houston 73-66 on the road, with reserve Anthony Dell’Orso matching his season-best 22 points. The victory gave Arizona (25-2, 12-2 Big 12) sole possession of the conference lead while handing Houston (23-4, 11-3) their first home defeat of the season.
Fifth-ranked UConn bounced back from a recent setback, defeating Villanova 73-63 in Philadelphia. Alex Karaban scored eight of his 12 points after halftime as the Huskies (25-3, 15-2 Big East) received balanced scoring from all five starters.
In a major upset, 23rd-ranked BYU knocked off sixth-ranked Iowa State 79-69 behind AJ Dybantsa’s outstanding performance of 29 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. The Cougars improved to 11-2 at home in Provo, Utah.
Unranked Cincinnati delivered the day’s biggest shock, routing eighth-ranked Kansas 84-68 in Lawrence. Moustapha Thiam led the Bearcats with 28 points and eight rebounds in what became the most lopsided loss to an unranked opponent during Bill Self’s 23-year tenure with the Jayhawks.
Ninth-ranked Nebraska got back on track with an 87-64 victory over Penn State, powered by Pryce Sandfort’s career-high 33 points. Sandfort connected on a personal-best eight three-pointers, extending his school record for threes in a season to 98.
UCLA provided the day’s most dramatic finish, with Donovan Dent driving the length of the court for a game-winning layup as time expired in overtime to defeat 10th-ranked Illinois 95-94. Dent finished with 14 points and a career-high 15 assists for the Bruins.
Other notable results included 11th-ranked Gonzaga holding off Pacific 71-62 behind Graham Ike’s 20 points, which extended his streak of 20-point games to nine consecutive contests, breaking a school record. Twelfth-ranked Florida continued their hot streak with a 94-75 victory over Ole Miss for their seventh straight win, while 13th-ranked Texas Tech bounced back from adversity to rout Kansas State 100-72.
Fourteenth-ranked Virginia extended their winning streak to eight games with an 86-83 victory over Miami, sealed by Chance Mallory’s three free throws with 3.6 seconds remaining. Sixteenth-ranked North Carolina got 19 points from Henri Veesaar in his return to defeat Syracuse 77-64.
Seventeenth-ranked St. John’s continued their impressive run, extending their winning streak to 13 games with an 81-52 domination of Creighton. The Red Storm now lead the Big East Conference and are riding their longest winning streak since 1985.
In upset victories by unranked teams, Tennessee knocked off 19th-ranked Vanderbilt 69-65 behind 17 points from Ja’Kobi Gillespie, while 20th-ranked Arkansas overcame an early deficit to defeat Missouri 94-86.
Twenty-first-ranked Louisville bounced back from a difficult loss earlier in the week, defeating Georgia Tech 87-70 in a dominant home performance. Finally, 25th-ranked Alabama completed the day’s action with a 90-83 victory over LSU, extending their winning streak to six games.
Despite struggling with his shot all night long, Jalen Green delivered when it mattered most, drilling a three-pointer as time expired to give the Phoenix Suns a thrilling 113-110 double-overtime victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday night.
Green’s heroics capped off a remarkable performance from Grayson Allen, who returned from a four-game injury absence to pour in 27 points for the home team. The Suns also dealt with the loss of Dillon Brooks during the contest but managed to pull through in dramatic fashion.
The clutch three-pointer marked Green’s first career game-winning shot, making up for what had been a difficult evening from the field where he connected on just 6 of 26 attempts. Green took control in the final moments, netting Phoenix’s last six points including a driving left-handed layup that put the Suns ahead 110-107 with 33.9 seconds remaining. When Orlando’s Jevon Carter answered with a three-pointer to tie the game, Green responded immediately with his buzzer-beating heroics.
Collin Gillespie contributed 19 points for Phoenix, which played without All-Star Devon Booker. The star guard will miss at least seven days due to a hip injury he suffered during Thursday’s defeat.
Orlando received strong performances from Desmond Bane, who tallied 34 points before fouling out during overtime, while Paolo Banchero added 26 points and Carter finished with 15.
In other NBA action, the New York Knicks staged a remarkable comeback at home, overcoming an 18-point fourth-quarter deficit to edge Houston 108-106. Jalen Brunson provided the decisive basket with 29.5 seconds remaining.
Houston had seized control by outscoring New York 72-41 over a 24-minute stretch, building a 93-75 advantage on Dorian Finney-Smith’s layup with 10:53 left. However, the Knicks responded with a 33-13 run to close the game, holding the Rockets to 4-of-15 shooting while forcing nine turnovers down the stretch.
The drama continued until the final seconds, as Kevin Durant connected on a three-pointer with 2.4 seconds left to pull Houston within 107-106 after OG Anunoby had extended New York’s lead with two free throws. Durant’s desperation half-court attempt at the buzzer fell short after Landry Shamet split a pair of free throws.
New Orleans dominated Philadelphia 126-111 behind Jordan Poole’s 23 points, with seven Pelicans players reaching double figures. Zion Williamson contributed 21 points, eight assists, six rebounds and three steals, while Saddiq Bey added 20 points. DeAndre Jordan, the former 76er, grabbed 15 rebounds to go with six points and four blocks.
Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 27 points, seven assists and five steals but struggled with his shooting, connecting on just 9 of 23 field goal attempts. Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 25 points for the 76ers, who have now dropped eight of their past nine games while playing without Joel Embiid due to knee and shin issues.
Miami rolled past Memphis 136-120 at home, with Andrew Wiggins leading the way with 28 points and Norman Powell adding 25. The victory improved the Heat to 17-11 in home games and handed the Grizzlies their 11th loss in 14 games. Tyler Herro contributed 14 points and six assists in just his second game back after missing over a month with three fractured ribs.
GG Jackson paced Memphis with a season-high 28 points and nine rebounds off the bench, while Jaylen Wells scored 25 points. The loss dropped the Grizzlies to 9-18 in road contests.
Detroit rolled past Chicago 126-110, with Jalen Duren recording 26 points and 13 rebounds while Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris each scored 18. The Pistons forced 23 turnovers and dominated inside with a 68-38 advantage in paint scoring. The defeat extended Chicago’s losing streak to eight games, a new season-worst that surpassed their previous seven-game skid from late November to early December.
Josh Giddey led the Bulls with 27 points and five three-pointers, while Matas Buzelis, Isaac Okoro and Jalen Smith each contributed 15 points.
Finally, San Antonio extended their season-best winning streak to eight games with a 139-122 victory over Sacramento in Austin, Texas. Victor Wembanyama posted 28 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and four blocks to lead the balanced attack. The loss extended Sacramento’s franchise-record losing streak to 16 consecutive games, with Keegan Murray and DeMar DeRozan each scoring 20 points in the defeat.
South Korea’s government issued a formal condemnation Sunday following Japan’s ceremonial observance of contested islands that remain under Seoul’s control, denouncing the event as an improper territorial claim.
The foreign ministry released a statement expressing strong opposition to the Takeshima Day ceremony conducted by Japan’s Shimane prefecture, particularly criticizing the participation of a high-ranking Japanese government representative. Officials demanded Japan cease holding the annual commemoration.
These small islands, called Takeshima by Japan and Dokdo by South Korea, have remained a persistent flashpoint between the neighboring nations. The territorial dispute adds to ongoing tensions stemming from Japan’s occupation of Korea between 1910 and 1945.
“Dokdo is clearly South Korea’s sovereign territory historically, geographically and under international law,” the ministry declared, urging Japan to abandon what officials characterized as baseless territorial assertions and confront historical realities with humility.
South Korean officials summoned a senior Japanese diplomatic representative to the foreign ministry headquarters in Seoul to formally register their objection.
Japan’s foreign ministry had no personnel available for comment Sunday, and calls to the Prime Minister’s Office received no response. Tokyo dispatched a Cabinet Office vice-minister rather than a full cabinet member to attend the ceremony.
This marks the latest in Seoul’s ongoing opposition to Japanese territorial assertions regarding the islands, following Friday’s protest over remarks made by Japan’s foreign minister during parliamentary proceedings claiming Tokyo’s sovereignty over the territory.
The disputed area encompasses valuable fishing waters and potentially sits above substantial natural gas hydrate reserves that Seoul estimates could be worth billions of dollars.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore baseball team opened their 2025 season with a challenging doubleheader against Virginia Military Institute, falling in both contests at Gray-Minor Stadium in Lexington, Virginia on Friday.
While the Hawks couldn’t secure victories in either game, there were bright spots for the team, particularly from freshman player Miguel Guerrero, who made an impressive collegiate debut.
Guerrero achieved several personal milestones during the twin bill, recording his first hit as a college player, driving in his first run, and collecting multiple hits in a single game for the first time at the collegiate level.
The doubleheader marked the beginning of what the Hawks hope will be an improved season as they continue to develop their roster and build chemistry among players.
UMES will look to bounce back from the opening day setbacks as they continue their early season schedule in the coming weeks.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A California state legislator positioned as the leading candidate to take over Nancy Pelosi’s congressional district has already gained national attention for championing controversial measures including restrictions on face coverings for federal officers and legislation protecting transgender minors.
Scott Wiener is anticipated to secure the California Democratic Party’s backing this Sunday, providing additional momentum for his campaign in a crowded primary race. Upon reaching Washington, he may quickly emerge as a new face representing San Francisco’s political landscape, criticized by conservative voices as embodying far-left ideology while sometimes finding himself at odds with progressive allies.
Through 15 years serving in local and state government, Wiener has gained experience managing this delicate political balance.
“Sen. Wiener only does the tough bills,” said Chris Micheli, a veteran Sacramento lobbyist. “He never shies away from a significant political battle.”
The complexities of contemporary Democratic politics became evident for Wiener this January when he modified his position regarding the Gaza conflict. After initially refusing to join progressive rivals in labeling Israel’s military actions as genocide, he later adopted that terminology. This reversal upset several Jewish organizations and prompted Wiener to resign from his co-leadership role in the state Legislative Jewish Caucus.
“For a period of time I chose not to use the word ‘genocide’ because it is so sensitive within the Jewish community,” Wiener explained during an Associated Press interview. “But ultimately I decided I had been effectively saying ‘genocide’ for quite some time.”
Despite his typically composed manner, Wiener frequently finds himself at the heart of California’s most contentious debates, spanning topics from housing development to substance abuse policy. Both supporters and detractors characterize him as someone who fights tenaciously for his legislative priorities.
“If you’re willing to risk people being mad at you, you can get things done and make people’s lives better,” Wiener stated.
Among his legislative achievements are measures mandating major corporations report their direct and indirect carbon emissions and accelerating apartment development near mass transit hubs.
However, his track record includes setbacks as well.
Wiener crafted groundbreaking legislation prohibiting local and federal law enforcement from using face masks following widespread immigration enforcement operations in Southern California last summer. A court prevented the law from being implemented this month — an unusual defeat in the state’s legal confrontations with the Trump administration that prompted criticism of Wiener from Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration.
He also encountered failure with high-profile proposals to legalize psychedelic mushrooms and establish liability for oil and gas corporations regarding climate-related natural disaster damages.
Opposition to his work spans party lines.
Republican lawmakers have condemned numerous policies he’s advanced to protect LGBTQ+ individuals, with some using derogatory language against Wiener, who is openly gay.
Aaron Peskin, a former San Francisco supervisor and vocal progressive, argued that legislation authored by Wiener unintentionally hampered local housing and affordability initiatives.
“It was screwing my government’s ability to deliver goods and services to the people that we represent,” Peskin said.
While Wiener maintains support for Israel’s defensive rights, he expressed growing alarm at the magnitude of its Gaza offensive and restrictions on humanitarian assistance. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 70,000 Palestinian deaths since fighting resumed in late 2023. Though he had sharply condemned Israel’s military conduct, he previously avoided the term “genocide.”
During a January candidate debate, he declined to give a direct response when Democratic contenders were questioned about whether Israel was perpetrating genocide, frustrating pro-Palestinian activists. His competitors, San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan and former technology executive Saikat Chakrabarti, answered affirmatively.
Several days afterward, he published a video statement declaring Israel had committed genocide, sparking criticism from Jewish and pro-Israel organizations who questioned his “moral clarity.”
This episode illustrates the challenging political landscape many Democrats must traverse as polling indicates shifting American attitudes toward Israel. Public support for Israel among Americans reached historic lows in 2025, especially among Democratic and independent voters, while Palestinian sympathy has increased.
“Do I think he wins or loses based on this issue? Not necessarily, but it could become a problem for him,” observed Jim Ross, a San Francisco Bay Area political strategist, noting some voters might worry about his consistency on issues they value.
Among Congress members, only two Jewish representatives — Independent Senator Bernie Sanders and Democratic Representative Becca Balint, both from Vermont — have publicly characterized Israel’s actions as genocide. The Jewish Democratic Council of America reports just a small fraction of congressional Democrats have employed this language.
Wiener was raised in New Jersey within a Conservative Jewish household, a moderately traditional branch of Judaism, and his social circle through high school consisted entirely of synagogue friends, he recalled. At Duke University, he joined a Jewish fraternity and was pleasantly surprised by his fraternity brothers’ acceptance when he disclosed his sexual orientation.
“A lot of Jews just intuitively understand what it means to be part of a marginalized community,” he reflected.
Former House Speaker Pelosi has remained neutral in the congressional race.
Should he win election, Wiener pledged to address San Francisco’s famously expensive cost of living. His challengers campaign on similar commitments while arguing he has inadequately emphasized affordable housing solutions.
Chan and Chakrabarti, a former staff member to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, present themselves as newer candidates better equipped to deliver transformative change following Pelosi’s tenure. They characterize Wiener as a centrist with establishment connections. Chan has won election twice from voters in the city’s Richmond District, while Chakrabarti has never appeared on a ballot.
Political consultant Ross noted the impossibility of matching anyone against Pelosi given her extraordinary political influence. Yet like her, Wiener has demonstrated strong networking abilities, fundraising capacity, and success passing ambitious legislation.
“They’re both about the politics of what they can get done,” Ross concluded.
Communities across the East Coast, including Delaware, are rushing to make final preparations as meteorologists warn of a major blizzard bringing heavy snowfall and destructive winds from Maryland through Massachusetts.
Weather officials caution that Sunday’s storm system could deliver far more severe conditions than initially forecast just days earlier.
Forecasters predict 1 to 2 feet of accumulation across much of the region, prompting blizzard advisories for major metropolitan areas including New York City, Boston, and coastal areas throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Coastal flooding may also affect portions of New York and New Jersey.
“While we do get plenty of these nor’easters that produce heavy snow and strong impacts, it’s been several years since we saw one of this magnitude across this large of a region in this very populated part of the country,” said Cody Snell, a meteorologist at the service’s Weather Prediction Center.
According to Snell, the weather system will make its first appearance Sunday morning near the Washington area before moving northeast toward Philadelphia and New York City, ultimately reaching Boston by evening.
The most substantial snowfall is expected during overnight hours from Sunday into Monday.
Meteorologists indicate the storm may initially bring rain to certain locations before conditions deteriorate. The heaviest accumulations are forecast for Sunday night, with snowfall rates potentially reaching 2 inches per hour in some locations, before diminishing by Monday afternoon.
Wind gusts reaching 55 mph could create whiteout conditions that “will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages,” weather officials warned.
Local authorities are working frantically to prepare for a storm system that meteorologists initially expected to have much less impact.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the city would build upon strategies used during a significant snowfall several weeks prior. However, officials postponed any decision about Monday school operations for now.
“We saw on Friday there was expectation that the likelihood was that we were going to face maybe 3 to 4 inches of snow. Quickly that then changed,” Mamdani said. “So we want to make sure that we make a decision based on up-to-date and accurate information.”
City officials have secured additional snow removal machinery from neighboring areas and plan to expand geocoding technology to monitor bus stops and pedestrian crossings requiring clearance, according to Mamdani.
As the storm approaches, John Berlingieri canceled a family vacation to Puerto Rico to ready his business, Berrington Snow Management, for what may become an enormous undertaking: removing snow from millions of square feet of pavement at shopping centers and industrial facilities throughout Long Island.
Workers have spent recent days charging batteries for the company’s 40 front-loading vehicles and installing new windshield wipers on snow removal equipment before taking Saturday to rest.
“I’m anticipating at least one week of work around the clock,” Berlingieri said. “We’re going to work 24 to 36 hours straight, sleep for a few hours and then go back.”
This storm system arrives as frozen remnants from a previous snowfall that hit the area weeks ago were just beginning to thaw.
Atlantic City, New Jersey officials advised residents and gambling establishment patrons to avoid roadways, particularly in low-elevation areas susceptible to flooding.
“I could go on and on probably with a good two dozen streets where we know we will get water and there will be snow on top of that,” said Scott Evans, the city’s fire chief and emergency management coordinator. “So you won’t be able to see it until it’s too late. So therefore please stay at home.”
Numerous churches have suspended Sunday worship services and programming. To accommodate parishioners, St. Veronica Parish in Howell, New Jersey, scheduled an additional Mass for Saturday evening.
“Please stay safe, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep one another in prayer during the storm,” the Rev. Peter James Alindogan posted online.
The 19th-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers delivered a commanding performance Saturday, overwhelming Oklahoma State 72-40 in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Leading the charge for the Mountaineers was Gia Cooke, who tallied 21 points to pace all scorers. Kierra Wheeler contributed significantly with a double-double performance, recording 18 points and pulling down 10 rebounds in the decisive victory.
West Virginia (22-6, 12-4 Big 12) has been on a strong run lately, capturing five victories in their past six contests. The Mountaineers established control early, taking a 23-12 advantage after the opening period before expanding their lead to 49-23 by the intermission. Cooke was particularly effective in the first half, dropping 16 points while making 6 of 10 field goal attempts and connecting on 4 of 7 three-point shots.
Jordan Harrison provided additional offensive support with 12 points while distributing seven assists and recording five steals. The Mountaineers shot an impressive 50.9% from the field, vastly outperforming Oklahoma State’s 23.1% shooting percentage. The Cowgirls (21-8, 10-6) struggled particularly from long range, converting just 5 of 26 three-point attempts for 19.2%, and managed only five points during the third quarter.
For Oklahoma State, Stailee Heard was the only player to reach double figures, finishing with 13 points and eight rebounds. Micah Gray, who entered the game averaging a team-leading 15.0 points per contest, was held to just three points on 1-of-14 shooting, including 1 of 9 from beyond the arc.
No. 15 Baylor 74, Arizona 60
The Bears mounted a comeback from a 10-point early deficit in Waco, Texas, using a dominant 23-8 second-quarter run to defeat the visiting Wildcats and extend Arizona’s losing streak to five games.
Taliah Scott paced Baylor (23-6, 12-4 Big 12) with 22 points after the Bears fell behind 22-12 following Molly Ladwig’s basket with 1:44 remaining in the opening quarter. Bella Fontleroy dominated the glass with 10 rebounds while Darianna Littlepage-Buggs nearly achieved a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds. Jana Van Gytenbeek facilitated the offense with eight assists.
Arizona (11-16, 2-14) held a 22-15 lead after the first quarter but was also outscored 20-13 in the third period. Daniah Trammell and reserve Noelani Cornfield each contributed 11 points for the Wildcats. Ladwig added 10 points while Tanyuel Welch led the team with nine rebounds.
Colorado 75, No. 20 Texas Tech 68
The Buffaloes staged a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback in Boulder, Colorado, outscoring the Lady Raiders 22-9 in the final period to secure their fifth straight victory and eighth win in nine games.
Zyanna Walker led Colorado (20-8, 11-5 Big 12) with 18 points while Desiree Wooten provided 16 points off the bench. Logyn Greer chipped in 13 points and Anaelle Dutat recorded 11 points along with a game-high eight rebounds. The Buffaloes capitalized on Texas Tech’s mistakes, converting 18 turnovers into 27 points while holding a commanding 34-18 rebounding edge.
Jalynn Bristow delivered an outstanding performance for the Lady Raiders (24-5, 11-5) with 18 points, five blocks, and three steals in their second loss in three games. Bristow was highly efficient, shooting 5 of 6 from the field and 4 of 5 from three-point range while going perfect at the free-throw line. Snudda Collins contributed 13 points and Bailey Maupin added 12 for Texas Tech.
NEW ALBANY, Ind. — Professional football player Rondale Moore, whose promising NFL career was derailed by consecutive season-ending knee injuries, has died at age 25 in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana, according to local authorities.
Police Chief Todd Bailey confirmed that Moore was discovered deceased in a garage on Saturday, with investigators treating the death as a suspected suicide by gunshot. Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin announced that an autopsy was scheduled for Sunday as the investigation continues.
The wide receiver’s career was marked by devastating setbacks in recent years. Following his trade to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Moore suffered a dislocated right knee during training camp and never took the field for the team. After signing with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, tragedy struck again when he tore his left knee while fielding a punt return in the team’s opening preseason contest. The injury was so severe that Moore’s anguished reaction — striking a medical cart with such force that the sound echoed through the stadium — demonstrated his immediate understanding of the career implications.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell released an emotional statement following news of Moore’s death. “I am devastated by the news of Rondale’s death. While Rondale had been a member of the Vikings for a short time, he was someone we came to know well and care about deeply,” O’Connell said. “He was a humble, soft-spoken, and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots. As a player, he was disciplined, dedicated and resilient despite facing adversity multiple times as injuries sidelined him throughout his career. We are all heartbroken by the fact he won’t continue to live out his NFL dream and we won’t all have a chance to watch him flourish.”
The Arizona Cardinals, Moore’s former team, expressed their grief in a public statement, saying they were “devastated and heartbroken.” The organization added, “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who loved him and had the privilege of knowing such a special person.”
Moore’s football journey began in New Albany, located just over the Kentucky border from Louisville. He achieved remarkable success early in his college career, earning first-team All-American honors as a freshman at Purdue University in 2018.
Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore during his time at Purdue, shared heartfelt memories on social media. “Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach. The ultimate competitor who wouldn’t back down from any challenge. Rondale had a work ethic unmatched by anyone. A great teammate that would come through in any situation. We all loved Rondale; we loved his smile and his competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact,” Brohm wrote.
Selected by Arizona in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Moore accumulated 1,201 receiving yards with three touchdowns and added 249 rushing yards with one score across three seasons. During his rookie year, he handled primary return duties for both kickoffs and punts before injuries forced him away from those responsibilities.
Former Cardinals teammate J.J. Watt expressed his shock and sorrow on social media, writing, “Can’t even begin to fathom or process this. There’s just no way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in peace Rondale.”
The Minnesota Vikings confirmed they had reached out to Moore’s family to provide support and condolences during this difficult time.
LONDON — Britain’s royal family operates without political power but remains highly sensitive to public opinion, a reality now playing out dramatically with Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s legal troubles.
The former prince spent nearly 11 hours in police custody Thursday after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Authorities are examining whether Mountbatten-Windsor leaked confidential trade secrets to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his time as Britain’s trade representative. These charges are separate from previous allegations connected to Epstein’s trafficking crimes.
While Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly rejected claims about his Epstein connections, he hasn’t addressed these latest accusations, which emerged from extensive Epstein documents released by U.S. federal prosecutors.
King Charles III finds his brother’s ongoing legal issues dominating his fourth year on the throne.
The monarch, who is battling an undisclosed cancer diagnosis, must maintain royal duties as normal. The crown demands nothing short of complete continuity.
However, the persistent investigations surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor, particularly the image of him appearing stunned in his luxury vehicle, will prove difficult to overcome.
Charles is working to shield the monarchy from additional Andrew-related controversies stemming from his Epstein ties. Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan detention facility in August 2019 while facing trafficking charges.
The king has removed all of Andrew’s royal designations and expelled him from his Windsor estate residence. Charles now states the legal system “must take its course.”
The ultimate outcome remains uncertain. For Britain’s monarchy, this represents a potential catastrophe rivaling any crisis since the House of Windsor emerged over 100 years ago.
The Windsor dynasty emerged from wartime turmoil.
European royal bloodlines are interconnected, with Britain’s heavily influenced by German heritage, particularly after Queen Victoria wed Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, producing nine offspring.
During the 1914 conflict between Britain and Germany, some extended British royal relatives found themselves supporting opposite sides.
King George V transformed the family surname from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to Windsor in 1917, establishing laws to strip titles from nobility supporting German forces.
Prince Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale, lost his British royal status for supporting Germany under the 1917 legislation, implemented in 1919 after the war concluded.
The House of Commons Library notes “this was the first and only time such a title has been removed in this way.”
Though no longer prince or Duke of York, Mountbatten-Windsor remains eighth for the throne. The current British administration announced Friday it’s exploring legislation to eliminate Andrew from royal succession.
The romance between Edward, Prince of Wales, and American socialite Wallis Simpson evolved from a problem into a constitutional emergency. Simpson had divorced twice, while Edward, the throne’s heir, would lead the Church of England, which prohibited divorced individuals from church remarriage.
Edward assumed the crown as King Edward VIII following his father King George V’s death in early 1936. He maintained his marriage intentions despite government resistance.
Choosing between royal obligation and personal desires, he abandoned the throne in December 1936, declaring in a radio address: “I have found it impossible … to discharge my duties as king as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love.”
This revelation surprised many Britons, though international audiences knew more. British media had avoided covering the relationship, while foreign publications had controversial content removed before distribution.
The abdication redirected the monarchy’s path. Edward’s younger brother became King George VI, followed by his daughter Queen Elizabeth II, then after her seven-decade reign, her son King Charles III. Each emphasized duty as the monarch’s essential quality — something Edward appeared to lack.
Edward and Wallis, later Duke and Duchess of Windsor and suspected of German sympathies, were relocated to the Bahamas for his gubernatorial service. Post-war, they largely avoided Britain, pursuing a wandering lifestyle of wealth.
Princess Diana’s fatal car accident in Paris during 1997, at age 36, devastated global audiences and left her family, including sons William and Harry, ages 15 and 12, grieving.
The intense public response surprised the royal household. Enormous flower displays accumulated outside Buckingham Palace and Diana’s Kensington Palace residence, mourning a princess the royal family had isolated following her 1992 divorce from Charles.
The queen remained at Scotland’s Balmoral for her annual vacation with Prince Philip, Charles, William and Harry. The family maintained private mourning and regular schedules — bringing the grief-stricken boys to Sunday services — while the queen delayed public statements for days.
Prime Minister Tony Blair advised public grieving displays, perfectly capturing popular sentiment by calling Diana “the people’s princess.”
Following newspaper demands reading “Speak to us Ma’am” and “Show us you care,” the queen delivered a live national television address before Diana’s funeral.
“What I say to you now, as your queen and as a grandmother, I say from my heart,” the queen declared, recognizing national sorrow, honoring Diana and vowing to preserve her legacy.
Recently, Andrew had attempted family reconciliation, benefiting somewhat from Prince Harry’s difficulties.
Harry became distant from his father and elder brother Prince William, the throne’s heir, after he and wife Meghan abandoned royal duties for California in 2020. The pair publicly criticized the royal family through an Oprah Winfrey interview and Netflix documentary. Harry intensified conflicts by sharing private conversations in his book “Spare.”
Harry also violated royal tradition by pursuing legal remedies for his disputes. He became the first senior royal testifying in court for over a century during his successful phone hacking case against Daily Mirror.
His unsuccessful attempt to restore stripped police protection was perceived as challenging his father’s administration.
When courts ultimately dismissed the case, it created reunion opportunities between father and son. They met for tea at Charles’ London residence, Clarence House, in September 2024 — their first encounter in more than a year.
The visit lasted under an hour.
Russia’s comprehensive assault on Ukraine has now stretched beyond 1,418 days last month, marking a grim milestone that surpasses the duration Moscow needed to defeat Nazi Germany during World War II.
Yet unlike the Soviet forces that marched to Berlin eight decades earlier in their Great Patriotic War, Russia’s four-year comprehensive offensive against its neighboring country continues to struggle in capturing Ukraine’s eastern industrial regions completely.
Following Moscow’s unsuccessful attempt to capture Kyiv and establish a proxy government in February 2022, the battle has devolved into static warfare with enormous losses. Estimates suggest close to 2 million troops have been killed, injured, or are unaccounted for across both armies in Europe’s most catastrophic war since the 1940s.
Moscow has controlled approximately 20% of Ukrainian land since its illegal seizure of Crimea in 2014, though territorial advances following the February 24, 2022 assault have been minimal. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte recently compared Moscow’s progress to “the speed of a garden snail.”
Over the past two years, Russian forces have advanced merely 50 kilometers (roughly 30 miles) into Ukraine’s Donetsk region through brutal combat for control of several key positions.
Even with the sluggish progress and enormous costs, President Vladimir Putin continues pressing his extreme conditions in American-brokered peace negotiations, demanding that Kyiv withdraw its military from four Ukrainian territories that Moscow illegally claimed but never completely conquered. Putin has consistently threatened nuclear retaliation to discourage Western nations from increasing military aid to Kyiv.
What began with rapid movements of massive troop formations and armored vehicles during Russia’s initial assault and Ukraine’s fall 2022 counter-attack has transformed into devastating static combat across the 1,200-kilometer (750-mile) battle line.
The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies calculated Russian military losses at 1.2 million, with 325,000 deaths. Ukrainian military casualties were estimated at 600,000, including 140,000 fatalities.
“Russia has suffered the highest casualty rate of any major power in any war since World War II, and its military has performed poorly, with historically slow rates of advance and little new territory to show for its efforts over the last two years,” the organization stated, highlighting that Russian forces averaged just 70 meters (76½ yards) daily progress over two years to reach the transportation center of Pokrovsk.
Unmanned aircraft are playing a pivotal role for the first time in warfare history, making it virtually impossible for either military to secretly concentrate large numbers of soldiers.
From the conflict’s beginning, Ukraine has deployed drones to counter Moscow’s firepower advantage and halt its advances, though Russia has dramatically expanded drone usage and introduced longer-range fiber-optic connected drones to prevent electronic interference. These have extended the danger zone to 50 kilometers (approximately 30 miles) from the front lines, leaving the landscape covered in fiber strands.
The combination of advanced drone technology and World War I-era trench combat has forced small infantry units — frequently just two or three soldiers — to attempt infiltrating enemy positions in towns destroyed by Russian heavy artillery and glide bombs. Moving supplies and rescuing wounded personnel presents major difficulties as drones target supply lines.
Ukrainian leadership described this winter as the war’s most difficult period. Russia dramatically intensified attacks on the nation’s electrical infrastructure, creating power outages in Kyiv where electricity to many residents was limited to several hours daily during freezing temperatures.
Moscow has also increasingly attacked power transmission lines to stop energy transfers and fragment Ukraine’s electrical grid into separate sections, adding stress to the system.
Ukraine responded with long-distance drone strikes on petroleum refineries and other energy infrastructure deep within Russia, seeking to reduce Moscow’s export income.
Ukrainian drones and missiles destroyed multiple Russian naval vessels in the Black Sea, compelling Moscow to relocate its fleet from Russian-controlled Crimea to Novorossiysk. In a bold operation called “Spiderweb,” Ukraine launched truck-based drone attacks on several airbases housing long-range bombers throughout Russia in June, delivering an embarrassing defeat to the Kremlin.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously vowed to resolve the conflict in one day, has worked to halt the violence, but mediation attempts have encountered vastly different requirements from both sides.
Putin demands Ukraine withdraw its forces from the Donetsk region areas it still holds, abandon NATO membership aspirations, limit its military capabilities, and provide official recognition to Russian language, among other conditions Ukraine has refused.
Moscow has indicated openness to Kyiv’s potential European Union membership but firmly rejected any European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine as part of any agreement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks a ceasefire along current battle lines, while Putin rejects any temporary truce, insisting on a complete peace settlement.
“The territorial issue is important to the Kremlin, but the war has a more ambitious goal: to create a Ukraine that would be entirely within Russia’s sphere of influence and not perceived by Moscow as ‘anti-Russia,’” noted Tatiana Stanovaya of Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.
Ukraine and its partners claim Putin is prolonging negotiations while capturing additional territory. The Kremlin accuses Kyiv and European allies of attempting to sabotage a preliminary agreement reached between Trump and Putin at their Alaska meeting.
Despite maintaining their stances, both Putin and Zelenskyy have complimented American mediation efforts and attempted to gain Trump’s support.
Following a problematic White House meeting last year, Zelenskyy has taken a more pragmatic negotiating approach, highlighting Ukraine’s willingness to compromise.
When Trump suggested holding presidential elections in Ukraine, Zelenskyy indicated willingness despite elections being prohibited under martial law. He proposed combining elections with a peace agreement referendum, but emphasized voting could only occur after establishing a ceasefire and securing defense guarantees from America and other partners.
Zelenskyy revealed the White House established a June deadline for ending the war and will likely pressure both nations to comply. However, even with Trump’s apparent eagerness for a peace agreement before U.S. midterm elections, obstacles persist.
With Putin demanding Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donetsk and Zelenskyy refusing, a rapid agreement seems improbable. Zelenskyy also expressed doubt about a compromise American proposal to transform the eastern region into a special economic zone.
The Kremlin believes its attacks will eventually compel Kyiv to accept Moscow’s conditions. Ukraine hopes to persist until Trump becomes impatient and increases sanctions against Russia, forcing Putin to end his military campaign. Yet Trump frequently appears to lose patience with Zelenskyy instead.
The conflict and Western economic restrictions have increasingly pressured Russia’s economy. Economic expansion has nearly stopped due to continuing inflation and worker shortages. Recent U.S. sanctions targeting Russian oil exports have intensified these pressures.
Despite economic difficulties, Russia’s weapons manufacturing has boosted production while its government has protected crucial groups like military personnel and factory workers from hardship.
“Its economy is poorer, less efficient and less promising than it might otherwise have been,” wrote Richard Connolly of the Royal United Services Institute. “But it remains capable of sustaining the war. Its elites are more dependent on the regime, not less. Its political system is insulated from the transmission of economic discontent into pressure for regime change.”
LONDON — Hollywood celebrities are gathering in London tonight for the British Academy Film Awards, where two blockbuster films are competing head-to-head for the evening’s biggest prizes.
The political thriller “One Battle After Another” enters the ceremony with the most recognition at 14 nominations, while the blues-themed epic “Sinners” trails closely behind with 13 nods from British film industry voters.
However, betting experts believe the Shakespearean drama “Hamnet” might surprise both frontrunners for the top award if voters are drawn to its emotional storytelling, English countryside backdrop, and powerful acting in Chloé Zhao’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s historical novel.
“Hamnet” and the table tennis adventure “Marty Supreme” each received 11 nominations, while Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” remake and the Norwegian family story “Sentimental Value” both earned eight nominations apiece.
These British honors, officially known as the EE BAFTA Film Awards, frequently signal which films will triumph at Hollywood’s Oscar ceremony scheduled for March 15. In Academy Award nominations, “Sinners” broke records with 16 nominations, while “One Battle After Another” secured 13.
A-list celebrities including Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Glenn Close and Ethan Hawke are anticipated to walk the red carpet outside London’s Royal Festival Hall before the formal ceremony begins, with Scottish performer Alan Cumming serving as host.
Cumming, known for hosting the American edition of “The Traitors” reality series, promised to maintain a “balance between celebration and mischief” during the evening.
Five films are vying for the BAFTA’s top honor: “One Battle After Another,” “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “Sinners” and “Sentimental Value.” The ceremony also highlights British cinema with a dedicated category featuring 10 domestic films including “The Ballad of Wallis Island,” “Pillion,” “I Swear” and “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.”
Six filmmakers are competing for the directing award: Paul Thomas Anderson for “One Battle,” Josh Safdie for “Marty Supreme,” Ryan Coogler for “Sinners,” Yorgos Lanthimos for the dystopian comedy “Bugonia,” Joachim Trier for “Sentimental Value” and Zhao for “Hamnet.” A victory for Zhao would make her the first woman to claim two BAFTA directing prizes, following her 2021 win for “Nomadland.”
In the leading actor race, oddsmakers favor Timothée Chalamet for “Marty Supreme,” competing against Leonardo DiCaprio for “One Battle After Another,” Ethan Hawke for Broadway drama “Blue Moon,” Michael B. Jordan for “Sinners,” Jesse Plemons for “Bugonia” and Robert Aramayo for his portrayal of a man with Tourette’s syndrome in “I Swear.”
The leading actress competition features heavy favorite Jessie Buckley for her role as Agnes Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife, in “Hamnet.” Her competition includes Rose Byrne for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” Kate Hudson for “Song Sung Blue,” Chase Infiniti for “One Battle After Another,” Renate Reinsve for “Sentimental Value” and Emma Stone for “Bugonia.”
Three performers from “One Battle” — Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn — all earned supporting performance nominations.
The Associated Press received recognition in the documentary category through Mstyslav Chernov’s powerful Ukraine war film “2000 Meters to Andriivka,” which AP co-produced with Frontline PBS.
While 8,500 British film industry professionals select most winners, the Rising Star award relies on public voting and has successfully identified future major stars. This year’s candidates are Infiniti, Aramayo, “Sinners” actor Miles Caton and British performers Archie Madekwe and Posy Sterling.
Donna Langley, the British-born leader of NBCUniversal Entertainment, will receive the academy’s most prestigious recognition, the BAFTA fellowship.
Tonight’s ceremony begins at 2 p.m. Eastern time on BBC in Britain and 8 p.m. Eastern on E! network in America.
A young woman seeking asylum in the United States found herself back in Morocco and living in fear, despite receiving legal protection from deportation by a federal immigration judge.
Farah, a 21-year-old who fled Morocco due to violence from her family over her sexual orientation, experienced what immigration attorneys call a legal workaround that bypassed court-ordered protections. Homosexuality remains criminalized in Morocco, carrying potential prison sentences of up to three years.
“It is hard to live and work with the fear of being tracked once again by my family,” Farah explained to reporters, requesting only her first name be used due to safety concerns. “But there is nothing I can do. I have to work.”
Her ordeal began in Morocco, where she faced brutal treatment from both her own family and her partner’s relatives after their relationship was discovered. Following beatings and death threats, she escaped the country with her partner, obtaining Brazilian visas before making the dangerous journey through six nations to reach the U.S. border.
“You get put in situations that are truly horrible,” she remembered. “When we arrived (at the U.S. border), it felt like it was worth the trouble and that we got to our goal.”
After arriving in early 2025, Farah spent nearly a year in immigration detention facilities in Arizona and Louisiana. She described harsh conditions, including inadequate heating and poor medical treatment.
“It was very cold,” she recalled about the detention experience. “And we only had very thin blankets.”
While her asylum request was ultimately rejected, Farah received a crucial victory in August when a federal immigration judge issued a protection order specifically barring her deportation to Morocco, determining such action would put her life at risk. Her partner faced a different outcome, being denied both asylum and protection before deportation.
Just three days before a scheduled hearing regarding her potential release, immigration officials took Farah into custody and transported her to Cameroon, a nation she had never visited and where homosexuality is also illegal. She was placed in a detention facility in the capital city of Yaounde.
“They asked me if I wanted to stay in Cameroon, and I told them that I can’t stay in Cameroon and risk my life in a place where I would still be endangered,” she explained. Authorities subsequently sent her to Morocco.
Immigration attorney Alma David, who works with the U.S.-based Novo Legal Group and helped verify Farah’s situation, described the practice as exploiting a legal gap in the system.
“By deporting them to Cameroon, and giving them no opportunity to contest being sent to a country whose government hoped to quietly send them back to the very countries where they face grave danger, the U.S. not only violated their due process rights but our own immigration laws, our obligations under international treaties and even DHS’ own procedures,” David stated.
According to attorney Joseph Awah Fru, who represents deportees in Cameroon, all nine individuals on the first deportation flight in January had received judicial protection orders. The facility currently houses 15 deportees from various African nations, none of whom are Cameroonian citizens.
A second flight arrived Monday carrying eight additional people, including two women from Ghana and Congo who claim they also possessed protection orders.
The Department of Homeland Security defended the deportation strategy, stating it applies existing law regardless of judicial findings about individuals’ right to remain in the country. Officials assert that third-country agreements maintain constitutional due process requirements.
“We are applying the law as written. If a judge finds an illegal alien has no right to be in this country, we are going to remove them. Period,” the department declared.
The State Department declined to discuss details of diplomatic communications with other governments regarding the deportation arrangements.
David criticized the limited options presented to deportees, arguing that asylum claims weren’t clearly explained as alternatives to returning home.
“They were given two impossible choices,” David said. “This was before the lawyer had access to them. They’d been alone there in that facility without any help from anybody or any indication that there was gonna be an option other than going back to their home countries.”
The Trump administration has established third-country deportation agreements with at least seven African nations, including South Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda, Eswatini, Ghana and Equatorial Guinea. Some countries have received millions in compensation, though details of the Cameroon agreement remain undisclosed.
Recent analysis by Democratic Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff indicates the administration has spent at least $40 million deporting approximately 300 migrants to countries other than their homelands. Internal documents suggest 47 additional third-country agreements are under negotiation.
The International Organization for Migration, a United Nations-affiliated group, acknowledged awareness of the deportations and described its role as providing information to help people make informed decisions about returning to their origin countries voluntarily.
Now back in Morocco, Farah expressed frustration with how U.S. officials characterize people in her situation as security threats.
“The USA is built on immigration and by immigrant labor, so we’re clearly not all threats,” she said. “What was done to me was unfair. A normal deportation would have been fair, but to go through so much and lose so much, only to be deported in such a way, is cruel.”
WASHINGTON — Federal officials have put a stop to expedited airport security programs amid an ongoing partial government shutdown that began last week.
The Department of Homeland Security announced it will no longer operate TSA PreCheck and Global Entry services, which typically allow pre-approved travelers to move through airport checkpoints more quickly. The halt in these services is expected to create longer wait times and additional frustration for air travelers.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem released a statement acknowledging that government shutdowns create significant impacts in the real world. Noem explained that both TSA and Customs and Border Protection agencies are focusing their limited resources on serving all travelers rather than providing expedited services and special assistance.
The government funding lapse started on February 14th when congressional Democrats and the White House failed to agree on spending legislation for the Department of Homeland Security. The standoff centers on Democratic lawmakers’ demands for modifications to immigration enforcement policies that form a key part of President Donald Trump’s deportation efforts.
House Democrats serving on the Homeland Security Committee have voiced strong opposition to the airport security decision. Through social media posts, they accused the current administration of deliberately undermining programs that enhance both travel efficiency and security, claiming officials are intentionally disrupting passenger travel experiences.
ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of Delaware’s women’s swimming and diving squad made history Saturday night, capturing their first-ever Atlantic Sun Conference championship during their debut season in the league.
The Blue Hens secured the title with a narrow victory, accumulating 1,627 points to narrowly defeat Florida Gulf Coast University, which finished with 1,619 points – a margin of just eight points.
This championship marks a significant milestone for the Delaware program as they transition into their new conference home in the ASUN. The victory demonstrates the team’s immediate competitive impact in their inaugural season within the Atlantic Sun Conference.
Motorists traveling on Route 13 should expect delays near Bally’s Casino after a traffic accident forced the closure of several lanes in both directions.
According to DelDOT officials, the collision has shut down the left lane for northbound traffic on US Route 13. Additionally, all left turn lanes heading southbound at the casino location have been blocked to traffic.
Drivers are advised to use alternate routes or allow extra travel time when passing through the area. No timeline has been provided for when the lanes will fully reopen to traffic.
Delaware transportation officials have blocked traffic on Silver Lake Road at Noxontown Road as emergency responders deal with an active situation in the area.
The Delaware Department of Transportation announced the road closure, though specific details about the nature of the emergency have not been released at this time.
Drivers are advised to find alternate routes while crews work to resolve the incident and reopen the roadway to normal traffic flow.
The Delaware State University softball program has revealed modifications to their competitive calendar for the upcoming season.
Officials with the Hornets athletics department confirmed that their scheduled contest against Mississippi State University will not take place as originally planned.
The university has not provided additional details regarding the reasoning behind the scheduling adjustment or whether the game will be rescheduled for a later date.
Delaware State’s softball team continues to prepare for their remaining scheduled competitions as they work toward the start of their season.
HARARE, Zimbabwe — In a dusty area outside Zimbabwe’s capital city, dozens of young women, mothers carrying infants, and men gathered in lines Thursday to receive doses of a revolutionary HIV prevention medication that requires just two injections annually.
The southern African nation, which has experienced tens of thousands of HIV-related fatalities over the last twenty years, has become among the initial countries to distribute lenacapavir, an extended-release medication that officials believe will reduce new infection rates.
Clinical trials have shown the treatment provides nearly complete protection, leading some medical experts to call it a game-changer for vulnerable populations. However, others caution that transforming this scientific breakthrough into widespread success will depend on addressing funding limitations, healthcare system weaknesses, and maintaining patient participation.
Following her injection at the Zimbabwe launch event, Constance Mukoloka emerged from a mobile healthcare unit with a bright smile of relief after becoming one of the initial recipients.
“I am safe, I can work with confidence now,” the 27-year-old sex worker explained, discussing how taking daily preventive pills for preexposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP, frequently caused problems with clients and was hard to maintain regularly — endangering herself and others.
Mukoloka represents one of the earliest recipients of a donor-funded lenacapavir distribution program spanning 10 African nations. Medical authorities and advocates believe this medication could transform HIV prevention approaches if governments can overcome obstacles related to expenses and vulnerable healthcare infrastructure.
Created by Gilead Sciences in California, the introduction of lenacapavir in targeted high-risk nations receives backing from the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, known as PEPFAR, working alongside the Global Fund.
Zimbabwe provides the injection at no cost to vulnerable groups including sex workers, teenage girls and young women, gay men, and expectant or nursing mothers.
For Mukoloka, this treatment means far more than simple convenience.
“When I took tablets, customers would see a container of pills and leave. They would never return due to fear,” she explained. “They couldn’t tell the difference between PrEP and treatment drugs. With the work we do, that stigma costs you money.”
Zimbabwe has offered daily oral PrEP for years along with condoms, vaginal rings, and shorter-duration injections. Still, consistent use has remained problematic, especially for individuals experiencing stigma or irregular routines.
“I work in beer halls looking for clients. Sometimes I would get drunk and forget to take my drugs,” Mukoloka noted. “Sometimes I would work all night and not have time. Some clients refuse protection. They say … ‘Why should I use protection when I have paid?’”
Medical officials view lenacapavir’s subtle nature and lengthy effectiveness as crucial benefits for key groups like sex workers, making it valuable in combating HIV transmission.
“Prevention must fit into real life. If a health solution is too complicated, too demanding, or too visible, people simply won’t use it,” stated Douglas Mombeshora, Zimbabwe’s health minister, during Thursday’s launch ceremony. “Lenacapavir represents a new way of doing things.”
Other southern African countries including Zambia and Eswatini have also introduced the medication.
Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Zambia, formerly major HIV hotspots worldwide, have become leading examples of epidemic management in recent years, meeting World Health Organization goals for testing, treatment, and viral suppression.
Despite these achievements, new infections continue causing concern, especially among teenage girls and young women.
The United Nations children’s agency reports that HIV rates among adolescent girls and young women aged 10-24 remain “persistently” three times higher than their male peers in sub-Saharan Africa, caused by gender inequality, poverty, and unequal healthcare access.
Throughout sub-Saharan Africa, females of all ages represented 63% of new HIV infections in 2024, according to UNAIDS. In other global regions, approximately 73% of new 2024 infections affected males.
Zimbabwean authorities expect roughly 46,000 individuals across 24 locations to receive treatment during lenacapavir’s initial rollout phase, representing a small portion of potential need in this country of approximately 15 million residents.
Plans for subsequent phases remain unclear. Government officials express hope that beneficiary numbers will grow as additional donor-funded supplies become available. They also aim to purchase their own doses for broader distribution but, like many African governments, face insufficient funding.
Medical professionals, experts, and activists caution that real-world challenges could limit the drug’s early potential across Africa, a continent exceeding 1.5 billion people, particularly due to expensive mass distribution costs for governments.
Kenya, which received its initial 21,000 lenacapavir doses this week, announced the injection would cost approximately $54 per person annually at negotiated rates, still representing a substantial expense for many.
Gilead Sciences has committed to selling its medication without profit to low and middle-income countries significantly affected by HIV.
Bellinda Thibela, who focuses on health justice and access at Health GAP, an international advocacy group, called this move “a bit comforting” but insufficient alone on a continent where healthcare systems depend heavily on declining external funding, particularly following President Donald Trump’s foreign aid reductions.
Difficulties will persist in nations that were “80% to 90% dependent on U.S. funding,” Thibela observed. “What’s the point of having a reduced price if there is no staff and equipment in clinics?”
While numerous medical professionals consider lenacapavir a major advancement, they emphasize it should supplement, not substitute, existing prevention methods.
“Condoms remain key. They are cheap and they also prevent other sexually transmitted infections,” explained Enerst Chikwati, Zimbabwe program director at AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
However, for early users like Mukoloka, the medication’s effects already seem transformative.
“I am elated. I can go for a whole six months feeling safe,” she said.
Phoenix Suns guard Dillon Brooks sustained a fractured left hand during Saturday’s home matchup against the Orlando Magic and faces an extended absence from the court, according to ESPN reports.
The injury occurred early in the contest, forcing Brooks to exit the game with 4:46 left in the opening quarter. Despite his departure, the Suns managed to secure a thrilling 113-110 victory in double overtime. Brooks had been absent from Thursday’s loss in San Antonio due to a one-game suspension.
During his brief time on the court against Orlando, the 30-year-old guard contributed five points and grabbed three rebounds across seven minutes of play.
This season has marked a career year for Brooks in his debut campaign with Phoenix. Through 49 games as a starter, he’s posted career-high averages of 21.2 points per game, along with 3.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals while logging 31.1 minutes nightly. His rebounding numbers match his previous best from his time with the Houston Rockets last season.
The Suns face additional injury concerns beyond Brooks’ setback. Prior to Saturday’s game, the organization revealed that All-Star guard Devin Booker would be sidelined for a minimum of one week with a right hip strain suffered during Thursday’s contest against San Antonio.
Medical staff will reassess Booker’s condition after the one-week period to determine his recovery progress, though no specific return date has been established.
Saturday marked Booker’s ninth absence in the team’s last 12 contests. The five-time All-Star previously missed seven consecutive games due to a sprained right ankle.
The team also provided an update on recently signed guard Haywood Highsmith, who will undergo re-evaluation in 2-3 weeks for a right knee issue.
The Floyd County Coroner’s Office in Indiana has confirmed the death of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore on Saturday. The 25-year-old athlete was discovered in a New Albany garage with what police believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey.
An autopsy has been scheduled for Sunday as authorities continue their investigation into Moore’s death.
Moore made his mark in college football during his freshman year at Purdue University in 2018, accumulating an impressive 1,471 scrimmage yards along with 662 yards on kickoff returns. His debut collegiate performance against Northwestern set a new Purdue record for all-purpose yards in a single game, totaling 313 yards through receiving (109), rushing (79 on just two attempts), and kickoff returns (125). That breakout season earned him All-America recognition and 12 receiving touchdowns.
His exceptional versatility on the field was recognized when he received the Paul Hornung Award, given annually to college football’s most versatile player.
Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue and now serves as Louisville’s head coach, shared his memories of the young athlete on social media Saturday evening:
“Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach. The ultimate competitor who wouldn’t back down from any challenge. Rondale had a work ethic unmatched by anyone. A great teammate that would come through in any situation. We all loved Rondale, we loved his smile and his competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact with. We offer all our thoughts and prayers to Rondale and his family. We love him very much.”
The Arizona Cardinals selected Moore as their second-round pick, 49th overall, in the 2021 NFL Draft. During his rookie campaign, he recorded 54 receptions for 435 yards and one touchdown while also returning 13 kickoffs for an average of 22.4 yards. Injuries plagued his professional career, limiting him to 39 appearances out of 51 possible games across three seasons in Arizona.
Arizona traded Moore to the Atlanta Falcons before the 2024 season began, but a knee injury sustained during training camp ended his season before it started. The Vikings later signed him as a free agent prior to last season, though another knee injury during preseason action once again cut his campaign short.
Moore was a native of New Albany, Indiana, where he attended New Albany High School before transferring to Trinity High School in Louisville to complete his prep career.
The Department of Homeland Security plans to temporarily halt its TSA PreCheck and Global Entry traveler programs as the agency continues to face a shutdown, according to a Saturday report from the Washington Post.
A DHS spokesperson confirmed to the newspaper that the department is implementing the suspension as part of several emergency actions designed to reallocate personnel resources. This decision comes over a week following Congressional failure to approve additional funding for the agency.
The halt of these popular expedited screening programs represents one of multiple urgent steps the department says it must take to manage staffing during the ongoing budget crisis.
Reuters noted they were unable to independently confirm the Washington Post’s reporting at the time of publication.
Delaware State University’s women’s basketball squad delivered an impressive performance against Morgan State, cruising to a 74-59 victory with outstanding contributions from their reserve players.
The Hornets’ bench proved to be the difference-maker in Friday night’s matchup, adding 29 crucial points to propel the team to victory. The depth of Delaware State’s roster was on full display as substitutes stepped up when called upon.
The decisive win showcases the strength and versatility of the Hornets’ program, with players throughout the lineup making meaningful contributions. Delaware State controlled the game from start to finish, never allowing Morgan State to mount a serious comeback threat.
This victory continues Delaware State’s strong season as the team demonstrates the importance of having reliable bench players who can make an immediate impact when given the opportunity.
Delaware State University’s softball team encountered difficulties during the second day of competition at a multi-team invitational tournament, failing to record any wins in their scheduled games.
The Hornets struggled to find their rhythm throughout the day’s contests, unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities or maintain defensive consistency against their opponents.
The tournament results represent a setback for the Delaware State program as they continue working to build momentum in their season. The team will look to regroup and make adjustments before their next scheduled competition.
Delaware State’s coaching staff and players will have an opportunity to review game footage and address areas needing improvement as they prepare for upcoming matchups in their conference schedule.
ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of Delaware Blue Hens men’s swimming and diving squad earned a third-place standing at this year’s ASUN Swimming & Diving Championships.
The annual conference championship competition took place in Orlando, Florida, where Delaware’s male swimmers and divers competed against other ASUN member institutions.
The third-place result represents the final team standings for the Blue Hens in the 2026 conference meet, marking another competitive showing for the Delaware program at the championship level.
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump revealed Saturday that he is collaborating with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry on plans to deploy a hospital vessel to Greenland, the Danish territory Trump has expressed interest in purchasing.
The president made the announcement on social media just before welcoming Republican governors to a White House dinner, where he was seated alongside Landry.
“Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. It’s on the way!!!” Trump said.
Officials from both the White House and Governor Landry’s office have not responded to inquiries regarding the social media post, including whether Denmark or Greenland requested the vessel or what specific medical needs require attention. The Department of War also declined immediate comment.
The announcement follows recent diplomatic activity, as Danish King Frederik made his second trip to Greenland within a year last week, signaling solidarity with the territory amid Trump’s acquisition efforts.
Representatives from Greenland, Denmark, and the United States conducted discussions late last month aimed at easing tensions that have developed within the NATO defense partnership over recent months.
Trump’s social media statement came just hours after Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command reported evacuating a crew member requiring emergency medical care from an American submarine positioned seven nautical miles from Nuuk, Greenland’s capital city.
The connection between Governor Landry and this medical mission remains unclear, as does any potential link between the evacuation incident and Trump’s announcement.
The U.S. Navy operates two hospital ships, the Mercy and the Comfort, though neither vessel is currently based in Louisiana waters.
A Royal Australian Navy vessel made its way through the contested Taiwan Strait over the weekend, according to government officials, with Chinese military forces closely monitoring the ship’s movement through the strategically important waterway.
The frigate Toowoomba, part of Australia’s Anzac-class fleet, completed what officials described as a standard passage through the strait on Friday and Saturday. This transit occurred as part of the vessel’s broader mission in the Indo-Pacific region, a government source confirmed on Sunday.
Beijing considers the narrow waterway between mainland China and Taiwan to be part of its territorial waters, along with asserting control over the democratically-run island of Taiwan itself. Chinese authorities have frequently reacted with hostility when foreign naval vessels navigate through these disputed waters.
According to the Australian source, “conducted a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait” during its “Regional Presence Deployment in the Indo-Pacific region.” The official added that “All interactions with foreign ships and aircraft were safe and professional.”
Chinese state media reported that military forces maintained constant surveillance of the Australian vessel throughout its passage. The Global Times, citing a Chinese military official, stated that “the Chinese People’s Liberation Army carried out full-process tracking, monitoring, and alert operations throughout the transit.”
American naval vessels regularly navigate through the strait several times each year, consistently drawing angry responses from Beijing. Other allied nations including France, Australia, Britain and Canada have also periodically sent ships through the waterway.
China has significantly increased its military activities in the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan, most recently conducting military exercises near the island in late December.
Taiwan’s leadership continues to reject China’s territorial claims, maintaining that only the Taiwanese people have the authority to determine the island’s political future.
Pakistani military forces launched cross-border operations against militant positions within Afghanistan, according to officials in Karachi who attributed a wave of recent suicide attacks to fighters based in Afghan territory.
The military action represents a significant increase in hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government, occurring just days after Kabul freed three Pakistani military personnel through Saudi Arabian mediation designed to reduce friction after months of border confrontations.
According to a February 21 government statement released Sunday morning, Pakistani officials possess “conclusive evidence” that the attacks were orchestrated by groups they refer to as Khwarij – their designation for the Pakistani Taliban – following orders from “their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.”
Pakistani forces conducted “intelligence-based selective targeting of seven terrorist camps and hideouts” operated by the Pakistani Taliban and Islamic State Khorasan Province near the Afghan border, the statement indicated.
Afghan Taliban officials were not immediately available for response to Reuters inquiries. Kabul has consistently rejected claims that militants use Afghan soil to launch operations against Pakistan.
According to government sources, recent attacks included an explosion at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad and violence in the northwestern border regions of Bajaur and Bannu. In Bannu, military officials reported Saturday that a suicide attacker targeted a security convoy, resulting in five militant deaths during fighting and two soldier fatalities when an explosive-filled vehicle struck a military truck.
The ongoing friction has repeatedly forced major border crossing points to close, hampering commerce and travel along the 2,600-kilometer frontier.
Violent confrontations in October resulted in dozens of casualties before both nations reached a tenuous ceasefire agreement. However, Pakistan maintains its accusations that Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership provides sanctuary to militants conducting attacks on Pakistani soil – allegations that Kabul continues to reject.
The Delaware State University Hornets faced a tough night on the court, falling to the Morgan State Bears by a final score of 82-68 in conference action.
The matchup saw the Bears pull away for a decisive 14-point victory over the Hornets, who struggled to keep pace throughout the contest.
This defeat adds to Delaware State’s ongoing challenges this season as the team continues to compete in conference play. The Hornets will look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming games.
The loss drops Delaware State further in the conference standings as they work to find their rhythm in the latter portion of the season.
Recovery teams have successfully located the remains of all nine individuals who lost their lives in Tuesday’s devastating avalanche near California’s Lake Tahoe region, officials announced Saturday.
The tragic incident, which ranks among the most deadly avalanches in California’s recorded history, prompted an extensive search and recovery operation that faced significant challenges due to severe winter weather conditions.
Harsh storm systems moving through the area throughout the week created dangerous conditions that repeatedly forced rescue teams to suspend their efforts. A U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter was deployed to assist in the recovery mission, flying into the treacherous Castle Peak area of Northern California.
The avalanche struck the group of skiers on Tuesday, triggering one of the largest search and recovery operations the region has seen. Weather-related delays meant families and loved ones had to wait days for closure as crews worked under extremely hazardous mountain conditions.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or provided additional details about what may have triggered the deadly snow slide.
Third-ranked Duke delivered a stunning blow to top-seeded Michigan, defeating the Wolverines 68-63 in Washington as Cameron Boozer poured in 18 points. The victory ended Michigan’s 11-game winning streak and marked another neutral-site setback for the storied program. Michigan had just claimed the number one ranking this week after Arizona’s previous hold on the top spot. The loss came on the same day that fourth-ranked Arizona defeated second-ranked Houston, marking the first time since February 8, 2025, that both the top two teams in the AP poll fell on the same day. The matchup served as a potential preview of Final Four action in the nation’s capital.
At the Winter Olympics in Milan, Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo etched his name in the record books by completing an unprecedented clean sweep of men’s events. His victory in Saturday’s 50-kilometer mass start gave him his sixth gold medal of the games, surpassing Eric Heiden’s long-held Winter Olympics record of five golds in a single competition. Meanwhile, American speedskating sensation Jordan Stolz placed fourth in the men’s mass start event, finishing behind 40-year-old Dutch champion Jorrit Bergsma, who became the oldest male speedskater to claim Olympic gold. Team USA reached a Winter Games milestone with their 11th gold medal, achieved by Kaila Kuhn, Connor Curran, and Chris Lillis in the mixed aerials competition.
American women athletes are driving Team USA’s medal count to historic heights at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Through Saturday’s competition, female competitors have captured six gold medals and 17 total medals in women’s events alone, establishing new benchmarks for U.S. Winter Olympic performance. Including mixed competitions, the medal tally reaches 21. Over 40 American women will return home with Olympic hardware, with standout performances in women’s hockey against Canada, Alpine skiing, monobob, figure skating, and freestyle moguls. Team officials credit the success with inspiring future generations of female athletes.
The baseball world mourns the loss of Hall of Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski, who died Friday at age 89. The Pittsburgh Pirates legend earned eight Gold Glove awards for his exceptional defensive play and captured the hearts of fans with his legendary walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series. Pirates owner Bob Nutting described Mazeroski, whose number 9 was retired by the team in 1987, as “one of a kind, a true Pirates legend.” The organization honored him with a statue on Bill Mazeroski Way in 2010.
New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge made an impressive spring training debut in Tampa, launching two home runs in his first appearance. The three-time MVP connected for a pair of two-run blasts, one each in the third and fourth innings, finishing 2-for-3 with four RBIs. The 33-year-old slugger, coming off a season where he batted .331 with 53 homers and 114 RBIs, is preparing for next month’s World Baseball Classic. Judge will join a star-studded Team USA roster featuring Bryce Harper, Gunnar Henderson, Bobby Witt Jr., Cal Raleigh, and Kyle Schwarber.
The final day of Milan Cortina Olympics promises excitement with the men’s hockey gold medal showdown between the United States and Canada taking center stage. Eileen Gu will pursue her first gold of the 2026 Games in the rescheduled women’s Olympic freeski halfpipe final. Additional medals will be distributed in cross-country skiing, curling, and bobsled events before the closing ceremony concludes the competition.
Jacob Bridgeman has transformed the Genesis Invitational at Riviera into a commanding performance, building a six-stroke advantage over Rory McIlroy after Saturday’s third round. Starting the day tied for the lead, Bridgeman fired the day’s best score of 64, highlighted by three birdies in his opening four holes. His back nine surge included a spectacular birdie-eagle-birdie sequence that stretched his lead to six shots. McIlroy managed a 69 with seven consecutive pars to close his round, expressing satisfaction about playing in the final group to potentially pressure the leader.
The WNBA has presented a revised collective bargaining agreement proposal to the players’ union, maintaining housing payments for all players this season while offering limited changes to previous revenue-sharing terms. According to a source familiar with Friday’s negotiations, the league’s latest offer includes continued housing coverage for the current season, followed by housing payments for minimum salary players and first-year rookies in subsequent seasons. The source requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of ongoing discussions.
Michigan secured the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament selection committee’s preliminary rankings released Saturday. The Wolverines were joined by Duke, Arizona, and Iowa State as the four number one seeds in the early bracket preview shown on CBS. Iowa State claimed the final top seed ahead of UConn and Houston in the snapshot taken with less than a month remaining before Selection Sunday on March 15. The Final Four is scheduled for Indianapolis, with teams typically maintaining their seeding positions above the top-four regional seed cutline.
Moustapha Thiam exploded for a career-best 28 points to power Cincinnati’s shocking 84-68 victory over eighth-ranked Kansas in Lawrence. The 7-foot center dominated with 11-of-17 shooting and eight rebounds, leading Cincinnati to their second ranked opponent victory this season after defeating then-second-ranked Iowa State 79-70 on January 17. Baba Miller contributed 18 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds for the Bearcats. Kansas got 18 points and 12 rebounds from Flory Bidunga, while freshman standout Darryn Peterson added 17 points in 32 minutes after an early exit from their previous game against Oklahoma State.
WASHINGTON — A recent Supreme Court decision overturning President Donald Trump’s extensive tariff program has injected fresh complexity into US-China trade dynamics, as both nations work to prevent a full-scale economic conflict that could destabilize global markets while positioning themselves advantageously for upcoming negotiations.
While Friday’s judicial decision appears to give China leverage, experts believe Beijing will exercise restraint in capitalizing on this development, recognizing Trump retains alternative methods for imposing trade penalties. Both nations seek to preserve their delicate trade agreement and establish stability before Trump’s scheduled visit to Beijing.
“It will give China a moral boost in their negotiations with Trump’s team ahead of the summit, but they are prepared for the scenario that nothing actually changes in reality,” said Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, a Washington-based think tank.
Responding angrily to the setback, Trump announced plans for a temporary 10% worldwide tariff that would increase to 15%, while exploring other avenues for import taxes. He justified these measures by citing China’s challenge to American economic, technological and military supremacy.
“China had hundreds of billions of dollars in surpluses with the United States. They rebuilt China. They rebuilt the army. We built China’s army by allowing that to happen,” Trump told reporters Friday. “I have a great relationship with President Xi, but he respects our country now.”
The White House has announced Trump’s China visit will occur March 31 through April 2 for meetings with President Xi Jinping.
Xi will likely avoid aggressively leveraging the Supreme Court decision during Trump’s visit, instead focusing on building personal connections with the American president, according to Ali Wyne, a senior research and advocacy adviser on US-China policy at the International Crisis Group.
The stronger Xi’s relationship with Trump becomes, “the more likely it is that the fragile trade truce between the United States and China will take hold in earnest and that Trump will be amenable to security concessions that give China greater freedom of maneuver in Asia,” Wyne said.
When asked about the court ruling’s impact, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu simply stated that tariffs and trade conflicts benefit neither nation. He urged Beijing and Washington to collaborate in “provide greater certainty and stability for China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation and the global economy.”
The judicial ruling has also generated uncertainty among other American trading partners across Asia and beyond, particularly those who negotiated agreements to address initial disruptions from Trump’s tariff policies.
“I would expect most Asian partners to proceed cautiously, with existing agreements largely holding as both sides work through the implications in the coming weeks,” said Dan Kritenbrink, a partner at The Asia Group who served as assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs in the Biden administration.
Kritenbrink noted he’ll monitor effects on Japan before Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s March Washington visit. Japan, a key US ally, has experienced worsening relations with Beijing recently.
Following Trump’s return to office last year, he utilized emergency powers legislation to implement 20% tariffs on Chinese products, citing Beijing’s inadequate efforts to control chemical exports used in fentanyl production.
Trump subsequently used identical emergency authority for broad reciprocal tariffs against numerous nations, including 34% on China. Beijing responded in kind, causing tariffs to temporarily reach triple-digit levels before both sides de-escalated.
Following multiple negotiation rounds and a Trump-Xi summit in South Korea last October, both countries established a one-year truce with 10% baseline tariffs. Trump reduced the fentanyl-related tariff to 10%, while Beijing renewed cooperation in limiting exports of substances used for opioid manufacturing.
Wendy Cutler, vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute, suggested the Trump administration might quickly implement an alternative strategy. The Office of the US Trade Representative maintains an ongoing investigation into China’s adherence to previous trade agreements, potentially serving as the administration’s contingency plan, she explained. Trade law permits tariff implementation if China fails to meet agreement obligations.
Rep. Ro Khanna, the leading Democrat on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, called for the administration to develop a stronger approach that “holds China accountable for its unfair trade practices and leverages the collective power of our allies and partners.”
Gabriel Wildau, a managing director specializing in China political risk analysis at consultancy Teneo, observed that Trump has demonstrated readiness to employ alternative legal mechanisms for Chinese tariffs, as during his previous presidency. Beijing likely expects these tariffs could be sustained or recreated “with only modest difficulty.”
“But Beijing also holds out hope that they can persuade Trump to lower this tariff in exchange for purchase guarantees or other concessions,” Wildau said.
Two standout performers from Salisbury University’s track and field program took home the highest individual honors at this weekend’s Coast-to-Coast Indoor Conference Championships.
Anna Bodmer captured Female Track Athlete of the Meet recognition while Kai Smith earned Male Track Athlete of the Meet honors during Saturday’s competition at Christopher Newport University’s Freeman Center in Newport News, Virginia.
The Sea Gulls’ men’s squad delivered a strong performance to secure a runner-up finish in the team standings, while the women’s team claimed third place overall in the conference championships.
Both athletes’ outstanding performances helped propel Salisbury University to solid finishes in what marked another successful indoor track and field season for the Eastern Shore institution.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Salisbury University’s men’s basketball squad endured a tough night on the road Saturday, suffering a lopsided 79-47 defeat to the 10th-ranked Christopher Newport University Captains at the Freeman Center.
The Sea Gulls found themselves outmatched against the highly-ranked Captains throughout the contest, unable to keep pace with their opponents’ offensive attack. The 32-point margin of victory highlighted the challenge Salisbury faced against one of the nation’s top Division III programs.
The loss adds to what has been a difficult stretch for the Sea Gulls as they continue their season against tough competition. Christopher Newport’s dominant performance showcased why they hold their top-10 national ranking in Division III basketball.
Governor Jenniffer González of Puerto Rico has enacted new legislation that legally defines unborn children as human beings within the territory’s criminal justice system. The Republican governor, who supports President Trump, explained that “the legislation aims to maintain consistency between civil and criminal provisions by recognizing the unborn child as a human being.”
This new provision has been incorporated into Puerto Rico’s Penal Code as part of the murder definition section. Officials state that this change works in conjunction with existing legislation that already treats the intentional killing of a pregnant woman – resulting in the death of her unborn child at any point during pregnancy – as a first-degree murder offense.
In other religious freedom news, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback recently warned Congress about escalating global persecution of religious communities. During his testimony before a congressional panel this month, Brownback identified China as the driving force behind worldwide religious oppression, citing Beijing’s distribution of surveillance equipment to authoritarian leaders across Asia and Africa who deploy these tools to suppress religious practices.
“There’s an alliance of nations that sees religious freedom as the greatest internal threat to their dictatorial control,” Brownback stated. “The community of faith has become the target of this dark alliance and China is the puppet master behind all of it.”
A recent survey by the Public Religion Research Institute reveals varying levels of support among religious groups for legislation prohibiting gender transition procedures for minors. White Evangelical Protestants showed the strongest backing for such restrictions at 67 percent, while support decreased among other denominations: White Mainline Protestants at 51 percent, White Catholics at 50 percent, and Black Protestants at 44 percent.
Meanwhile, in Italy, a centuries-old religious artifact has found temporary new quarters after restoration. The Bearded Saint with Book, a 15th-century sculpture previously displayed at Milan’s famous Duomo cathedral, is now housed at FNM, an Italian transportation company. The relocation occurred through the cathedral’s “Adopt a Statue” initiative, established in 2020 by the historic organization responsible for the cathedral’s preservation. This program allows donors to fund statue restoration in exchange for loan agreements permitting occasional display away from the Duomo, typically starting with one-year terms that may be extended.
Student demonstrations continue across Iran’s universities despite the government’s harsh attempts to silence dissent, according to reports from Iran International and Tousi news outlets. At Tehran’s Amirkabir University of Technology, students organized a demonstration that shut down a nearby street.
Video footage from the protest captured students scattering while shouting “Don’t be afraid, we are all together,” the news sources reported. At Tehran’s Sharif University of Technology, another demonstration took place where participants reportedly called out “Death to Khamenei” and “Long live the King.” Students at Mashhad’s Medical University also gathered to protest, with demonstrators calling for “Freedom.”
The ongoing unrest has sparked a public disagreement between President Donald Trump and Iran’s top diplomat regarding the number of people killed during the government’s response. During a Friday press conference, Trump urged Iran to negotiate, stating: “Iran should make a deal. It’s a very sad situation. The Iranian people are better than their leaders. Thirty-two thousand people were killed in a short time.”
Trump further claimed: “They were going to hang 800, two weeks ago, hang some by a crane. They lift them up with a tall crane, and they play with them around the square.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi disputed these numbers in a social media post on X, writing: “We are fulfilling our commitment to full transparency with our people. The government has already published the complete list of 3,117 victims in the recent terror operation, including about 200 police officers.”
The conflicting casualty figures reflect broader uncertainty about the scope of the violence. Iran International previously estimated that up to 36,000 people may have died during the crackdown in late January, with countless others wounded and jailed. A U.S.-based human rights organization informed CBS that arrest numbers exceeded 50,000 people.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s basketball team saw their comeback bid come up empty in overtime against Coppin State, falling short despite a determined late-game push.
The Hawks battled back from a deficit to force overtime but were unable to capitalize on their momentum in the extra period. UMES showed resilience throughout the contest, refusing to fold when trailing and managing to extend the game beyond regulation.
The loss continues a challenging stretch for the Hawks as they work to build consistency on both ends of the court. Despite the disappointing result, the team’s ability to mount a comeback demonstrates the fighting spirit that has characterized their season.
UMES will look to bounce back from this tough overtime defeat as they continue their campaign. The Hawks showed they can compete when facing adversity, a positive sign as they move forward in their schedule.
Military experts are warning that the United States has positioned its most substantial force deployment in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq invasion, indicating potential preparations for an extended military operation against Iran that could span multiple weeks.
Former British Army commander Col. Richard Kemp spoke with The Media Line about the unprecedented scale of American military assets now concentrated in the region. “As I understand it, this is the biggest military buildup in the Middle East since 2003,” Kemp stated. He emphasized that the current force level exceeds what was deployed during last June’s 12-day conflict in 2025, describing it as “very significant military power.”
Washington has been using the term “imminent” for weeks regarding potential action, though specific timelines remain undefined. The military positioning could lead to rapid developments or extend over a longer period, according to Kemp, who focused on the strategic implications rather than political rhetoric.
“I think it’s likely there will be a military strike, but I don’t think you’d say it’s inevitable,” he explained. “I think it’s very likely.”
The comparison to 2003 reflects more than mere emphasis, as the current military footprint has expanded dramatically in recent weeks. Four American carrier strike groups are now either stationed in or heading toward the broader Middle East region, fundamentally altering the strategic balance. Approximately twelve guided-missile destroyers are positioned throughout surrounding waters, with some near the Strait of Hormuz and others operating closer to the Red Sea.
The United States maintained a substantial regional presence even before this buildup, with over 40,000 personnel stationed at military installations and aboard naval vessels. The arrival of the latest carrier group adds several thousand additional service members to this total.
Aviation assets have also been repositioned significantly. Long-range B-52 bombers and B-2 stealth aircraft have been placed on heightened alert status. Additional fighter aircraft, including F-16s, F-22s, and F-35s, have been moved to forward positions. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar has raised its alert levels, with these adjustments reflecting both offensive capabilities and defensive preparations for potential retaliation.
The concentration of forces makes it difficult to characterize the deployment as routine military positioning.
The June 2025 conflict, which commenced on June 13 and lasted 12 days, had clearly defined military objectives. Kemp described that engagement as primarily targeting Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and nuclear infrastructure. Israel conducted most of that campaign, focusing on air defense systems and missile-related facilities, with American forces joining near the conclusion. While intense, the fighting remained limited in scope and was not designed to topple the Iranian government.
Kemp suggested that President Donald Trump would prefer achieving concessions from Tehran without engaging in full-scale warfare. “I think he would prefer Iran to buckle under the military pressure that’s been building up around them and make significant concessions, particularly on the nuclear program, but also on ballistic missiles and potentially on sponsoring terrorist proxies in the region as well,” he said. “He would like to be able to stand up and say, ‘I have resolved this through negotiations rather than through military force.’”
However, Kemp expressed skepticism about Iran’s willingness to offer genuine, lasting concessions. “Nothing that Iran agrees to or says can be trusted,” he stated. “They’ll just use it as a tactic to buy time for themselves.”
Should diplomatic efforts fail, the currently deployed forces suggest preparation for operations extending beyond limited strikes intended as warnings. Kemp outlined two distinct aspects of the military buildup: offensive capabilities and protection of American personnel and regional allies.
“One is what you need to actually damage Iran, bring down the regime, destroy the key components in Iran that are used offensively against other countries in the Middle East, of course, Israel particularly,” he explained. “The second element is defensive.”
American forces positioned throughout the Gulf region, including those in Qatar, would face exposure to Iranian missiles and allied militias during military operations. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates would need to assess their own vulnerabilities. Israel would almost certainly become a primary target for retaliation. Kemp noted that protecting “such a wide range of targets” demands substantial resources, including aircraft, naval vessels, layered missile defense systems, and regional coordination.
Kemp also raised the possibility of preemptive or simultaneous action against Iranian proxy forces. While Hezbollah in Lebanon has been significantly weakened since last year, he said, the organization retains missile launch capabilities against Israel. Yemen’s Houthis continue to possess long-range attack capabilities. “They would have to be dealt with either before a US strike in Iran, or at the same time,” he said. “We’re talking about a much more intensive attack.”
The question of operational duration remains central to understanding potential scenarios. Would a new confrontation follow the compressed timeline of June 2025, or evolve into something more prolonged?
“I would say much longer than a couple of days,” Kemp predicted. “It could run into weeks. It could well be a fairly long, sustained bombing campaign against Iran.”
He stressed that military planners would continuously evaluate results throughout any campaign. While objectives would be established beforehand, the operation’s length would depend on whether those goals were being achieved. “They won’t probably know now how long it’s going to last,” he said. “It depends on the effect.”
Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi, founder of the Israel Defense and Security Forum, presented the situation in more dramatic terms when speaking with The Media Line, stating that strategic discussions have moved beyond targeting nuclear facilities.
“The objective of the 12-day war was to destroy their nuclear capability and stop the rapid buildup with ballistic missiles,” Avivi explained. “Now we are talking about taking down the regime. It is something completely different.”
According to Avivi, Tehran misinterpreted the aftermath of June 2025. Rather than reducing tensions, he said, Iran continued investing resources in missile development and maintaining its regional proxy network, despite domestic economic difficulties. “There is no way to stop this threat and the instability in the Middle East without dismantling this regime,” he argued.
Avivi suggested that under optimal conditions, including precise intelligence and rapid targeting of command structures, the regime could be overthrown within weeks. “I think in two weeks it could be done,” he said, while acknowledging that success would heavily depend on internal Iranian dynamics.
He argued that the crucial variable extends beyond military hardware to include the Iranian population itself. Iran faces economic pressures, he said, and public dissatisfaction persists. Should external military action coincide with renewed domestic unrest, the regime would confront simultaneous internal and external challenges.
Kemp, while more cautious, also indicated that leadership targets would likely be central if objectives extend to regime change. “If the objective is to topple the regime, then one of the primary targets has to be the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps],” he said.
He did not dismiss unconventional approaches. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we see troops on the ground,” Kemp said. “I don’t mean large scale. I’m talking about special forces commandos, maybe, to directly take out the Ayatollah and some of the other leadership. I don’t think we should exclude the possibility of that happening, as well as the air campaign.”
Avivi dismissed the notion that a regime-focused campaign would necessarily require substantial foreign ground forces. If there are “boots on the ground,” he said, they would not be American or Israeli troops.
“The boots on the ground are the Iranian people,” he stated.
In his assessment, sustained external military pressure could combine with growing internal frustration. Economic hardship, infrastructure shortages, and political repression have undermined confidence in the leadership, he argued. If the regime’s military foundation weakens, domestic unrest could complete the process.
“You need to eliminate the leadership,” he said. “You need to break their military capability completely.”
When asked about proxy escalation, Avivi said the probability is “very high” if Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other aligned groups view the confrontation as existential. He added that recent conversations with senior Israeli military leadership revealed a sense of preparedness and heightened alertness. “There is no 100%,” he said, acknowledging that ballistic missiles would likely strike Israel and create serious challenges.
The distinction from June 13, 2025, therefore involves not only the scale of American military equipment now visible in the region, but also the objectives being discussed by those analyzing the situation.
“The primary target,” Kemp said, “is going to be the leadership and the effort to try and bring the regime down.”
Whether this objective can be accomplished primarily through air operations, requires limited ground operations, or results in stability or prolonged chaos remains unclear. What appears more certain, in their analysis, is that the current military posture is not intended for symbolic purposes.
“It’s needed in order to sufficiently damage the regime,” Kemp concluded. “Not a token strike.”
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has found himself at the center of international controversy following statements made during a recent appearance on Tucker Carlson’s podcast program.
During the discussion, Huckabee addressed questions about biblical references to territory that encompasses portions of Egypt, Syria, and Iraq as belonging to Israel, though he emphasized that Jerusalem has no current plans for such expansion.
The diplomatic storm erupted when Carlson pressed the ambassador about Israel’s rights to what he described as “basically the entire Middle East.” When asked directly if Israel had legitimate claim to such vast territory, Huckabee initially deflected, saying “Not sure we’d go that far” and noting “It would be a big piece of land.”
However, when Carlson persisted with his questioning, Huckabee responded, “It would be fine if they took it all,” though he quickly clarified, “I don’t think that’s what we’re talking about here today.”
When specifically asked about Israel potentially taking control of Jordan, Huckabee defended Israel’s current position, stating “They’re not trying to take over Jordan. They’re not trying to take over Syria. They’re not trying to take over Iraq or anywhere else, but they do want to protect their people.”
The ambassador further explained, “I think you’re missing something because they’re not asking to go back to take all of that, but they are asking to at least take the land that they now occupy, they now live in, they now own legitimately, and it is a safe haven for them.”
Regional governments responded with swift condemnation on Saturday, characterizing Huckabee’s statements as violations of established diplomatic protocols and international legal standards.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Fuad al-Majali condemned what he termed “absurd and provocative statements,” declaring them “an assault on the sovereignty of the countries of the region and a flagrant breach of international law.”
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry similarly rejected the ambassador’s remarks, labeling them a “blatant violation” of diplomatic standards and arguing they contradicted President Donald Trump’s expressed goals for resolving the Gaza conflict.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, representing the organization’s 22 member nations, criticized Huckabee’s position as conflicting with established US foreign policy stances. Palestinian leadership also responded, calling on the Trump administration to issue a “clear and explicit stance” addressing the controversial statements.
Neither the White House nor the State Department provided responses to media inquiries seeking comment on the matter.
NEWARK, Del. – The Blue Hens women’s tennis team will take the court earlier than expected today as their matchup with the Navy Midshipmen has been rescheduled due to weather concerns.
Officials have pushed up the start time to 12:30 p.m. at the Wilmington Country Club as forecasters predict deteriorating conditions later in the day.
The schedule change allows both teams to complete their match before any potential weather interruptions arrive in the area.
STARKVILLE, Miss. – The Blue Hens baseball program at the University of Delaware has made adjustments to their upcoming Sunday contest versus Mississippi State.
The modifications impact the scheduled matchup between Delaware and the Bulldogs that was set to take place on Sunday in Mississippi.
Delaware State University’s women’s wrestling program reached a historic milestone this weekend, as two Hornets earned their way to the NCAA National Championship for the first time in the school’s wrestling history.
The achievement came during competition at the NCAA Regional Championship held in Frank Springs, Georgia, where the DSU women’s wrestling squad put together an impressive performance that included the breakthrough individual qualifications and a solid team placement in the upper portion of the standings.
This marks a significant breakthrough for the Delaware State wrestling program, as no Hornets wrestlers had previously qualified for the prestigious national tournament. The two qualifying athletes will now represent DSU and the state of Delaware on wrestling’s biggest collegiate stage.
The strong regional showing demonstrates the continued growth and development of Delaware State’s women’s wrestling program, which has been building toward this type of breakthrough performance.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Salisbury University swimmers made their final push for national recognition at Saturday’s Battle of the Birds meet, held at Catholic University’s DuFour Center Pool.
The competition provided a crucial last opportunity for select members of both the Sea Gulls’ men’s and women’s swimming programs to enhance their positions on national performance rankings as the season winds down.
Libby Miyashita led the charge for Salisbury, breaking the 200-yard butterfly record during the Washington, D.C. competition. The meet attracted swimmers looking to make final adjustments to their times before postseason competition begins.
The Battle of the Birds event, hosted by Catholic University, drew participants focused on securing their spots among the nation’s top collegiate swimmers in their respective events.
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Salisbury University’s baseball team experienced both triumph and defeat during Saturday’s Division III Showcase at First National Bank Field, splitting a doubleheader against two highly-ranked opponents.
The Sea Gulls, currently ranked fifth nationally, started strong by defeating the third-ranked Denison Big Red 4-1 in their morning contest. However, their momentum shifted in the evening game as they suffered a decisive 12-1 loss to the sixth-ranked Lynchburg Hornets, with the contest ending after seven innings due to the mercy rule.
The showcase provided Salisbury with valuable experience against elite Division III competition as they continue their season preparation.
The 30th-ranked Goldey-Beacom Lightning baseball team dropped a close 8-7 decision to Kutztown University while competing in Cary, North Carolina.
The Lightning are currently on their second journey to the North Carolina city, where they faced off against Kutztown in what turned out to be a tightly contested matchup.
Despite the narrow margin of defeat, Goldey-Beacom was unable to secure the victory in the one-run game against their opponents.
The Delaware-based Lightning will look to bounce back from this setback as they continue their competition away from home.
New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge delivered a spectacular performance Saturday, launching two home runs and driving in four runs as his team demolished the Detroit Tigers 20-3 in spring training action in Tampa, Florida.
The reigning American League MVP, who blasted 53 homers with 114 RBIs last season, connected for a pair of two-run shots in consecutive innings. Judge found the seats in both the third and fourth frames, helping fuel a Yankees offensive onslaught that produced 18 hits total.
The Bronx Bombers erupted for three runs in the fourth inning and added nine more in the eighth. Roderick Arias capped the scoring barrage with a grand slam during the eighth-inning rally, finishing 2-for-3 on the day. Paul Goldschmidt contributed two hits and two RBIs, while Jackson Castillo added a three-run blast in the eighth.
Detroit’s lone bright spot came from Corey Julks, who connected for a solo homer in the third inning.
In other spring training action, the Toronto Blue Jays blanked the Philadelphia Phillies 3-0 in Dunedin, Florida. Daulton Varsho went 2-for-2 with a solo home run to pace the defending AL champions, while Sean Keys added a two-run homer. The Blue Jays collected nine hits total, while Justin Crawford managed two hits in three at-bats for Philadelphia.
The Pittsburgh Pirates cruised past the Baltimore Orioles 8-2 in Sarasota, Florida, powered by a six-run fifth inning. Ryan O’Hearn’s three-run homer highlighted the big inning, with Endy Rodriguez contributing a two-run shot. Despite allowing just five hits, Baltimore committed two costly errors. Blaze Alexander and Leody Taveras each went 1-for-2 with a run scored for the Orioles.
Boston defeated Minnesota 7-2 in Fort Myers, Florida, with Mikey Romero leading the way with two hits and two RBIs. Andruw Monasterio connected for a solo homer and Allan Castro drove in two runs for the Red Sox. The Twins committed four errors but got two hits and two RBIs from Royce Lewis, including a solo home run.
The Atlanta Braves topped the Tampa Bay Rays 5-1 in Port Charlotte, Florida, behind Ben Gamel’s outstanding performance. Gamel homered, doubled, walked, scored twice and drove in three runs. Atlanta scored all five runs in the first three innings, including three in the third. Logan Davidson homered for Tampa Bay, which outhit Atlanta 9-7.
Miami edged the New York Mets 2-1 in Port St. Lucie, Florida, in a low-scoring affair where each team managed just two hits. Jakob Marsee scored both runs for the Marlins, crossing the plate with the winning run in the sixth on Christopher Morel’s sacrifice fly. Kevin Villavicencio and Austin Barnes had the Mets’ only hits.
A Washington split squad defeated Houston 2-1 in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Jorgelys Mota’s sixth-inning solo homer. Nationals starter Jake Eder allowed one run and two hits over two innings, with seven relievers combining to shut out the Astros thereafter. Nick Allen drove in Houston’s lone run with a second-inning single.
Washington’s other split squad topped St. Louis 6-2 in Jupiter, Florida, behind Maxwell Romero Jr.’s three-run homer during a four-run fifth inning. Trey Lipscomb added two hits and an RBI for the Nationals, who went 4-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Nathan Church homered for the Cardinals.
Salisbury officials have announced an emergency declaration that will take effect at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, as the city braces for approaching winter weather conditions.
The emergency order will stay active until city leaders decide to lift it or until Maryland state officials make additional determinations regarding the weather situation.
Municipal operations will continue running while authorities keep a close watch on developing storm conditions.
Information about snow clearing operations and emergency route designations is available through the city’s official website.
City field operations crews will begin working to keep roadways passable once the storm arrives. Officials are asking people to remain indoors when possible and ensure emergency routes stay accessible for plowing equipment. Anyone living along a designated emergency route must relocate their vehicles from the roadway by 2:00 p.m. Sunday to facilitate snow clearing operations. Neighborhood streets will receive plowing services only if snow depths reach more than four inches, and crews will focus on major thoroughfares before moving to residential areas.
Building owners along city streets have 24 hours after the snowfall stops to clear their sidewalks, making a pathway no less than four feet in width for safe pedestrian passage. Those living near fire hydrants must maintain a cleared area of at least three feet around the equipment to ensure emergency responders can access it.
Officials warn against placing or shoveling snow back onto roadways, which creates additional challenges and safety risks for clearing crews.
Additional details about the city’s snow clearing procedures and ongoing storm updates are available at https://salisbury.md/ and through the city’s Facebook and Instagram social media accounts.
NEWARK, Del. – Bad weather moving into the area has forced the University of Delaware to call off Sunday’s men’s tennis competition against Rider University.
The Blue Hens were set to face Rider at 12:45 p.m. on February 22 at the Wilmington Country Club, but officials made the decision to postpone the match due to poor weather conditions expected in the region.
No makeup date has been announced for the rescheduled contest between the two teams.
Dallas has made their first major move of the offseason by securing the services of their top ground game performer.
The Cowboys announced Saturday that running back Javonte Williams has agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $24 million.
The 25-year-old Williams joined Dallas on a one-year, $3 million contract last offseason following four seasons with the Denver Broncos.
Williams justified the investment by posting career-high numbers with 1,201 rushing yards, ranking ninth across the NFL, along with 11 rushing touchdowns over 16 games. Those totals exceeded his combined production from the previous two seasons, when he accumulated 1,287 rushing yards and seven touchdowns across 33 contests.
Dallas ranked ninth in the league for ground attack efficiency, averaging 125.6 rushing yards per contest with a 4.6-yard average per attempt, largely due to Williams’ contributions.
Throughout his five-year professional career spanning 70 games with 45 starts, Williams has accumulated 3,595 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns, while also contributing 1,103 receiving yards and seven receiving scores through the air.
Having secured Williams’ services, Dallas can now turn their attention to negotiations with star receiver George Pickens, whose current contract is set to expire.
Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker faces at least another week on the sidelines after sustaining a right hip strain in Thursday’s matchup against San Antonio, occurring during the second quarter of play.
Team medical staff will conduct another evaluation of Booker’s condition after the one-week period to assess his recovery progress. Officials have not established a specific timeline for when the star player might return to the court.
The injury adds to Booker’s recent absence streak, as he was unable to play in Saturday’s home game against Orlando, marking his ninth missed game out of the last 12 contests. Earlier in this stretch, the five-time All-Star was sidelined for seven consecutive games due to a sprained right ankle.
The 29-year-old veteran is posting averages of 24.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists across 44 appearances this season. The 11-year NBA veteran is approaching a career milestone, needing just two more three-point shots to reach 1,500 for his career.
Additionally, the Suns announced that guard Haywood Highsmith, a recent team addition, will undergo re-evaluation in two to three weeks for a right knee issue.
A significant nursing strike affecting New York City hospitals has officially concluded after nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian approved their new employment agreement on Saturday, bringing an end to labor action that lasted more than a month.
The walkout began January 12th when over 4,000 nurses employed by the private NewYork-Presbyterian hospital network left their posts. These healthcare workers are scheduled to resume their duties in the upcoming week following the contract approval by the New York State Nurses Association, where 93% of union members voted in favor of the three-year agreement.
Earlier this month, nurses at two additional major private hospital networks – Montefiore and Mount Sinai – concluded their own labor disputes by reaching contract settlements with the identical union organization.
“We are so happy with the wins we achieved, and now the fight to enforce these contracts and hold our employers accountable begins,” union President Nancy Hagans said in a statement Saturday.
Hospital administrators at NewYork-Presbyterian expressed anticipation for their nursing staff’s return, stating the agreement “reflects our respect for our nurses and the critical role they play as part of our exceptional care teams.”
Representatives from both the union and hospital management announced Friday they had achieved a preliminary agreement. Union membership conducted voting on the proposal Friday and Saturday.
The approved contract contains enhanced staffing measures, wage increases exceeding 12% across the three-year term, and protective measures concerning artificial intelligence implementation, the union reported.
According to union officials, the initial strike encompassed approximately 15,000 nursing professionals across the Montefiore, Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian systems. The work stoppage impacted select facilities within these three networks and did not include any municipally-operated hospitals.
Throughout the strike period, all three hospital systems – Montefiore, Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian – hired thousands of replacement nursing staff, relocated certain patients to other facilities, and postponed non-essential medical procedures. Hospital leadership maintained they continued providing quality patient care, including complicated surgical operations. However, some patients requiring additional assistance and their family members reported delays in basic care tasks.
The striking nurses cited overwhelming patient loads and alleged the hospitals were attempting to reduce health insurance benefits. Hospital administrators disputed these accusations and characterized the union’s contract demands as unreasonable.
Nursing staff at certain Mount Sinai and Montefiore locations previously conducted a work stoppage in 2023, which concluded after three days.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s women’s basketball squad delivered a commanding 90-52 victory against Regent University during Saturday’s Senior Day festivities at Maggs Gymnasium.
The Sea Gulls celebrated two graduating players, Nadia Bullock and Kayla Nieberlein, as part of the afternoon’s special ceremony recognizing their contributions to the program.
The lopsided victory showcased the team’s strength as they overwhelmed their opponents by 38 points in front of home fans who gathered to honor the departing seniors.
A facility manufacturing Oreo cookies in eastern Ukraine sustained damage Saturday after being hit by a Russian missile, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in a social media post.
The attack on the Trostyanets facility resulted in damage to a production building, though no fatalities were reported, Sybiha stated. The plant is operated by Mondelez International, the global snack company.
Mondelez, headquartered in Chicago and known for producing Ritz crackers, Toblerone chocolate bars, and Trident chewing gum, had not provided a response to requests for comment as of Saturday evening. Russian officials also did not respond to requests for comment overnight.
“When Russian missiles hit such sites, they are not only targeting Ukraine,” Sybiha stated. “They are targeting American business interests in Europe.”
This marks the second time the facility has suffered damage since Russia launched its invasion in 2022. Following severe damage two years ago, the plant gradually resumed operations, first producing chocolate in 2023 before returning to Oreo cookie production in 2024.
The snack manufacturer has drawn scrutiny for maintaining its business presence in Russia throughout the ongoing conflict.
Australian government officials are disputing weekend news reports suggesting the country is making arrangements to bring home dozens of citizens currently held at a Syrian detention facility housing relatives of suspected Islamic State fighters.
The controversy centers around 34 women and children who were briefly freed from the northern Syrian camp on Monday, only to be sent back to the detention facility because of logistical complications. According to reports, the group was expected to travel through Damascus on their way back to Australia, though politicians from both major parties have voiced opposition to their return.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke directly challenged the Sunday Telegraph’s reporting during a television interview, denying that his government is orchestrating any homecoming efforts.
“In that report, it makes a claim that we are conducting a repatriation. We are not,” Burke stated during his appearance on Australian Broadcasting Corp television.
“It claims we have been meeting with the states for the purposes of a repatriation. We have not,” Burke continued.
Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who heads Australia’s Labor Party administration, made clear his government would not assist in bringing the group back to Australian soil.
The debate over whether to allow family members of suspected IS fighters to return home has become a contentious political topic in Australia, particularly as the right-wing One Nation party, headed by Pauline Hanson, has gained traction with its anti-immigration platform.
Australian law treats Islamic State as a designated terrorist organization, with membership carrying potential prison sentences of up to 25 years. The country also maintains authority to revoke citizenship from dual nationals who join the Sunni Muslim extremist group.
Canada’s men’s curling squad transformed anger over cheating accusations into Olympic glory, according to team captain Brad Jacobs, who spoke defiantly after his crew claimed the gold medal in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy on Saturday.
The Canadian team defeated defending world champion Britain by a score of 9-6 in the championship match, securing the nation’s first men’s curling Olympic title since 2014. Their victory came amid significant controversy after Sweden leveled cheating allegations against them during preliminary competition.
Speaking forcefully at his post-victory news conference, Jacobs dismissed the accusations as completely unfounded.
“I’ll guarantee you that only motivated us further to go out and prove to everyone that we’re the best team, and now (we’re) at the top of the podium, I would say the best team in the world,” he stated.
“Canada and curling in Canada is special to us. It means a lot to us. Integrity means a lot to us. We wanted to go out there and prove everyone wrong and rise to the top of the podium.”
The scandal primarily involved teammate Marc Kennedy, who faced intense scrutiny after his heated reaction to the cheating claims. The 44-year-old athlete reported that his family endured online harassment and threatening messages throughout the ordeal.
Jacobs commended Kennedy’s resilience under pressure, stating: “Marc’s mind is sealed. Most athletes, if they had to go through what Marc Kennedy went through, what we went through as a team here, it would have crippled them and it would have crumbled most teams.
“But Marc’s done a lot of self-improvement and just surrounded himself with us and the support that we gave him, his family gave him this week, our coaches.
“He is one tough fella to be able to block out all the noise and just go out and curl and curl his absolute best. We’re just so proud of him for everything that he was able to do this week and how he handled the whole situation.”
Jacobs, who previously guided Canada to Olympic gold in Sochi eight years ago, delivered a sharp message to those who questioned his team’s integrity: “For anyone who called us cheaters … I hope that the image of us standing on top of the podium, embracing one another, smiling ear to ear with our gold medals is burned into your brain forever.”
Finland’s men’s Olympic hockey team transformed crushing disappointment into celebration, defeating Slovakia 6-1 on Saturday to capture the bronze medal just one day after a heartbreaking semi-final loss to Canada.
The defending Olympic champions from 2022 appeared headed for another gold medal showdown after building a two-goal advantage over Canada at Milan’s Santagiulia arena on Friday. However, Canada erased that lead, leaving Finland devastated and facing the prospect of going home without any hardware.
With less than 24 hours to recover emotionally, the Finnish squad returned to the same rink determined not to leave Italy empty-handed, facing a Slovak team that had exceeded expectations before falling to the United States in their semi-final.
Erik Haula, who netted two goals in Saturday’s victory, described the mental challenge of bouncing back from Friday’s crushing defeat.
“It was probably the biggest challenge of my life to get over that game. It was hard,” Haula explained. “Talking to the other guys, talking as a team about what a medal means and stuff like that, that powered us through I think.”
While bronze wasn’t the color Finland had envisioned, it provided a satisfying ending to what began as a difficult tournament for the title defenders.
Finland stumbled out of the gate, dropping their opening preliminary round match to Slovakia – the same team they dominated on Saturday. That early setback forced the squad to regroup before bouncing back with a crucial victory over Sweden in their second contest.
Joel Armia, who added an empty-net goal in the third period of Saturday’s decisive win, reflected on how the team learned from that initial stumble.
“First game, we kind of learned our lesson,” Armia said. “We didn’t just sit back and we had the courage to play with the puck and play confident.”
Slovakia’s Olympic hockey dreams came crashing down in Milan as the team suffered a devastating 6-1 loss to Finland in Saturday’s bronze medal game, leaving them without any hardware to show for their efforts.
The defeat was particularly crushing for star forward Juraj Slafkovsky, who helped Slovakia capture bronze at the previous Olympics four years ago in Beijing when he was just 17 years old and earned tournament MVP honors as the leading scorer.
Slovakia had appeared poised to duplicate their previous Olympic success after dominating Group B play with a convincing 4-1 victory over defending champion Finland. The team then advanced past Germany in quarterfinal action before falling to Team USA in the semifinals.
However, their rematch with Finland for the bronze medal turned into a nightmare, with Slovakia’s players leaving the ice well before the medal presentation ceremony concluded.
“I think being fourth and being last, it’s the same thing,” Slafkovsky said. “You don’t get the medal, so it sucks. The guys that are already home, they don’t have a medal as well, and we don’t have one either. So it’s still the same thing. In my opinion, right now, that’s how I feel, it sucks, losing sucks.”
The bronze medal contest started poorly for Slovakia as they trailed by two goals early, though they managed to cut the deficit to 2-1 entering the final period. That’s when everything unraveled, as Finland netted two goals within 60 seconds of each other in the third period, including one on the power play, effectively ending Slovakia’s comeback hopes.
“Going into the third, we’re right there, it’s a 2-1 game,” Slafkovsky said. “If we score the next one, then it’s 2-2. Who knows what would have happened, but yeah I can say whatever right now, it’s not going to change anything.”
The loss may have stung even more for defenseman Martin Fehervary, who missed the previous Olympics and was seeking his first Olympic medal.
“For myself, it’s definitely the worst loss in my hockey career, I’m really disappointed,” Fehervary said. “Everyone wants to win, right? And we don’t have any medal. I don’t have any medals, so it’s really disappointing.”
City officials in Lewes are issuing advance warnings to residents as meteorologists predict a significant winter weather event will impact the area beginning Sunday, February 22, 2026.
The coastal Delaware community is taking proactive steps to inform citizens about the approaching storm system, allowing time for residents and businesses to complete necessary preparations before conditions deteriorate.
Local authorities are monitoring weather forecasts closely and will continue providing updates as the storm approaches. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official city communications and prepare for potential impacts from the winter weather system.
The city’s early alert comes as part of ongoing efforts to keep the community safe during severe weather events. Officials emphasize the importance of advance planning when winter storms threaten the region.
Pakistani military forces launched early morning strikes Sunday against militant strongholds positioned along the Afghanistan border, officials announced, following a deadly wave of terrorist attacks within Pakistan’s borders.
Government officials in Islamabad withheld specific location details of the military operations and did not elaborate on the scope of the strikes. Afghan authorities in Kabul have not yet responded to the reported attacks, while unverified social media posts indicate the operations took place within Afghan territory.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced via social media platform X before sunrise Sunday that Pakistani forces executed what he termed “intelligence-based, selective operations” targeting seven facilities operated by the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, along with associated groups. Tarar noted that forces also struck a camp belonging to an Islamic State affiliate in the border region.
This marks the second time Pakistan has conducted such cross-border operations, with similar strikes launched deep into Afghanistan in October to eliminate militant positions.
“Pakistan has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region,” Tarar stated, while emphasizing that protecting Pakistani citizens remains the government’s highest priority.
The military action follows a devastating suicide attack earlier this week when an explosive-laden vehicle, supported by armed militants, crashed into a security facility’s perimeter in Bajaur district within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghan border. The explosion brought down sections of the compound, resulting in the deaths of 11 military personnel and one child. Intelligence sources later identified the attacker as an Afghan citizen.
Just hours before Sunday’s border operations, another suicide bomber struck a security patrol in the neighboring Bannu district, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel. Following Saturday’s violence, Pakistan’s military leadership declared they would not “exercise any restraint” and promised continued operations against those responsible “irrespective of their location,” signaling escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
According to Tarar, Pakistan possesses “conclusive evidence” linking recent terrorist incidents, including a mosque bombing in Islamabad that claimed 31 lives earlier this month, to militants operating under direction from “Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.”
Pakistani officials say they have repeatedly called on Afghanistan’s Taliban government to take concrete, verifiable measures preventing militant organizations from using Afghan soil as a launching pad for attacks against Pakistan, but claim no meaningful action has resulted.
Tarar appealed to the global community to pressure Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership to honor their Doha agreement commitments prohibiting the use of their territory for attacks against neighboring nations.
Pakistan has experienced an escalation in militant violence over recent years, with much of the bloodshed attributed to the TTP and banned Baloch separatist organizations. The TTP operates independently from but maintains close ties with Afghanistan’s Taliban, who regained control in 2021. Pakistani authorities accuse the TTP of maintaining bases inside Afghanistan, allegations both the militant group and Kabul’s government reject.
Diplomatic relations between the two neighboring nations have deteriorated since October, when fatal border confrontations resulted in dozens of casualties among soldiers, civilians and suspected militants. The violence erupted following explosions in Kabul that Afghan officials attributed to Pakistani involvement.
While a Qatar-brokered ceasefire has generally held, diplomatic talks in Istanbul failed to produce a formal resolution, leaving relations between the countries strained.
Federal emergency assistance has been greenlit for Washington D.C. following a catastrophic sewage system failure that released more than 250 million gallons of untreated waste into the Potomac River.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency confirmed Saturday that President Donald Trump had authorized the emergency aid, enabling FEMA to deploy equipment and resources to address the crisis stemming from the January 19th pipeline break.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser had sought federal assistance on Wednesday while simultaneously declaring a local emergency.
The president’s decision to grant disaster relief follows his public criticism of how the incident was being managed, with Trump pointing fingers at local Democratic officials and particularly targeting Maryland’s Democratic Governor Wes Moore.
In social media statements condemning the response efforts, Trump claimed local authorities had failed to request emergency support and indicated he would intervene personally.
Despite these claims, federal agencies were already participating in repair efforts and damage assessment through the Environmental Protection Agency.
The massive 72-inch pipeline, called the Potomac Interceptor, failed on January 19th, releasing 250 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River north of the nation’s capital during the initial five-day period.
While the spill has been largely brought under control, complete restoration of the damaged pipeline may require several months. DC Water, the regional utility company, is collaborating with EPA officials to fix the breach and track environmental consequences to the waterway.
Authorities have assured residents that local drinking water remains uncontaminated, though they’re advising anyone who uses the Potomac River for recreational activities to avoid direct water contact.
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning watched a commanding second-half advantage slip away as Post University mounted a comeback to defeat the visiting team 99-92 in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference play in Waterbury, Connecticut.
The Lightning appeared to be in control of the contest, building a substantial 17-point cushion during the second half of play. However, Post’s struggling offense found its rhythm when it mattered most, erasing the deficit and ultimately securing the victory over Goldey-Beacom.
The loss represents another challenging result for the Lightning as they continue their conference schedule on the road.
MILAN – American figure skater Ilia Malinin turned his closing gala performance at the Milano Cortina Games into a compelling statement about social media’s harmful impact and intense public scrutiny on Saturday.
The 21-year-old athlete used his exhibition skate to respond to criticism following his unexpected eighth-place result in men’s singles competition, an event many predicted he would win.
Performing to “Fear” by rapper NF – a song exploring mental health challenges and feelings of helplessness – Malinin wore casual attire including a grey sweatshirt and torn denim. His routine included movements that mimicked browsing on a smartphone.
During the performance, he reacted to pretend camera flashes and at one point crouched low while pulling his hood up for protection.
The double world champion joined American teammate Alysa Liu, who claimed the women’s title, as featured performers in the traditional celebration that honors the competition’s top athletes from the past two weeks.
Coming into Milan, Malinin was considered among the strongest gold medal contenders across all Olympic sports, having maintained an unbeaten streak spanning more than two seasons.
However, the pressure of Olympic competition proved overwhelming for the champion, whose free skate program collapsed dramatically with two major falls and successful completion of just three out of seven planned quadruple jumps.
Earlier this week, he acknowledged on Instagram that his high-pressure Olympic debut led to an “inevitable crash.”
During Saturday’s exhibition, he executed one quadruple jump before performing his signature backflip with a single-foot landing, earning thunderous applause that seemed to recognize both his athletic ability and the burden he had shouldered.
The routine concluded powerfully as he pretended to put on headphones, causing immediate silence throughout the arena.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old Liu captivated spectators with her lighthearted performance set to “Stateside” by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson.
Liu’s Olympic experience contrasted sharply with Malinin’s, marked by renewed enthusiasm after taking a two-year break from competitive skating.
She described feeling at “peak happiness” while competing.
French ice dancing champions Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron presented an artistic routine to the piano piece “Mad Rush,” while Japanese pairs winners Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara skated to Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling.”
Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov, the surprising men’s singles victor, entertained the audience dressed as Kung Fu Panda and received a post-performance visit from martial arts star Jackie Chan.
Authorities in Libya discovered the remains of five migrants along a coastal area east of Tripoli on Saturday, according to local police officials.
The bodies, which included two women, were found on the shoreline at Emhamid Al-Sharif in the coastal community of Qasr al-Akhyar, located approximately 45 miles east of the capital city.
Hassan Al-Ghawil, who leads investigations at the local police station, reported that residents in the area also spotted a child’s body that had washed ashore, but strong waves carried it back out to sea. Officials have requested the coast guard to conduct a search for the missing child.
According to Al-Ghawil, local residents discovered the bodies and immediately contacted police. Photos circulating online, which Reuters has verified, show the deceased migrants on the beach, with some still wearing black inflatable life preservers.
“We reported to the Red Crescent to recover the bodies,” Al-Ghawil stated. “The bodies we found are still intact and we think there are more bodies to wash ashore.”
The North African nation has served as a major pathway for people fleeing violence and economic hardship, seeking passage to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. This migration route became heavily trafficked following the 2011 overthrow of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi during a NATO-supported rebellion. Political divisions have fractured the country between competing eastern and western governments since 2014.
This tragedy follows another recent maritime disaster earlier this month when 53 migrants, including two infants, died or went missing after their rubber vessel capsized near Zuwara, a town west of Tripoli, according to the International Organization for Migration.
A recent United Nations assessment highlighted the severe dangers facing migrants in Libya, including young girls who face threats of murder, torture, sexual assault, and forced domestic servitude. The report recommended halting the return of migrant vessels to Libya until basic human rights protections can be guaranteed.
The Islamic State has announced what it calls an escalated campaign against Syrian government forces after claiming responsibility for dual attacks that left military personnel dead on Saturday.
According to the terror group’s Dabiq media outlet, militants used a handgun to target “an individual of the apostate Syrian regime” in Mayadin, located in Deir al-Zor province, while separately attacking two other government personnel with automatic weapons in the northern city of Raqqa.
Syria’s Defense Ministry confirmed in an official statement that one army soldier and one civilian lost their lives Saturday in attacks carried out by “unknown assailants.” A military source speaking to Reuters identified the fallen soldier as a member of the army’s 42nd Division.
These violent incidents occur as ISIS has dramatically increased attacks against Syria’s government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who previously commanded al Qaeda forces before splitting from that organization in 2016 and ultimately spearheading the Islamist coalition that toppled President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.
In a recorded message released Saturday evening, ISIS spokesman Abu Hudhayfa al-Ansari declared that Syria had “moved from Iranian occupation to Turkish-American occupation.”
The terrorist organization proclaimed it had launched a “new phase of operations” within Syria, labeling Sharaa as a “watchdog” of the international coalition and threatening that his destiny would mirror Assad’s downfall.
During his November visit to the United States, where he met with President Donald Trump, Sharaa formalized Syria’s participation in the global coalition fighting ISIS.
Saturday’s violence follows another ISIS attack just two days earlier in Deir al-Zor that claimed the life of an Interior Ministry internal security officer and left another wounded.
Pro-ISIS social media accounts and messaging channels have recently urged supporters to intensify attacks using motorcycles and small arms.
Since Assad’s government collapsed, ISIS has conducted six separate attacks against Syrian government forces.
A United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism report published last week revealed that ISIS has attempted to assassinate Sharaa and two top cabinet officials on five separate occasions, though all plots were unsuccessful.
The NBA has handed down a one-game suspension without pay to Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert following his seventh flagrant foul violation of the current season, the league announced on Saturday.
Gobert received the flagrant foul penalty during Friday evening’s matchup against Dallas at home in Minneapolis, where he struck Mavericks forward Marvin Bagley III in the head and neck area during the second quarter. The Timberwolves went on to defeat Dallas 122-111.
The suspension means Gobert will be sidelined for Sunday evening’s home matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, unless Minnesota decides to challenge the league’s decision through an appeal process.
According to NBA policy, players face automatic one-game suspensions once they accumulate six flagrant fouls during a season, with additional games added for each subsequent violation. This marks Gobert’s second suspension this season for flagrant foul accumulation, with his previous ban occurring in January following his sixth flagrant during Minnesota’s victory over San Antonio on January 11th.
Despite the incident, Gobert had a strong performance against Dallas, contributing 22 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocked shots. For the season, he’s posting averages of 11.2 points and 11.3 rebounds per contest.
The University of Delaware Blue Hens baseball squad faced another setback during their road trip, falling to Mississippi State in the second contest of their three-game series.
The loss puts Delaware in a challenging position as they head into the final game of the series, needing a victory to avoid being swept by the Bulldogs.
The Blue Hens will look to regroup and salvage the series finale as they continue their season away from home. Details about the specific score and game highlights were not immediately available.
Delaware’s baseball program continues to face tough competition as they work to build momentum for the remainder of their schedule.
DELMARVA — The Supreme Court ruled Friday to limit presidential tariff powers under emergency legislation, a decision Delaware’s farm community is celebrating.
Scott Metzger with the American Soybean Association says the IEEPA tariffs have been used on several ag products, creating uncertainty for producers across Delmarva. The ruling restricts how presidents can utilize the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for trade restrictions.
Meanwhile, USDA opened registration this week for an $11 billion farm relief program. The Farmer Bridge Assistance initiative starts Monday with one-time payments targeting row crop farmers dealing with disrupted trade markets and rising costs.
March corn closed at $2.65¼, up $0.01. March soybeans finished at $9.23¾, down $7.75. March wheat gained $0.05½ to $4.95¼. Live cattle for April dropped $1.42 to close at $242 per hundredweight.
A major winter storm is headed to the region. Tonight expect mostly cloudy skies with lows around 31°F. A blizzard warning is in effect through Monday evening for Sussex County with heavy snow and blowing snow expected Sunday night into Monday. Winter storm warnings cover Kent County and portions of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Temperatures Sunday will reach 38°F before heavy snow moves in overnight. Clearing returns Tuesday with highs in the low 30s.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, February 21, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Delaware transportation officials have shut down a portion of Mendenhall Mill Road after electrical equipment fell into the roadway.
The closure spans the area between Millcreek Road and Westwood Boulevard, where a utility pole and associated power lines have blocked vehicle access.
DelDOT has not provided an estimated timeline for when the roadway will reopen to traffic. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while crews work to clear the obstruction.
The space agency’s ambitious return to lunar exploration hit another snag as technical difficulties threaten to push the Artemis II launch beyond its planned March timeframe.
Just one day after NASA officials indicated they were considering March 6 as a possible launch window, the agency revealed that fresh technical challenges could eliminate all March departure opportunities entirely.
The primary concern involves what NASA describes as disrupted helium flow within the rocket’s systems. This issue may force engineers to transport the massive rocket away from the Kennedy Space Center launch pad back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for comprehensive testing and repairs.
Should this rollback become necessary, NASA officials indicate the moon-bound mission would likely be postponed until April at the earliest.
The Artemis II mission represents a crucial step in America’s efforts to return astronauts to lunar orbit for the first time since the Apollo era, making any delays significant for the future of space exploration.
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning women’s basketball squad came up short during their conference road trip, falling to Post University by a score of 63-50 in Waterbury, Connecticut.
The Lightning made the journey north for the conference matchup but were unable to secure a victory away from home court. The 13-point margin represented a challenging outing for Goldey-Beacom as they faced their conference opponents on Post’s home turf.
The loss adds to the Lightning’s conference record as they continue their season schedule. The team will look to regroup following the road defeat as they prepare for upcoming games.
Contact: Brooke Thaler, Communications Department, 302-227-6181, ext. 522
Rehoboth Beach officials have activated emergency snow routes ahead of Sunday night’s winter storm that’s expected to bring accumulating snowfall to the coastal city.
City Manager authority has been used to designate specific streets as emergency corridors to ensure snow plows can operate effectively and emergency responders can navigate the city safely during the weather event.
Starting at 9pm this Sunday, February 22nd, motorists will be banned from parking on three key roadways until city crews finish their snow clearing work.
The parking prohibition takes effect at 9pm Sunday, Feb. 22 on Rehoboth Avenue, Bayard Avenue, and State Road. The ban stays in place until snow removal crews complete their work.
City officials have outlined several requirements while the emergency declaration remains active:
Should the Governor declare driving restrictions across Sussex County, residents can find complete information at: SnowDEDrivingRestrictions.pdf
Emergency situations require calling 911. Non-emergency matters should be directed to 302-227-2577.
