A federal appeals court has removed a legal obstacle blocking Louisiana from implementing its requirement for Ten Commandments displays in public school classrooms.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decided 12-6 on Friday to remove an injunction that a district court had imposed on the legislation in 2024. The majority opinion stated that determining the law’s constitutional validity was premature at this stage.
The court explained that crucial details remain unclear, including how conspicuously schools might exhibit the religious text, whether educators will reference the Ten Commandments during instruction, or if additional historical documents such as the Mayflower Compact or Declaration of Independence will accompany the displays.
The panel determined these missing specifics prevented them from evaluating potential First Amendment concerns. The majority stated in their decision that insufficient facts were available to “permit judicial judgment rather than speculation.”
However, the six dissenting judges authored multiple opposing opinions, with some contending the matter was ready for judicial examination and others maintaining the legislation subjects students to government-sanctioned religion in mandatory attendance settings, creating an obvious constitutional violation.
Circuit Judge James L. Dennis stated the law “is precisely the kind of establishment the Framers anticipated and sought to prevent.”
This decision follows the complete court’s hearing of case arguments in January 2026, after a three-judge panel previously determined Louisiana’s legislation was unconstitutional. Arkansas has enacted comparable legislation that faces federal court challenges.
Texas implemented its version on September 1st, representing the nation’s most extensive effort to install Ten Commandments displays in public schools. Although federal judges blocked multiple school districts through injunctions in two lawsuits, many classrooms statewide already feature the posters as districts either funded printing costs directly or accepted donated materials.
These measures represent part of Republican initiatives, including those supported by President Donald Trump, aimed at introducing religious elements into public education. Opponents claim this breaches church-state separation, while supporters maintain the Ten Commandments hold historical significance and helped establish American legal foundations.
Families from diverse religious backgrounds, including Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism, along with clergy and non-religious households, have challenged these laws.
In 1980, the Supreme Court determined a comparable Kentucky statute violated the Constitution’s Establishment Clause, which prohibits Congress from “making any law respecting an establishment of religion.” The court concluded the law lacked secular purpose and served purely religious objectives.
The Supreme Court ruled in 2005 that similar displays in Kentucky courthouses were unconstitutional. Simultaneously, the court permitted a Ten Commandments monument to remain on Texas state Capitol grounds in Austin.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — U.S. military aircraft responded Thursday to intercept five Russian planes flying in international waters off Alaska’s western coastline, though defense officials emphasized Friday that the encounter was routine and non-threatening.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command reported detecting and monitoring two Russian Tu-95 bombers, two Su-35 fighter jets, and one A-50 surveillance aircraft operating in the vicinity of the Bering Strait on Thursday.
NORAD deployed two F-16 fighters, two F-35 stealth jets, one E-3 surveillance plane, and four KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft to meet, identify, and accompany the Russian planes until they left the region, the command announced in an official statement.
According to NORAD’s release, “The Russian military aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace.” The statement emphasized that such encounters “occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat.”
The Russian planes were flying within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, located near the Bering Strait — a narrow waterway approximately 50 miles wide that divides the Pacific and Arctic oceans.
These identification zones extend beyond national airspace boundaries into international territory. Though considered international airspace, all aircraft must announce their identity when entering these zones for national security purposes, NORAD explained.
The defense command employs satellite technology, ground-based radar systems, airborne detection equipment, and aircraft to monitor and track aerial activity in the region.
While NORAD maintains its primary headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado, the organization operates its Alaska mission from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson located in Anchorage.
Federal authorities announced Friday that PacifiCorp has reached a $575 million settlement to resolve government claims stemming from six catastrophic wildfires that occurred in Oregon and California during 2020 and 2022.
According to the Justice Department, the agreement addresses allegations that the utility’s power lines were responsible for igniting four Oregon fires in 2020 and two California fires in 2020 and 2022. The settlement funds will go toward restoring approximately 290,000 acres of burned public lands and reimbursing firefighting expenses.
“This settlement served the Department’s longstanding policy of holding individuals and corporations responsible for damages caused by wildfires. Every fire impacting federal lands, no matter the size, is a priority,” stated U.S. Attorney Eric Grant of the Eastern District of California.
The Justice Department emphasized the importance of recovering firefighting costs, noting that “the U.S. Forest Service now spends more than half of its budget on wildfire suppression annually.”
PacifiCorp released a statement saying the agreement reflects its continued efforts to resolve wildfire-related claims, with total settlements now exceeding $2 billion.
The utility company continues to battle numerous lawsuits connected to Oregon’s devastating 2020 fires. Multiple jury verdicts have already ordered PacifiCorp to pay hundreds of millions in damages to fire victims.
A significant 2023 Oregon jury ruling found PacifiCorp liable for negligent conduct after failing to shut off power to 600,000 customers despite fire danger warnings from officials. The jury’s determination of negligent and willful behavior resulted in punitive damages for a class of property owners, with over 1,000 additional cases scheduled for trial in 2026 and 2027.
The company has appealed this verdict and the case remains in state court.
The Labor Day weekend fires of 2020 rank among Oregon’s most devastating natural disasters, claiming 11 lives, destroying thousands of homes, and burning over one million acres. California’s 2020 Slater Fire and 2022 McKinney Fire also resulted in multiple fatalities.
This week, PacifiCorp announced plans to sell its Washington state wind, natural gas, and distribution operations to Portland General Electric for $1.9 billion as part of efforts to strengthen its financial position. The company has been required to post court bonds while appealing wildfire judgments, creating cash flow challenges.
“Improve the company’s financial stability while simplifying our operations,” CEO Darin Carroll explained Tuesday, adding that the sale would help ensure reliable service for Washington customers.
While PacifiCorp’s parent company, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, maintains over $382 billion in cash reserves, the conglomerate expects its subsidiary to handle its own financial obligations. Greg Abel, who previously headed Berkshire’s utility division, now serves as the company’s CEO.
Authorities in Las Vegas are treating Thursday’s vehicle crash into an electrical substation as an act of terrorism, officials announced during a Friday press briefing.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department assured residents that no continuing danger exists to the community following the incident.
Emergency dispatchers received a report at 10 a.m. Thursday about a vehicle that had crashed through security barriers at the electrical facility in Boulder City, situated roughly 25 miles southeast of Las Vegas, McMahill explained.
The vehicle’s operator was identified as 23-year-old Dawson Maloney of Albany, New York, who had been reported as a missing person and took his own life with a firearm, the sheriff stated.
Before the incident occurred, Maloney had contacted relatives, discussing intentions of self-harm and stating he planned to carry out an action that would make him newsworthy. In communications with his mother, he described himself using terrorist terminology, police revealed.
Investigators discovered explosive devices and numerous publications “related to extremist ideologies” inside Maloney’s hotel accommodation, McMahill reported. The materials covered various radical viewpoints including right-wing and left-wing extremism, environmental extremism, white supremacist beliefs, and anti-government philosophies.
“These findings significantly elevate the seriousness of this incident,” McMahill stated.
Records show Maloney was enrolled as a student at Albany Law School in the class of 2027. He had also achieved honors recognition during multiple terms at Siena University in New York.
Law enforcement recovered two shotguns, a pistol resembling an assault rifle, and flamethrowers from his rented vehicle, McMahill noted. Maloney was dressed in what officers characterized as “soft-body armor.”
A search of an Albany residence yielded a 3D printing device and various firearm components necessary for weapon assembly. Maloney had traveled by rental car from Albany to Boulder City, according to Christopher Delzano, the FBI’s Las Vegas special agent-in-charge.
Boulder City is a historical community that houses the Hoover Dam, recognized as one of America’s remarkable civil engineering achievements. The dam supplies water to millions of residents and produces approximately 4 billion kilowatt-hours of hydroelectric energy annually for Nevada, Arizona and California.
The targeted electrical substation belongs to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The installation operates in coordination with Hoover Dam and transmits electricity to the Los Angeles metropolitan area, McMahill explained. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power confirmed to The Associated Press that it is monitoring the situation, with no operational impacts or service interruptions reported.
Boulder City Police Chief Timothy Shea confirmed that investigators found no evidence of significant damage to essential infrastructure and no utility service disruptions occurred.
A comparable event took place in 2023 when an individual drove a vehicle through barriers at a solar energy installation in the desert northeast of Las Vegas, igniting the car. The solar facility provided power to Las Vegas Strip gambling establishments. That perpetrator was deemed mentally incompetent for trial. The attack followed multiple incidents and arrests involving electrical substations across Washington, Oregon and North Carolina, raising federal concerns about electricity transmission network security.
“We are heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of one of our law students, Dawson Maloney, in an off-campus incident,” said Tom Torello, director of communications and marketing at Albany Law School, in a statement.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks baseball team encountered a setback in their season series opener against Virginia Military Institute, falling to the Keydets at Gray-Minor Stadium in Lexington, Virginia.
The game took place on February 14, 2025, marking an early season matchup for both teams as they continue their respective campaigns.
While the Hawks were unable to secure a victory in the series opener, there were individual bright spots in the performance. Notably, Aponte delivered a strong offensive showing, collecting multiple hits during the contest.
This marks Aponte’s second multi-hit performance of the young season, demonstrating consistent production at the plate despite the team’s struggles in this particular game.
The Hawks will look to bounce back and even the series as they continue their road trip against VMI in the coming days.
American military officials announced Friday through a social media post that they conducted a strike against a boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of three individuals.
The military disclosed the fatal operation on X, characterizing the incident as part of an ongoing series of similar actions in the region.
MILAN – Team USA’s men’s hockey squad stands just one victory away from capturing their first Olympic gold medal in nearly five decades, following a commanding 6-2 semifinal victory over Slovakia on Friday at the Milano Cortina Olympics.
The Americans will now face off against Canada in the championship match, setting up a classic rivalry showdown as they seek to end a gold medal drought that stretches back to their legendary 1980 triumph – the famous “Miracle on Ice” that captivated the nation.
That historic 1980 victory saw a team of amateur and college players shock the heavily favored Soviet Union 4-3, creating one of sports’ most memorable underdog stories on their way to Olympic gold.
Forward Brock Nelson, who has family ties to U.S. Olympic hockey history with a grandfather on the 1960 gold medal team and an uncle on the celebrated 1980 squad, spoke about the significance of facing Canada.
“The rivalry with Canada is obviously a long battle and a long history,” Nelson explained. “(These are) two countries that want to come out on top, have the bragging rights that they’re the best country in the world.”
By advancing to the final, the U.S. team has already secured their first Olympic hockey medal since the 2010 Vancouver Games, where Canada broke American hearts with a 3-2 overtime victory in the gold medal contest.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski revealed he prepared for this opportunity by watching the Netflix documentary “Miracle on Ice: The Boys of ’80” before departing for Milan.
“It definitely motivated me a little bit more,” Werenski shared. “And it’s something not a lot of American hockey players have ever done. I think 36 players have ever won a gold medal for the U.S. in the Olympics, so we’re aware of what’s at stake.”
“We’re going to embrace it, we’re going to enjoy it, and this is why you play the game,” he added.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for this American squad, which features NHL stars competing in the Olympics for the first time since 2014. The United States hasn’t defeated Canada in an Olympic men’s hockey final since 1960 at Squaw Valley.
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, who found the net in Friday’s semifinal win, described his anticipation for this moment.
“Not even going to go into how much I’ve thought about it as a kid, but that was just a dream up until the Four Nations, it turned into serious thoughts,” Larkin said, referencing last year’s tournament that Canada won.
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk emphasized that a gold medal victory would transcend this single team’s achievement.
“There’s 1980, there’s the ’96 World Cup — those moments grew the game so much and shaped our entire generation,” Tkachuk noted.
“Now we have a chance to do the same, to push the sport forward and make it even better for the next generation.”
Since President Donald Trump began his second term in January 2025, the nation’s highest court has been flooded with legal challenges to his administration’s actions across multiple policy areas.
The Supreme Court justices have weighed in on disputes involving immigration enforcement, federal agency independence, military policies, government workforce changes, and international trade measures.
TRADE POLICY SETBACK
In a significant blow to the administration’s economic agenda, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on February 20 against Trump’s extensive tariff program. The justices determined that his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act from 1977 went beyond presidential authority. The court emphasized that under the Constitution, Congress holds the power to establish taxes and tariffs, not the president. These tariffs had sparked international trade disputes, unsettled financial markets, and created worldwide economic instability since Trump launched his global trade offensive.
FEDERAL RESERVE INDEPENDENCE
The justices appeared doubtful about Trump’s unusual attempt to dismiss Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook during January 21 oral arguments. The case centers on the central bank’s autonomy from political pressure. Congressional law establishing the Fed includes safeguards against political meddling, mandating that governors can only be removed “for cause,” though this term lacks clear definition or established procedures. Trump moved to terminate Cook in August, alleging mortgage fraud prior to her appointment – accusations Cook disputes. Cook, a Biden appointee, maintains these charges are merely a cover for policy disagreements. The court’s decision is anticipated by late June.
MILITARY DEPLOYMENT BLOCKED
On December 23, 2025, the court declined to authorize Trump’s plan to deploy National Guard forces to the Chicago region, part of his expanded domestic military operations in Democratic-controlled areas that opponents view as retribution against political rivals. The justices upheld U.S. District Judge April Perry’s injunction preventing the deployment of hundreds of troops in response to a lawsuit filed by Illinois state and local officials. The Justice Department had requested permission for the deployment while litigation continued.
AGENCY LEADERSHIP DISPUTES
During December 8, 2025 arguments, conservative justices signaled support for Trump’s dismissal of Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter, potentially strengthening executive power while threatening decades-old legal precedent. The case involves the administration’s appeal of a lower court ruling that found Trump overstepped his authority by removing the Democratic FTC member in March before her term concluded. Conservative justices seemed receptive to arguments that congressional tenure protections for independent agency heads unconstitutionally limit presidential authority. The court permitted Slaughter’s removal while the case proceeds, with a ruling expected by June’s end.
The justices postponed action on November 26, 2025, regarding Trump’s effort to remove the nation’s chief copyright official, temporarily keeping Shira Perlmutter in her position as U.S. register of copyrights and Copyright Office director while her legal challenge continues.
CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION
Arguments are scheduled for April 1 concerning Trump’s controversial directive limiting birthright citizenship, which would fundamentally change how a 19th-century constitutional provision has been interpreted. A lower court blocked the executive order instructing federal agencies to deny citizenship recognition to children born in America if neither parent holds U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status. The court found Trump’s policy violated the 14th Amendment and existing federal law protecting birthright citizenship in a class-action case brought by affected families.
Earlier, on June 27, 2025, the Supreme Court restricted federal judges’ ability to issue nationwide injunctions against presidential policies.
The court supported Trump’s aggressive immigration stance on September 8, 2025, by allowing federal agents to conduct Southern California raids targeting individuals for deportation based on race or language. It granted the Justice Department’s request to suspend a judge’s order that temporarily prohibited agents from stopping or detaining people without “reasonable suspicion” of illegal presence, or based on race, ethnicity, or Spanish-speaking or accented English.
On October 3, 2025, the court again enabled the administration to eliminate temporary legal protection for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants, supporting Trump’s mass deportation priorities. It approved the administration’s request to halt U.S. District Judge Edward Chen’s ruling that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem lacked authority to terminate the Temporary Protected Status granted under Biden.
The court allowed the administration on May 30, 2025, to revoke temporary legal status for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan, Cuban, Haitian and Nicaraguan migrants. It suspended U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani’s order blocking the termination of immigration “parole” for 532,000 migrants, potentially exposing them to swift removal.
On May 16, 2025, the court maintained its block on Trump’s deportations of Venezuelan migrants under an 1798 wartime law, citing inadequate due process. The justices granted an ACLU request to continue halting removals. The administration alleges these Venezuelans belong to the Tren de Aragua criminal organization.
The court cleared the way on June 23, 2025, for resumed deportations to “third countries” without allowing migrants to demonstrate potential harm they might face at their destination.
On April 10, 2025, the court ordered the administration to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego, a Salvadoran man erroneously deported to El Salvador. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on June 6 that Abrego had returned to face criminal charges for transporting illegal immigrants. Abrego entered a not guilty plea.
TRANSGENDER POLICIES
The court permitted Trump’s transgender military ban on May 6, 2025, allowing the armed forces to discharge thousands of current transgender service members and reject new applicants while legal challenges proceed. It granted the Justice Department’s request to lift U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle’s nationwide injunction blocking the policy implementation.
On November 6, 2025, the court allowed the administration to prohibit passport applicants from designating sex that reflects their gender identity, requiring documents to correspond only to birth-assigned sex while a class action lawsuit continues.
FEDERAL WORKFORCE CHANGES
The justices cleared the path on July 8, 2025, for massive government job cuts and extensive agency downsizing. They lifted U.S. District Judge Susan Illston’s order blocking large-scale federal layoffs termed “reductions in force.” Workforce cuts were planned across the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services, State, Treasury, Veterans Affairs and over a dozen other agencies.
On July 23, 2025, the court allowed Trump to remove three Democratic Consumer Product Safety Commission members – Mary Boyle, Alexander Hoehn-Saric and Richard Trumka Jr. – strengthening presidential control over agencies designed to be independent.
The court permitted Trump on May 22, 2025, to keep two Democratic federal labor board members away from their positions while their dismissal challenges proceed – Cathy Harris from the Merit Systems Protection Board and Gwynne Wilcox from the National Labor Relations Board.
On April 8, 2025, the justices blocked a judge’s order requiring the administration to rehire thousands of terminated employees, suspending U.S. Judge William Alsup’s injunction for six federal agencies to reinstate recently hired probationary workers.
SPENDING AND RESEARCH
The court allowed Trump on September 26, 2025, to withhold approximately $4 billion in congressionally authorized foreign aid as part of his “America First” agenda, despite constitutional provisions granting Congress spending authority.
However, on March 5, 2025, the justices refused to let the administration withhold payments to foreign aid organizations for completed work as Trump moves to eliminate American humanitarian projects globally.
The court cleared the way on July 14, 2025, for dismantling the Department of Education, supporting Trump’s effort to reduce federal education involvement in favor of state control. It lifted U.S. District Judge Myong Joun’s order reinstating nearly 1,400 department employees and blocking function transfers to other agencies.
On August 21, 2025, the court permitted extensive cuts to National Institutes of Health grants for research involving racial minorities or LGBT individuals, part of Trump’s campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
The justices allowed the administration on April 4, 2025, to proceed with millions in teacher training grant cuts as part of the diversity initiative crackdown.
GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY
On June 6, 2025, the court granted the Department of Government Efficiency extensive access to personal information in Social Security Administration databases for millions of Americans as part of Trump’s federal workforce reduction efforts.
The same day, justices extended their block on judicial orders requiring DOGE to provide records to a government watchdog group seeking operational details.
Emergency officials in Australia’s Victoria state have issued the most urgent evacuation warning possible as an uncontrolled wildfire threatens residents near a remote mining community, according to Saturday reports from Sydney.
The emergency alert covers areas around the A1 Mine Settlement in Gaffney’s Creek, located approximately 31 miles northeast of Melbourne, the state’s capital city.
Victoria Emergency posted on their website that “Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous,” while confirming that firefighters have not yet gained control of the flames.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corp., the challenging mountainous landscape is preventing ground crews from effectively fighting the fire.
The threatened region has a rich history of gold mining dating back to the 1860s and remains sparsely populated, though it draws campers and visitors seeking outdoor recreation.
Victoria Emergency reported that three additional wildfires were active on Saturday, all classified at the “watch and act” level, which represents the second-most serious threat category.
Australia’s southeast region faced devastating wildfire conditions in January, when thousands of emergency responders fought blazes that destroyed residential properties, left thousands without electricity, and consumed vast areas of natural landscape. Those fires marked the most severe since the catastrophic Black Summer fires of 2019-2020, which burned an area equivalent to Turkey’s size and claimed 33 lives.
Despite suffering a decisive defeat against Team USA in Friday’s Olympic men’s hockey semifinal, Slovakia’s national team is drawing positive momentum from their third-period performance as they prepare for their bronze medal matchup with Finland.
The Americans dominated Slovakia 6-2 in Milan, effectively putting the game away by the second period’s conclusion with a commanding five-goal advantage. However, Slovakia managed to outplay their opponents 2-1 during the final frame, providing a foundation for optimism heading into their next contest.
Team captain Tomas Tatar reflected on the significance of reaching this stage of competition for his nation.
“It’s a privilege to be here and represent your country at a tournament like this and to get this far, to be this close, to be successful,” Tatar stated. “Obviously, for such a small country as we are against these giant hockey countries, we can compete.”
Head coach Vladimir Orszagh emphasized how his team’s locker room discussion sparked their improved play in the game’s closing period.
“Coming to the third period, we talked about it in the locker room that we need to build something,” Orszagh explained. “We need to build what we’ve been building for the whole tournament, but it wasn’t there for two periods for us. So we want to build the chemistry and the way we played in the games before. And we saw some light at the end of the tunnel in the third period. We won the period, so we want to build on it.”
Slovakia’s Olympic journey has been remarkable, beginning with a statement victory over defending champion Finland in their opening match. They subsequently claimed the top spot in their group standings and dispatched Germany convincingly in the quarterfinals before encountering the determined American squad seeking their first Olympic gold since 1980.
The upcoming bronze medal contest presents a different challenge, as Finland has shown significant improvement since their early tournament loss to Slovakia. The Finnish team nearly upset Canada in the other semifinal, holding a two-goal lead before ultimately surrendering the advantage.
Despite the sting of Friday’s semifinal loss, Tatar expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity that lies ahead.
“You know, if you would say before a tournament for us, to play a bronze medal game, we would definitely take it,” Tatar added. “Obviously today hurts, but I’m sure we’re all excited to have that opportunity to play tomorrow for a bronze medal.”
The nationally-ranked Goldey-Beacom Lightning baseball squad endured a difficult day on the diamond, suffering defeats in both games of a doubleheader against Frostburg State University in Cary, North Carolina.
The Lightning, currently ranked 30th in the nation, first fell 9-2 in the opening contest before battling through extra innings in the nightcap, ultimately losing a marathon 12-inning affair by a score of 5-3.
The extended second game proved particularly challenging for Goldey-Beacom, as the team fought through nine additional frames beyond regulation play before Frostburg State managed to secure the victory.
The doubleheader sweep represents a setback for the Lightning’s season as they continue their campaign in North Carolina.
Minnesota Twins star pitcher Pablo Lopez faces a lengthy recovery after the team announced Friday that he will need Tommy John surgery, forcing him to miss all of the 2026 baseball season.
The right-handed pitcher is scheduled to undergo the procedure next Wednesday in Dallas to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm. This marks the second time Lopez has required this surgery, having previously undergone the same operation in 2013 following his rookie year in the Seattle Mariners organization.
The team showed their support on social media, posting on X: “Twins Territory is with you, Pablo.”
Lopez, who will celebrate his 30th birthday on March 7th, had been a workhorse for the team in recent years, taking the mound for 32 starts each season from 2022 through 2024. However, the 2025 campaign proved challenging as he was placed on the injured list three different times, limiting him to just 14 starts where he posted a 5-4 record with a 2.74 earned run average across 75 2/3 innings pitched. His season was interrupted by a hamstring problem, a muscle issue in his throwing shoulder, and ultimately a forearm strain.
Throughout his eight-year major league career split between the Miami Marlins from 2018-2022 and the Twins, Lopez has compiled a 59-53 record with a 3.81 ERA across 172 starts. He has recorded 994 strikeouts while issuing 251 walks over 965 innings of work. The 2023 All-Star selection is currently in year three of a four-year contract worth $73.5 million that he signed in 2023.
Following Friday’s Supreme Court decision overturning former President Trump’s emergency tariffs, businesses that transferred their potential refund rights to investment firms are now celebrating – though the road ahead remains complicated.
Mark Mintman, Chief Financial Officer at Atlanta-based toy company Kids2, described the situation as “a tiny win in what seems to be an ongoing, changing environment.” His company received $2 million from a Boston investment fund in return for claims related to $15 million in tariffs paid to customs officials through last September.
Kids2, which brings in 95% of its toy and baby product inventory from China, is currently consulting with attorneys to determine how to protect its refund eligibility. The high court’s ruling delegated the specifics of refund procedures to lower courts, potentially creating an expensive and complex legal process.
The situation became more uncertain when Trump announced Friday his intention to pursue alternative methods for collecting these taxes, leaving importers like Kids2 unclear about their financial outlook.
These arrangements allow businesses to receive immediate partial payments of their potential refunds. Companies retain these upfront payments following the tariff reversal, while any government refunds go to the investment partners. Mintman characterized these deals as a “cost-recovery action,” noting that companies would keep the money regardless of whether tariffs were upheld, while investors would receive nothing in that scenario.
This represents Wall Street’s latest innovation in monetizing future cash flows, similar to existing markets for lawsuit settlement payments and lottery winnings. Music icon David Bowie famously pioneered this concept by selling his royalty streams through “Bowie Bonds.”
Attorney Amy Pasacreta from Orrick’s restructuring division highlighted the substantial uncertainty surrounding refunds. “Are there going to be refunds? And if so, how importers can claim the refunds? And this, as alluded to by President Trump this afternoon, could go on for months or years,” she explained.
Pasacreta anticipates new participants entering the market given the increased probability of eventual refunds, with claim values expected to rise following Friday’s court decision.
“We’ve had inbounds on people looking to find claims to buy, and we’ve also discussed with some sellers (importers) who were in the process of speaking to people before today’s decision, and sort of what it means for them,” Pasacreta noted.
Jay Foreman, head of toy manufacturer Basic Fun, which produces Tonka trucks, Care Bears and K’Nex building sets, indicated via email that he’s considering selling his refund claim if the “discount fee was reasonable.”
Foreman explained he “could take that money and reinvest in our business at once, and also if tariff stay off toys, work with retailers to lower prices ASAP.”
Following Friday’s Supreme Court decision declaring that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority when implementing tariffs through emergency powers legislation, legal experts anticipate a massive wave of refund litigation heading to the U.S. Court of International Trade, where businesses have already assembled teams of attorneys to recover their tariff payments.
Legal professionals specializing in trade law indicate that the number of refund-seeking lawsuits – currently exceeding 1,800 cases – may dramatically increase following the justices’ rejection of the legal foundation supporting approximately $175 billion in customs collections since April of last year.
During a Friday White House press briefing, Trump announced plans to implement additional tariffs while forecasting an extended court battle for businesses pursuing refunds. “We’ll end up being in court for the next five years,” he stated.
Court documents reviewed by Reuters show that Washington-based Crowell & Moring has submitted no fewer than 150 refund cases to the trade court following Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff declaration last April, advocating for major corporations such as warehouse retailer Costco, beauty company Revlon, and eyewear manufacturer EssilorLuxottica, which produces Ray-Ban glasses.
Sidley Austin, another prominent legal firm, has participated in over 150 tariff-related lawsuits since April, providing representation for companies including J. Crew, Illumina, Dole, and Diageo.
Representatives from both Crowell and Sidley were unavailable for immediate comment.
Among the smaller practices handling substantial caseloads is Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz, Silverman & Klestadt, a 40-attorney trade specialty firm that has initiated more than 300 tariff lawsuits on behalf of clients including high-end fashion houses Prada and Dolce & Gabbana. Joseph Spraragen, a partner at Grunfeld, explained that clients compensate the firm through flat fees for case initiation.
Legal representatives informed Reuters they anticipate filing numerous additional cases in upcoming weeks at the New York-headquartered Court of International Trade, where importing companies have a two-year window to pursue refund claims.
“The time to do it was yesterday. The next best time to file is today,” stated Richard O’Neill from Neville Peterson, a 10-attorney practice with over 100 pending lawsuits.
Julian Beach from Pillsbury law firm, which maintains more than twelve active cases, identified a crucial question regarding whether the trade court possesses authority to issue rulings with nationwide impact in refund cases. According to Beach, the Justice Department has indicated it will oppose any attempts to secure nationwide injunctive relief.
Trade attorney Brian Janovitz of DLA Piper, who represents clients pursuing refunds, noted that even if the government acknowledges owing refunds for previous imports, the specific procedure remains unclear. He predicted additional trade court lawsuits are probable “because companies will want to preserve that avenue of seeking relief given the uncertainty.”
Pillsbury partner Nancy Fischer suggested that if refund disputes proceed through the courts, the process will likely be combative, referencing Trump’s Friday comments about anticipated litigation.
“It really depends on whether the administration decides to play hardball,” Fischer explained. “It could get resolved quickly, if the parties were in agreement, but I am not so sure that necessarily is going to be the case.”
Federal energy regulators have cleared the way for a massive utility acquisition, announcing Friday their approval of Blackstone Infrastructure’s purchase of TXNM Energy.
The investment firm struck the agreement to buy the utility company last year in a deal valued at $11.5 billion when debt is included.
According to TXNM Energy, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission determined there is “no evidence that either state or federal regulation will be impaired by the proposed transaction” and confirmed the deal will not create “an adverse effect on rates.”
The company also noted that the mandatory waiting period required under federal antitrust law has now run out, clearing another regulatory hurdle for the transaction.
GASTONIA, N.C. — Investigators have concluded that the December house fire that claimed the life of NASCAR star Denny Hamlin’s father was accidental, though officials say they still cannot determine what sparked the deadly blaze.
According to a report from Gaston County Emergency Management & Fire Services, the December 28th fire began in a bedroom of the two-story residence, but investigators could not pinpoint the “cause of ignition,” labeling it as “undetermined.”
Despite the unknown ignition source, county spokesperson Adam Gaub confirmed in a Friday email that the investigation concluded the fire was accidental in nature.
Emergency responders discovered Dennis Hamlin, 75, and his wife Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, outside their burning home that evening, both suffering from severe injuries. Dennis Hamlin succumbed to his injuries, while Mary Lou survived the incident.
The residence, situated near Stanley approximately 20 miles northwest of Charlotte, was owned by a business entity that listed Denny Hamlin as its manager, public records show.
The NASCAR driver had previously disclosed that his father was battling a serious illness prior to the fire.
Denny Hamlin ranks among NASCAR’s elite competitors, with 60 Cup Series victories under his belt, including three Daytona 500 triumphs. Along with basketball legend Michael Jordan, Hamlin co-owns the racing team whose driver Tyler Reddick captured this year’s Daytona 500 championship just last weekend.
WASHINGTON — In a surprising move, the Trump administration announced Friday it will maintain stringent requirements forcing most municipalities to eliminate dangerous lead pipes within a decade, continuing to support rigorous water safety regulations established during the Biden presidency.
The Environmental Protection Agency informed a federal appeals court in the nation’s capital that it would uphold the most comprehensive revision of lead-contaminated water regulations in thirty years, despite legal opposition from utility industry groups.
While the current Trump administration has generally pursued rapid elimination of regulations, including loosening restrictions on air and water pollution controls, officials are taking a different stance regarding drinking water safety. On the same day, the administration eliminated strict controls on mercury and other dangerous emissions from coal-fired power plants.
“Following extensive consultation with stakeholders, EPA determined that the sole method to meet the Safe Drinking Water Act’s requirement to prevent expected negative health impacts ‘to the extent feasible’ is to mandate the replacement of lead service lines,” according to the agency’s legal document.
The agency maintained that meeting this goal within ten years is achievable, supporting regulations that were partially based on evidence showing previous approaches using chemical treatments and monitoring to control lead “did not succeed in preventing widespread lead contamination and extensive negative health consequences.”
In August, the EPA indicated its intention to support the previous administration’s comprehensive regulations while also stating it would “create new resources and guidance to provide practical implementation flexibility and regulatory transparency.” This language raised concerns among environmental advocates who feared the agency might introduce exemptions.
Lead, a toxic heavy metal previously widespread in materials including pipes and paint, damages the nervous system and can impair children’s growth, reduce intelligence levels, and elevate blood pressure in adults. When lead pipes deteriorate, they can poison drinking water supplies. The earlier Trump administration’s regulations were less stringent and did not require complete pipe replacement.
The Biden administration completed its lead-contaminated water reforms in 2024. The new rules required utilities to address lead contamination at reduced concentrations, establishing just 10 parts per billion as the action threshold, reduced from the previous 15 parts per billion. When elevated levels were detected, water systems were required to notify customers, implement immediate corrective measures, and work toward replacing lead pipes, which typically represent the primary source of lead contamination in drinking water.
Officials from the Biden administration projected at the time that these enhanced standards would safeguard as many as 900,000 babies from low birth weight and prevent approximately 1,500 early deaths annually from cardiovascular disease.
“Community advocacy and years of lead-poisoned neighborhoods demanding clean tap water have made opposing health protection rules against toxic lead politically untouchable. Perhaps only an inflexible water utility trade organization would dare challenge this fundamental public health protection,” stated Erik Olson, senior director at the Natural Resource Defense Council, an environmental advocacy organization.
The American Water Works Association, representing utility companies, contested the regulations in court, claiming the EPA overstepped its authority by attempting to regulate pipe sections located on private property and therefore cannot mandate water systems to replace them.
The agency responded Friday that utilities can be compelled to replace complete lead pipes because they maintain adequate control over these systems.
The AWWA also argued the ten-year timeline was unrealistic, pointing to difficulties securing adequate workforce for the project and noting that water utilities simultaneously face other major infrastructure demands. Water utilities received three years for preparation before the decade-long replacement period begins, with some cities having extensive lead pipe networks granted additional time.
The agency stated it carefully examined information from numerous water utilities and determined that most could complete lead pipe replacement within ten years or sooner.
The initial lead and copper regulations for drinking water were implemented by the EPA over three decades ago. While these rules substantially decreased lead levels in water, critics argued they allowed cities to respond too slowly when contamination levels increased.
Lead pipes are predominantly located in older, industrial regions of the nation, including metropolitan areas like Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee. The updated regulations also modify how lead concentrations are calculated, potentially substantially increasing the number of communities found in violation.
The EPA under President Donald Trump has emphasized deregulation efforts. Officials have worked to reduce climate change initiatives and encourage fossil fuel development. However, their initial approach to drinking water matters has shown more complexity.
In March, for instance, the EPA revealed plans to partially reverse regulations targeting so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water — the other significant tap water protection from the Biden era. This modification aimed to maintain strict limits for certain common PFAS while proposing to eliminate and reconsider standards for other varieties and extend implementation timelines.
Both PFAS and lead pipes represent expensive risks to water safety. Some federal funding exists to assist communities with these challenges.
The Biden administration calculated approximately 9 million lead pipes supply water to residential and commercial properties across the United States. The Trump administration revised this analysis and currently estimates roughly 4 million lead pipes exist. Methodological changes, including presuming that communities failing to provide data lack lead pipes, caused this substantial difference. The updated estimate does address questionable results from certain states — advocates noted that the agency’s original projections for Florida, for example, appeared excessively high.
The EPA did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The AWWA referenced their existing court documents when contacted for a statement.
WASHINGTON — Internal government documents reveal that a federal immigration officer shot and killed a U.S. citizen during a nighttime traffic encounter in Texas last year, an incident that federal authorities never announced to the public.
Ruben Ray Martinez, 23, died in what appears to be the first of at least six fatal shootings involving federal officers during the current administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. The Department of Homeland Security stated Friday that the March incident on South Padre Island happened after Martinez deliberately hit an agent with his vehicle.
The fatal encounter involved officers from Homeland Security Investigations who were working alongside local police during an immigration operation, according to internal records secured by American Oversight, a Washington-based government accountability organization.
These documents came to light through a Freedom of Information Act legal challenge that produced heavily censored Immigration and Customs Enforcement files.
While local news organizations covered Martinez’s death on March 15, 2025, neither federal nor state officials revealed that HSI agents were involved in the shooting. DHS explained Friday that the victim “intentionally ran over a Homeland Security Investigation special agent,” prompting another officer to fire “defensive shots to protect himself, his fellow agents, and the general public.”
The agency declined to explain why no official statement or media notification was issued about the officer-involved shooting during the past 11 months.
Rachel Reyes, Martinez’s mother, explained that her son had recently turned 23 when he traveled with his closest friend from San Antonio to the coast for a birthday celebration. South Padre Island serves as a popular spring break destination on the Gulf Coast near the Mexican border, drawing thousands of young visitors each March.
Martinez held a job at an Amazon distribution center, enjoyed gaming, and spent time with friends. His mother emphasized he had no previous encounters with police.
“He was a typical young guy,” Reyes shared with The Associated Press. “He never really got a chance to go out and experience things. It was his first time getting to go out of town. He was a nice guy, humble guy. And he wasn’t a violent person at all.”
An internal ICE incident summary within the released documents indicates that HSI officers were helping South Padre Island police manage traffic flow around a multi-injury car crash scene just after midnight.
A blue Ford sedan carrying Martinez and a passenger approached the officers, who commanded the driver to halt. The document doesn’t specify their reasoning. While Martinez initially ignored the orders, he did eventually bring the vehicle to a stop.
Officers then encircled the car and demanded the occupants exit, but Martinez “accelerated forward” and struck an HSI agent “who wound up on the hood of the vehicle,” the summary states. A supervising HSI agent positioned beside the car then discharged his weapon several times through the open driver’s window, causing the vehicle to stop.
Emergency medical personnel already present at the crash site immediately administered aid, and Martinez was transported by ambulance to a Brownsville area hospital where doctors declared him deceased. The passenger, also an American citizen, was arrested.
The HSI officer reportedly struck by the vehicle received treatment for a knee injury at a local hospital before being discharged.
All names of the HSI agents and the two vehicle occupants were blacked out in the ICE summary, though Reyes confirmed her son was the deceased driver. She said he sustained three gunshot wounds.
The document indicates Texas Rangers responded to investigate and assumed primary responsibility for the shooting inquiry.
Reyes said she discovered approximately one week after the incident that a federal agent, not local police, had shot her son. A Rangers investigator contacted her and allegedly stated that video evidence contradicted the federal agents’ version of events. DHS did not immediately address Friday’s inquiry about claims of contradictory video footage.
The investigator informed her that the state’s investigation concluded in October and the case would go before a grand jury for possible criminal charges.
The Texas Department of Public Safety, which oversees the Rangers, confirmed Friday that the shooting investigation remains “active” and refused to provide additional details.
Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz, whose Democratic-held office has jurisdiction over South Padre Island, did not return Friday messages. South Padre Island Police Chief Claudine O’Carroll also failed to respond to comment requests.
Family legal representatives said Friday they have worked throughout the past year seeking accountability and transparency.
“It is critical that there is a full and fair investigation into why HSI was present at the scene of a traffic collision and why a federal officer shot and killed a U.S. citizen as he was trying to comply with instructions from the local law enforcement officers directing traffic,” attorneys Charles M. Stam and Alex Stamm stated.
The ICE summary indicates the HSI agents worked for a maritime border security task force normally focused on fighting international criminal networks at shipping ports. During the past year, officers from various federal agencies have been reassigned to prioritize immigration operations.
In January, ICE officer Jonathan Ross killed Renee Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis mother, while she sat in her SUV. Administration officials initially characterized Good as a “domestic terrorist” who attempted to ram officers before multiple videos surfaced that questioned the government’s account.
Similar to the Good incident, police training specialists questioned why a federal officer apparently positioned himself in Martinez’s vehicle path.
“You don’t stand in front of the car, you don’t put yourself in harm’s way,” said Geoffrey Alpert, a University of South Carolina police use-of-force expert. He noted there’s never justification for such positioning, “because you don’t know whether this person is going to flee, and if he flees, you could be dead.”
Alpert said investigators will likely examine available body camera footage or other recordings to determine how quickly Martinez moved the vehicle forward, whether he simply released the brake or pressed hard on the accelerator.
Martinez’s mother said she couldn’t believe he would deliberately attack a law enforcement officer.
“They didn’t give him a chance,” Reyes said. “It’s so excessive. They could have done anything else besides that. It’s like they shoot first and ask questions later.”
MILAN – Team USA’s men’s hockey squad delivered a commanding performance Friday night, defeating Slovakia 6-2 in Olympic semifinal action to advance to Sunday’s gold medal contest against Canada.
The Americans dominated from start to finish, building a commanding 5-0 lead before Slovakia managed to find the back of the net. Dylan Larkin opened the scoring, followed by goals from Tage Thompson and Jack Eichel, while Jack Hughes found the net twice in the offensive explosion. Brady Tkachuk also contributed a goal sandwiched between Slovakia’s two late scores.
The contest grew heated in its closing moments when brothers Brady and Matthew Tkachuk engaged in fisticuffs with Slovakia’s Erik Cernak, resulting in all three players receiving 10-minute penalties and early exits from the game. Brady Tkachuk was assessed an additional two-minute roughing penalty.
“A lot of guys in there, hard to see from the bench,” U.S. forward Brock Nelson commented about the altercation. “But love the fire from my guys for sure.”
With NHL stars back in Olympic competition after a 12-year hiatus, many anticipated this North American rivalry would culminate in a championship showdown. Team USA delivered on those expectations following Canada’s narrow 3-2 semifinal triumph over defending champion Finland.
“I think it’s what everyone wanted, this match-up in the gold medal game, and I’ve thought about it a lot,” Larkin stated.
The bronze medal contest will feature Slovakia against Finland on Saturday at Santagiulia Arena, the same venue that will host Sunday’s title game.
Larkin struck first just five minutes into the opening period, receiving a feed inside the blue line before weaving through Slovak defenders and firing a wrist shot past goaltender Samuel Hlavaj.
Despite two man-advantage opportunities in the first period, Slovakia couldn’t capitalize against the tournament’s only team yet to surrender a short-handed goal.
The Americans needed just 17 seconds on their initial power play chance in the period’s final minute, with Thompson unleashing a one-timer from a sharp angle that found the net’s upper reaches.
Team USA successfully killed off two more penalties early in the middle frame before exploding for two goals within 19 seconds to effectively seal the victory.
Hughes maneuvered around Slovakia captain Tomas Tatar before rifling a shot into the top corner, and before the arena announcer could complete his call, Eichel had wrapped a backhand attempt around the goalie for another score.
Slovakia immediately pulled Hlavaj in favor of Stanislav Skorvanek, but the replacement lasted less than six minutes before Hughes buried his second goal of the evening for a 5-0 advantage.
Juraj Slafkovsky’s goal for Slovakia drew little celebration, and Brady Tkachuk restored the five-goal margin with a breakaway tally before Pavol Regenda added Slovakia’s final score.
The United States continues pursuing their first Olympic gold since the legendary 1980 Lake Placid “Miracle on Ice,” when they upset the heavily favored Soviet Union en route to the championship. The Americans hope to mirror their women’s team, which captured gold by defeating Canada in Thursday’s final.
A federal appeals court decision on Friday has enabled Louisiana to move ahead with implementing a controversial law mandating Ten Commandments displays in every public school and university classroom throughout the state.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans reversed a lower court’s constitutional challenge by an 11-7 margin, determining that the law’s legality should be evaluated based on how individual school districts choose to carry it out.
The decision represents a significant defeat for families who filed suit against the Republican-controlled state’s legislation, claiming it violated their First Amendment religious freedoms. Legal representatives for these parents declined to provide immediate commentary.
Republican Governor Jeff Landry enacted the legislation, designated as H.B. 71, in 2024. The measure mandates that poster or framed displays of the Ten Commandments be placed in all K-12 schools and publicly funded higher education institutions.
According to Christian and Jewish traditions, the Ten Commandments were divine revelations given to the Hebrew prophet Moses.
This legislation made Louisiana the initial state to mandate such religious displays since the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated a comparable Kentucky statute in 1980. Both Arkansas and Texas enacted similar legislation in 2025, though both faced legal challenges resulting in court orders blocking their implementation.
A lower court judge initially halted the law’s implementation in November 2024, and a three-member 5th Circuit panel supported that decision in October. However, the complete appeals court subsequently decided to review the case, resulting in Friday’s reversal.
In their unsigned decision, the 5th Circuit majority explained that since the law provides school districts with implementation flexibility, it cannot be declared unconstitutional across all potential applications, emphasizing that circumstances would be significant.
“We do not know, for example, how prominently the displays will appear, what other materials might accompany them, or how—if at all—teachers will reference them during instruction,” the majority wrote. “More fundamentally, we do not even know the full content of the displays themselves.”
The court’s majority, composed entirely of judges appointed by Republican presidents, characterized their decision as limited in scope, noting that future legal challenges based on actual implementation remain possible.
U.S. Circuit Judge James Dennis authored a dissenting opinion supported by five colleagues appointed by Democratic presidents, describing the majority’s decision as a “calculated stratagem” designed to circumvent Supreme Court precedents.
“By placing that text on permanent display in public school classrooms, not in a way that is curricular or pedagogical, the State elevates words meant for devotion into objects of reverence, exposing children to government‑endorsed religion in a setting of compulsory attendance,” Dennis stated in his dissent.
The legal case is identified as Roake et al v Brumley et al, 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 24-30706.
Professional hockey teammates will transform into Olympic adversaries Sunday when Team USA battles Canada for gold in what promises to be a championship showdown that NHL fans have been dreaming about.
Close to 150 NHL players traveled to Milan to compete in these Winter Games, marking the premier league’s first Olympic participation since 2014. Now 50 players remain in contention for gold as this historic hockey rivalry takes center stage once again.
Canada’s Sam Reinhart, who plays alongside Team USA’s Matthew Tkachuk on the Florida Panthers, acknowledged the challenge ahead. “It makes it harder,” Reinhart explained. “You know how competitive they are, you know how nice it is to have them on your team when the games get the tightest.”
Every single NHL franchise had representation among the four semifinal teams, which also featured Finland and Slovakia, creating exactly the type of star-studded tournament the league envisioned when announcing player participation two years ago.
Nathan MacKinnon, the NHL’s leading goal scorer, says temporarily setting aside professional loyalties hasn’t been difficult in Milan. The Canadian star will face his Colorado Avalanche teammate Brock Nelson on Sunday.
“You have new teammates right now,” MacKinnon stated. “New teammates, new brothers, in this short amount of time we’ve become really close.”
The NHL entered the Milano Cortina Games with strong momentum, as ESPN and ABC viewership climbed 39% compared to last year during the season’s first four months, helped by marquee players and the television hockey hit “Heated Rivalry.”
Before men’s competition even started, Olympic officials expressed hopes that elite North American league players would become regular Olympic participants in future Games.
This championship matchup between longtime rivals – predicted by both betting experts and casual observers – should elevate excitement even higher, as the Americans pursue their third Olympic gold while Canada seeks their tenth men’s tournament title.
Team USA’s Jack Eichel will see several Vegas Golden Knights teammates wearing Canadian jerseys, including Mitch Marner, Mark Stone, and Shea Theodore. “We’re all competitors and we want to win,” Eichel said. “We can go back to being teammates after the game.”
President Donald Trump lashed out at the Supreme Court following Friday’s decisive 6-3 decision that stripped away his authority to independently impose import tariffs, as he pledged to persist with his worldwide trade conflict that has created global economic tension over the past year.
Dismissing what he characterized as an absurd decision, Trump declared an immediate 10% import tax on goods from every nation, adding to any tariffs already in place. Current law permits him to enforce this tax for 150 days, though legal challenges may emerge.
The Supreme Court’s historic decision eliminated the negotiating power that Trump and his trade representatives have used against foreign nations at diplomatic tables to alter international relationships and worldwide commerce.
The decision initially caused U.S. stock markets to jump before closing with modest gains, as financial experts cautioned about returning market instability while awaiting Trump’s future actions.
The court’s ruling raises doubts about trade agreements that Trump’s representatives have secured in recent months by threatening steep tariffs. The decision leaves uncertain what happens to the $175 billion Trump has gathered from American importers through what the court determined was his misinterpretation of existing law.
“I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed, for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country,” Trump stated to White House reporters, arguing that foreign nations were celebrating the decision and “dancing in the street.”
Without providing proof, he suggested that most justices yielded to outside pressure: “They’re very unpatriotic and disloyal to our Constitution. It’s my opinion that the court has been swayed by foreign interests and a political movement that is far smaller than people would ever think.”
After returning to office 13 months ago, Trump claimed he possessed what the court described as the “extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope.” Declaring a national emergency, he argued the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) gave him authority to establish tariffs at whatever level he selected.
Chief Justice John Roberts anchored the court’s decision with language from the U.S. Constitution: “The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises.”
The Trump administration’s claim that it had identified a war-like crisis to establish a legal exception did not convince the justices.
“The Government thus concedes, as it must, that the President enjoys no inherent authority to impose tariffs during peacetime,” Roberts stated in his opinion.
“And it does not defend the challenged tariffs as an exercise of the President’s warmaking powers. The United States, after all, is not at war with every nation in the world.”
Even with the court’s clear statement that the president had overstepped his constitutional limits, Trump told reporters: “It’s ridiculous, but it’s OK, because we have other ways, numerous other ways.”
Following twelve months of Trump’s frequently spontaneous tariff declarations that have disrupted markets and the international economy, the ruling and Trump’s reaction have brought back significant uncertainty that economists, investors and government officials hoped was behind them.
“I think it will just bring in a new period of high uncertainty in world trade, as everybody tries to figure out what the U.S. tariff policy will be going forward,” stated Varg Folkman, an analyst with the European Policy Centre think tank.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested the court decision might produce varying outcomes.
“The Supreme Court has taken away the President’s leverage, but in a way, they have made the leverage that he has more draconian because they agreed he does have the right to a full embargo,” Bessent explained on Fox News’ “The Will Cain Show.”
“We will get back to the same tariff level for the countries. It will just be in a less direct and slightly more convoluted manner,” he added.
By implementing his new temporary 10% tariff, Trump became the first president to use Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits the president to impose tariffs up to 15% for as long as 150 days to address “fundamental international payments problems.” This action may also face legal opposition. These tariffs can only continue beyond that timeframe with Congressional approval.
Dallas released linebacker Logan Wilson on Friday, ending his brief stint with the team just over three months after acquiring him in a trade with Cincinnati.
The franchise announced that cutting Wilson will free up $6.5 million in available salary cap money.
Wilson had established himself as a consistent defensive presence in Cincinnati, recording at least 100 tackles in four consecutive seasons from 2021 through 2024. However, his performance failed to meet expectations after Dallas traded a 2026 seventh-round draft pick to obtain him at the trade deadline.
The 29-year-old defender managed only 24 tackles and forced one fumble across seven appearances with Dallas, starting just one game. Wilson was completely inactive during the team’s Week 17 contest against Washington.
Between his time with both Cincinnati and Dallas this season, Wilson accumulated 70 tackles across 15 games with eight starts. Despite serving as a team captain in Cincinnati, he had already lost his starting position before the trade occurred.
Dallas selected Wilson in the third round of the 2020 draft when he joined Cincinnati. He became a crucial defensive player in 2021, contributing to the Bengals’ Super Bowl run that ended in a loss to Los Angeles. Wilson led all postseason players with 39 tackles during that playoff campaign.
That 2021 season saw Wilson record four interceptions, matching his total from another standout year. Throughout his five-year career, he has compiled 11 interceptions, seven forced fumbles, 5.5 quarterback sacks, and 565 total tackles across 83 games with 66 starts.
Now available as a free agent, Wilson could draw interest from Buffalo. The linebacker played college football at Wyoming alongside Bills quarterback Josh Allen, and Buffalo reportedly showed interest before Cincinnati completed the trade with Dallas.
WASHINGTON – Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended the federal government’s decision to temporarily shut down El Paso’s airport last week, telling reporters Friday that the closure was warranted despite swift reversal of the order.
The Federal Aviation Administration had announced plans to keep the Texas airport closed for 10 days, but changed course and reopened it just hours after the initial announcement.
Multiple news organizations, including Reuters, reported that aviation officials made the closure decision due to safety worries related to a military laser system designed to counter drone threats. When questioned about whether his social media comments regarding the situation were inaccurate, Duffy responded: “I use the information that I get.”
The Transportation Secretary indicated his department will provide a briefing to members of Congress next week, addressing lawmakers’ substantial questions about how the airport closure was handled.
WASHINGTON – Federal transportation officials announced Friday they will implement new regulations mandating that commercial truck driver examinations be conducted exclusively in English, while also pledging to crack down on illegitimate driver training programs.
The U.S. Transportation Department revealed plans to eliminate the self-certification process for commercial truck driving schools following the discovery of hundreds of training programs that failed to comply with federal standards. The current administration has implemented multiple measures to address issues related to foreign commercial drivers with limited English proficiency.
Market watchers are looking ahead to earnings from artificial intelligence leader Nvidia Corporation next week, hoping the results will help stabilize U.S. stock markets that have been shaken by AI-related concerns and are processing a recent Supreme Court decision overturning President Donald Trump’s broad trade tariffs.
The Supreme Court’s Friday decision to strike down Trump’s tariffs initially boosted stocks and Treasury yields, but investors remain uncertain about what alternative trade measures Trump might implement and how the government will handle litigation and refunds.
Along with this market uncertainty and Nvidia’s upcoming report, Wall Street is paying close attention to quarterly earnings from other technology companies, particularly software firms facing threats from concerns that artificial intelligence could disrupt their operations.
The semiconductor powerhouse Nvidia, currently the world’s most valuable company by market value, will release its report on Wednesday. This comes as major technology stocks and other large-cap companies have started 2026 on weak footing, dragging down the major indexes they’ve helped drive higher in recent years.
Companies known as AI “hyperscalers” have revealed plans to increase capital expenditures for data center construction and other infrastructure projects, which frequently rely on Nvidia’s products, positioning the company for potentially strong financial results, according to Marta Norton, chief investment strategist at retirement and wealth services provider Empower.
“The expectation for outsized results for Nvidia has been a persistent theme over the past few years,” Norton said. “And so it’s hard for Nvidia to surprise when everyone expects it to surprise.”
The S&P 500 benchmark index shows a modest 0.2% gain for the year so far. However, significant volatility exists beneath the surface, with shares in sectors like software, wealth management, and real estate services taking heavy losses due to fears they could be vulnerable to AI disruption.
NVIDIA ANALYSTS WATCH GUIDANCE AND CEO REMARKS
Nvidia’s stock price jumped more than 1,500% from late 2022 through the end of last year. In 2026, the stock has gained approximately 0.8% through Thursday. Other members of the “Magnificent Seven” group of megacap stocks that have powered the current bull market have performed worse this year, with Microsoft shares falling more than 17% in 2026 and Amazon declining 11%.
Nvidia’s stock alone carries enough weight to move major indexes, holding a 7.8% position in the S&P 500.
For its fiscal fourth quarter, analysts expect the company to report a 71% increase in earnings per share alongside revenue of $65.9 billion, based on LSEG data. For the upcoming fiscal year, analysts predict average earnings of $7.76 per share, representing a 66% increase. However, the range of analyst estimates is “significant,” noted Melissa Otto, head of research at S&P Global Visible Alpha. The lowest fiscal year earnings estimate stands at $6.28 per share while the highest reaches $9.68, according to LSEG information.
“If the bulls are right, then the stock is looking probably not too expensive,” Otto said. “If the bears are right…it’s not that cheap.”
Remarks from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang during the quarterly conference call could have wide-reaching implications for the AI industry, including for hyperscaler companies whose stock prices have faced pressure over concerns about insufficient returns on capital investments.
“Jensen has to come out and show his confidence in his own customers,” said Nick Giorgi, chief equity strategist at Alpine Macro. “The fact that to this point, Nvidia has been a cheerleader for their biggest customers is actually what you should want as an investor in this whole ecosystem.”
SOFTWARE EARNINGS AND STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS SCHEDULED
Quarterly reports from major software companies Salesforce and Intuit will carry more weight than typical, given the AI-related selloff affecting the industry. The S&P 500 software and services index has dropped approximately 20% year-to-date.
“Next week is going to be pretty important for software,” said King Lip, chief strategist at BakerAvenue Wealth Management. While the broad selling in the sector appears “overdone,” Lip noted, “I think there are some software names that are … going to have to find a way to adapt and innovate.”
AI infrastructure companies Dell and CoreWeave will also report earnings in the upcoming week.
Beyond technology, retailers Home Depot and Lowe’s are scheduled to release results as the fourth-quarter earnings season concludes. Investors will also assess President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday.
Despite technology sector struggles, indexes have received support from a market shift toward sectors including energy, industrials, and consumer staples.
“It’s kind of a perplexing market,” Norton said. “Everything that worked in 2025 is now having a hard 2026. And what was left behind in 2025 is working in 2026.”
Security officials confirmed Friday that Israeli military operations in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley resulted in six deaths and left 21 people injured, according to two sources who spoke with Reuters.
The strikes targeted the mountainous region that runs along Lebanon’s border with Syria, marking the latest escalation in regional tensions.
The casualty figures were provided by security sources familiar with the situation in the area.
New Orleans has decided to promote guard-forward Bryce McGowens from his two-way contract to a full three-year NBA deal, according to ESPN reports released Friday.
The financial details of McGowens’ new contract have not been disclosed.
The 23-year-old player has put together solid numbers during his time with the Pelicans this season, posting averages of 7.9 points and 1.9 rebounds across 32 appearances, including 11 as a starter. McGowens has been efficient with his shooting, connecting on 48.0% of his field goal attempts and an impressive 45.3% from beyond the arc.
New Orleans interim head coach James Borrego praised McGowens’ development when discussing the expected contract upgrade last week. “We’ve seen the work every day behind the scenes,” Borrego said. “He’s ready for the moment. I think this is his moment, his time now. He’s one of those guys who can play both sides of the ball.”
McGowens entered the NBA as a second-round selection by Minnesota in the 2022 draft. Throughout his professional career spanning 150 games with 32 starts, he has accumulated averages of 5.4 points and 1.7 rebounds while suiting up for Charlotte from 2022-24, Portland during the 2024-25 season, and now New Orleans.
The defending Olympic hockey champions from Finland experienced crushing disappointment Friday night in Milan after losing a heartbreaking semifinal matchup against tournament favorite Canada, ending their dreams of repeating as gold medalists.
The Finnish squad had built a commanding two-goal advantage early in the second period, highlighted by Erik Haula’s shorthanded goal. However, the Canadian team mounted a fierce comeback and delivered the decisive blow with just 36 seconds remaining in regulation.
“Sad, upset, a lot of emotions, so I kind of feel flat,” expressed Haula, who competes professionally for the NHL’s Nashville Predators.
“I don’t know how to explain it. It’s hard to feel anything. We lost. They’re going to the gold-medal game and we’re going to the bronze, and I don’t feel anything,” Haula continued, adding, “I feel about as bad as you can feel.”
The statistics revealed Finland’s struggle, managing only three shots on target during the second period when Haula found the net. Canada dominated the shot count 39-17 throughout the full 60 minutes. Despite the lopsided numbers, Haula maintained confidence that his team gave their maximum effort against the tournament’s most favored squad.
“We played the best team in the world, we took it to them,” Haula stated.
“We kept talking about how we can’t just defend them. We were here for gold, and nobody thought we could do it today. And our goal was to prove everyone wrong, and it just came short.”
The Finnish team must now regroup for Saturday’s bronze medal contest, where they’ll meet whichever team loses the other semifinal matchup between the United States and Slovakia.
“It’s not easy, obviously. It’s a tough pill to swallow,” acknowledged team captain Sebastian Aho.
“But yeah, we just kind of flush this one out and wake up tomorrow and come with a good mentality,” Aho explained. “I’m sure that when it’s all said and done, the bronze medal will be an unbelievable accomplishment.”
The head of the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank shared measured confidence Friday about the direction of inflation while acknowledging significant economic uncertainties that could affect future interest rate decisions.
Lorie Logan, speaking to an audience at Columbia University in New York City, expressed that she holds a “cautiously optimistic” view that current monetary policy positions mean “we’re on a path for inflation to come back down toward our target.”
However, Logan tempered her optimism, stating “I’m not fully convinced that we’re on a pathway to our 2% target” given substantial questions surrounding how existing tariffs have affected the economy and what changes may come following the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down numerous import taxes implemented by President Donald Trump.
The Fed official highlighted several economic forces that could prevent inflation from declining as expected. “There are a lot of tailwinds with fiscal policy here being supportive, financial conditions also being supportive, and we continue to see pretty strong business investment from AI (artificial intelligence) and consumer spending,” Logan explained. “There is the potential for demand to outstrip supply and keep inflation from falling” to appropriate levels.
When discussing the Federal Reserve’s current approach, Logan stated “I do think that policy is well positioned,” adding “I see risks on both sides of our mandate that we need to be attentive to, but I wouldn’t want to speculate about different scenarios that may play out going forward.”
The central bank reduced its key interest rate by 0.75 percentage points during the previous year, bringing it to the current range of 3.50%-3.75%. This move aimed to support a weakening employment market while maintaining sufficient economic restraint to bring inflation back to target levels.
Several Federal Reserve officials expressed discomfort with these rate reductions, particularly as inflation continues running significantly above the 2% goal and actually increased last year when Trump’s tariff policies took effect. Financial markets expect additional rate cuts this year, though Fed policymakers have provided minimal direction.
Logan, who possesses voting rights on the Federal Open Market Committee this year, confirmed her support for the central bank’s choice to maintain current rates during its January 27-28 meeting.
Regarding tariff uncertainty, Logan noted questions about how the system will operate following the Supreme Court ruling, including unclear effects of potential rebates for invalidated taxes on price pressures. “It’s something we’ll be paying attention to, but I don’t have any specific perspective” on potential outcomes, she said.
Logan also discussed technical aspects of the Fed’s money market liquidity management, which has required maintaining an exceptionally large balance sheet. She suggested that payment system innovations and regulatory changes might reduce financial institutions’ need to hold substantial reserve levels.
“I don’t have strong views about the direction of liquidity regulations at the moment,” Logan stated. “I’ve worried over time that we’ve trapped a lot of highly liquid assets” under extensive regulations and “I do think we need to be looking” at these rules “thoroughly.”
Logan reiterated her position that the Federal Reserve should shift from targeting the federal funds rate to focusing on repo market rates for monetary policy, arguing the latter provides clearer signals about money market conditions.
Energy giant ConocoPhillips is reportedly looking into offloading Texas oil field properties valued at roughly $2 billion, according to a Bloomberg News report released Friday that cited sources with knowledge of the discussions.
The oil and gas holdings in question were acquired by the Houston-based company through previous transactions involving Concho Resources and Shell, according to the report.
Sources indicate that ConocoPhillips has enlisted financial advisors to help identify potential purchasers, with both strategic industry players and private equity firms expected to show interest in the properties.
However, the discussions remain in preliminary phases, and the company may ultimately choose to retain ownership of these assets, the sources noted.
During its fourth-quarter earnings announcement, ConocoPhillips revealed it had completed $3.2 billion worth of asset sales in 2025 and continues working toward its goal of disposing $5 billion in assets by late 2026 as part of its business optimization strategy.
The company has not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding the Bloomberg report.
Federal Reserve officials find themselves navigating fresh uncertainty following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn major tariffs from the Trump presidency, complicating their efforts to chart the course for interest rates after a turbulent year of economic adjustments.
Central bank policymakers had recently begun feeling more confident that price increases linked to tariffs from the previous year would begin to fade. However, the high court’s ruling has introduced new variables that could either reverse or pause this trend, particularly as the current administration explores alternative methods to reinstate similar import taxes through different legal channels.
Atlanta Federal Reserve President Raphael Bostic outlined several concerns during remarks in Birmingham, Alabama, asking: “Is there a requirement to pay back the firms that have paid in?…If so, that’s a lot of disruption. Does this cause businesses to revert back to old business models about where they are getting their supplies?…Will there be another vehicle to put all those tariffs in at the same level or are there constraints?”
The market’s confusion became apparent in interest rate futures trading on Friday, as investors shifted their predictions between a potential Fed rate cut in June versus waiting until July, demonstrating how the Supreme Court’s decision has complicated economic forecasting.
Key questions remain about whether companies will postpone planned price hikes due to the ruling, potentially lowering inflation, or if they might delay hiring and investment decisions because of the uncertainty, similar to patterns observed last year.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that legal battles over refunds for the invalidated taxes could extend for “weeks, months, years.” He assured that the administration would implement replacement import duties using what he described as established legal authorities to compensate for the tariff gap created by the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision.
“No one should expect that the tariff revenues will go down,” Bessent stated during an address to the Economic Club of Dallas. President Donald Trump responded forcefully to the ruling by announcing an immediate 10% tariff on imports from all nations, adding to any existing duties.
St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem suggested his economic projections might remain relatively stable if the administration’s replacement tariffs essentially match the previous duties that were imposed under emergency powers through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). However, he plans direct conversations with corporate executives to understand their transition strategies.
“It is possible that as companies begin to think of how they’re going to transition from paying IEEPA tariffs to paying a different kind of tariffs, that could introduce a period of uncertainty there for companies,” Musalem explained to Fox Business Network’s Edward Lawrence.
Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan acknowledged the ruling has created additional ambiguity in policy planning. “It’s something we’ll be paying attention to, but I don’t have any specific perspective,” she commented during an appearance in New York.
Federal health regulators have given the green light to a new psychiatric medication developed by Vanda Pharmaceuticals, marking another treatment option for patients with severe mental health disorders.
The pharmaceutical company announced Friday that the Food and Drug Administration has cleared their drug for treating two serious psychiatric conditions, though specific details about the conditions were not disclosed in the initial announcement.
The approval represents a significant milestone for Vanda Pharmaceuticals as they bring their mental health treatment to market for patients who may benefit from this new therapeutic option.
Energy companies across the nation may see some financial relief following the Supreme Court’s Friday ruling that eliminated several trade tariffs implemented during the Trump administration, though industry experts caution that global energy markets will likely remain largely unaffected.
The court’s decision stands to benefit oil producers and drilling companies by lowering costs associated with foreign-manufactured equipment and components that were subject to the tariffs. Companies involved in building liquefied natural gas facilities and other major energy projects could particularly benefit, as these operations often depend on specialized modules and parts produced overseas.
One example includes Venture Global, which constructs LNG facility components in Italy before shipping them to the United States for final installation. The previous tariff structure had increased operational expenses throughout the energy sector’s supply chain, forcing many companies to either absorb higher costs or attempt to transfer them to their clients.
Cam Hewell, who serves as president and CEO of Premium Oilfield Technologies, expressed optimism about the financial impact. “We were forecasting that we would have to pay around $5 to $6 million in tariff taxes in 2026, so that number will come down, hopefully,” Hewell explained.
The executive noted that his company had absorbed most of the tariff burden rather than passing it to customers. “We had to eat about 90% of the tax increase, so it won’t have a big impact on what we charge customers. But it will free up more cash flow for research and development, employee raises, and cash back to investors,” he added.
Kirk Edwards, president of Texas-based Latigo Petroleum, suggested the ruling would help energy companies develop more accurate budgets and better calculate drilling expenses.
However, the Supreme Court’s action did not affect the 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum that were also implemented previously. Some industry leaders worry the current administration might find alternative methods to maintain similar cost burdens.
Hewell voiced these concerns, stating: “I have some fear that the administration will quickly bypass Congress and cook up another tariff scheme that mimics the current one…and never change the amounts we have to pay.”
President Trump has indicated he may pursue other tariff options, suggesting a 10% worldwide tariff lasting 150 days. “We have alternatives, great alternatives,” Trump said.
Despite the potential construction cost savings for LNG facilities, energy analysts don’t expect major changes in international gas trading patterns. Ira Joseph, a senior research associate at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, explained that economic factors will likely keep Chinese LNG purchasing patterns unchanged.
“It makes more sense for China to continue to trade on U.S. LNG to Europe to make an arbitrage on the shipments or import cheaper oil-indexed LNG from the Middle East,” Joseph said.
Alex Munton, who directs global gas and LNG research at Rapidan Energy consulting firm, emphasized that geopolitical considerations remain paramount. “Beijing now treats its LNG market as strategic leverage with the U.S., and no LNG purchases were agreed as part of the deal late last year. Beijing is unlikely to offer purchases or make concessions, even if tariffs now ease,” Munton explained.
Samantha Santa Maria-Hartke, head of market analysis at Vortexa, noted the administration’s determination to pursue its policy objectives. “If this administration has proven anything, it’s that it is extremely resourceful in trying to get its agenda accomplished, they will look for alternative options,” she said.
China had ceased importing U.S. crude oil and LNG after implementing its own counter-tariffs, and Santa Maria-Hartke indicated this policy would likely continue regardless of the Supreme Court’s decision.
HAVANA — American sanctions targeting Cuba’s fuel supply are driving the island nation’s healthcare system toward complete breakdown, according to Cuba’s top health official who spoke out Friday.
Cuba’s medical infrastructure was already facing severe challenges alongside the nation’s struggling economy, with shortages of equipment, personnel, and medications being commonplace. However, the situation has deteriorated dramatically in recent weeks. Emergency vehicles are running out of fuel needed for critical calls. Power failures are repeatedly striking aging medical facilities. Aircraft delivering essential medical supplies have been grounded because Cuba’s government reports it cannot provide fuel for planes at its airports.
International experts and foreign government officials have cautioned that the Caribbean island may be approaching a humanitarian emergency.
During a conversation with The Associated Press, Cuba’s Health Minister José Ángel Portal Miranda stated that American sanctions have moved beyond merely damaging the island’s economic foundation and are now endangering “basic human safety.”
“You cannot damage a state’s economy without affecting its inhabitants,” Portal said. “This situation could put lives at risk.”
Portal indicated that 5 million Cuban citizens living with long-term medical conditions will experience disruptions to their medications or care. Among these are 16,000 cancer patients who need radiotherapy and an additional 12,400 receiving chemotherapy.
Heart-related medical care, bone and joint treatments, cancer services, and care for severely ill patients dependent on electrical power backup represent the most severely affected specialties, according to the minister. Treatments for kidney conditions and emergency transportation services have also joined the roster of compromised medical services.
The power shortage that Cuba has been battling for years reached unprecedented levels last month following U.S. President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive directive imposing tariffs on nations that sell or supply oil to Cuba. This action followed Trump’s removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by just weeks, along with his declaration that Venezuelan petroleum exports to Cuba would cease.
The island nation, which generates just 40% of its fuel domestically and relies heavily on petroleum for power generation, has historically counted on partnerships with countries like Venezuela, Mexico, and Russia to meet its energy needs. However, these supply lines have now been cut off.
Trump has publicly stated that his broader objective involves forcing governmental change in Cuba through increased economic pressure on the island, which has already endured decades of American sanctions.
Cuban citizens — whom the American government claims to support — are experiencing the severe consequences of the U.S. fuel embargo as daily hardships intensify. Public transportation has reduced service, gasoline is under tight restrictions and available only for foreign currency, and widespread power outages have reached unprecedented levels.
“There’s been a drastic change since January,” said Aniliet Rodríguez, a 25-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted that month to a maternal care center for an extreme case of anemia. “There’s no bread, no milk for nutrition … . There are no medicines.”
Cuba’s medical system operates on a universal, no-cost basis, offering neighborhood clinics throughout communities and government-subsidized pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, it has fallen into crisis mode in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 outbreak. Thousands of physicians earning government salaries insufficient to purchase basic necessities like eggs have left the country, while medical facilities have rapidly declined.
Medication shortages have compelled many citizens to purchase drugs through illegal markets.
These issues are anticipated to intensify in upcoming weeks despite Cuba’s government attempting to adapt to current circumstances, Portal explained. Solar energy systems have been installed at medical facilities while officials focus resources on pediatric and geriatric care.
However, he also noted they have implemented limitations on energy-intensive equipment such as CT scanners and laboratory diagnostics, explaining that physicians must depend on more fundamental treatment approaches, essentially denying many patients access to advanced medical care.
“We are facing an energy siege with direct implications for the lives of Cubans, for the lives of Cuban families,” Portal said.
Federal aviation safety oversight of United Airlines’ maintenance operations faces significant challenges due to staffing shortages, workforce turnover, and inappropriate reliance on remote inspections rather than in-person reviews, a government audit revealed Friday.
The Transportation Department’s inspector general determined that the Federal Aviation Administration doesn’t have adequate personnel or workforce planning strategies to properly monitor United’s extensive aircraft fleet. Similar oversight deficiencies have been identified at other major carriers including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Allegiant Air in previous government reviews.
While the FAA chose not to provide direct comments on the audit findings to The Associated Press, the agency referenced a response letter included in the report. The correspondence indicated the FAA accepted most audit recommendations and planned to implement corrective measures by year’s end.
“FAA will implement a more systemic approach to strengthen inspector capacity and will take other measures to ensure that staffing levels remain sufficient to meet surveillance requirements,” the letter said.
Key audit recommendations include reassessing staffing policies, conducting independent surveys of inspector workloads and workplace environment, and enhancing training for accessing United’s safety information systems. The report noted that current data access limitations prevent inspectors from properly analyzing maintenance concerns and safety patterns.
United Airlines responded to AP inquiries by emphasizing its collaborative relationship with federal regulators and its internal safety oversight programs.
“United has long advocated in favor of providing the FAA with the resources it needs for its important work,” the carrier said.
The inspector general conducted this review from May 2024 through December 2025, during a period marked by several maintenance-related incidents involving United aircraft.
Audit findings revealed that FAA personnel sometimes performed “virtual” inspections when lacking staff or travel funding, despite agency requirements to delay reviews that cannot be completed in person. Remote inspections pose safety concerns because inspectors might overlook or incorrectly assess maintenance deficiencies, according to the report.
“Inspectors we spoke with stated that their front-line managers instructed them to perform inspections virtually rather than postponing inspections,” the report said.
Persistent staffing gaps at FAA offices responsible for United oversight have led to reduced inspection frequency, limited monitoring of maintenance activities, and significant loss of experienced personnel and expertise.
Recent United incidents include a March 2024 emergency evacuation after a plane veered off a Houston runway following landing. The following day, another United aircraft lost a tire during San Francisco takeoff but successfully diverted to Los Angeles.
Most recently, in December 2025, a United flight experienced engine problems during departure from Dulles International Airport but returned safely to the terminal.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump faced a major setback Friday when the Supreme Court dealt a crushing blow to his worldwide tariff program, with six justices ruling against the trade policy that formed a cornerstone of his economic agenda.
The decision sparked an extraordinary public rebuke from Trump, who unleashed harsh criticism against the justices who ruled against him, particularly targeting two of his own Supreme Court nominees.
The ruling challenged Trump’s expansive use of emergency powers for trade policy and tested whether the high court would maintain its independence from presidential pressure.
‘The Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing and I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed, for not having the courage to do what’s right for the country,’ Trump declared during a White House briefing room appearance hours after Chief Justice John Roberts authored the majority opinion.
While Trump said he anticipated opposition from the court’s three liberal justices, he praised their consistency. ‘But you can’t knock their loyalty,’ he remarked. ‘It’s one thing you can do with some of our people.’
When pressed about Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, both Trump nominees who sided with the majority, the president didn’t hold back. ‘I think it’s an embarrassment to their families, if you want to know the truth, the two of them,’ Trump stated.
Vice President JD Vance joined the criticism, though avoiding personal attacks. ‘This is lawlessness from the Court, plain and simple,’ Vance posted on X. Notably, Vance’s wife Usha previously served as a law clerk for Chief Justice Roberts.
The tariff challenge drew support from across the political spectrum, with the libertarian Liberty Justice Center leading the legal fight alongside business organizations including the Chamber of Commerce.
Trump’s relationship with the Supreme Court has been complicated since his first presidency began in 2017. While he secured a major victory in 2024 with a presidential immunity decision that shielded him from prosecution related to his 2020 election challenges, this latest ruling represents a significant defeat.
During his current term’s early months, Trump had successfully won several emergency appeals that enabled implementation of his immigration enforcement policies and other priority initiatives.
Presidential criticism of Supreme Court decisions spans American history. Thomas Jefferson opposed the landmark Marbury v. Madison ruling that established judicial review powers. Franklin Roosevelt, frustrated by New Deal setbacks, unsuccessfully attempted to expand the court by adding justices.
Barack Obama used his 2010 State of the Union address to criticize the Citizens United decision while justices sat in the audience, prompting Justice Samuel Alito to mouth ‘not true’ in response. Alito hasn’t attended the annual speech since.
However, Trump’s personal attacks crossed traditional boundaries, according to Ed Whelan, a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and former clerk to Justice Antonin Scalia.
‘It’s entirely fine for a president to criticize a Supreme Court ruling that goes against him. But it’s demagogic for President Trump to contend that the justices who voted against him did so because of lack of courage,’ Whelan explained in an email.
Past presidents have privately expressed disappointment with their appointees’ decisions. Dwight Eisenhower reportedly told associates that selecting Chief Justice Earl Warren following the Brown v. Board of Education ruling was his greatest error, according to biographer Stephen Ambrose.
Theodore Roosevelt allegedly criticized Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes for a dissenting opinion, saying he ‘could carve out of a banana a judge with more backbone.’ Holmes was a Civil War veteran wounded in battle.
The key difference is that previous presidential criticisms occurred privately, not during a livestreamed White House briefing.
Trump and Chief Justice Roberts have clashed before, with Roberts issuing two public statements defending federal judges against Trump’s attacks.
While Trump avoided naming Roberts directly Friday, he appeared to target the chief justice when claiming he lost because justices ‘want to be politically correct’ and are ‘catering to a group of people in D.C.’
Trump employed similar rhetoric when criticizing Roberts’ 2012 vote that preserved Obamacare.
The timing mirrors the Citizens United aftermath, as Trump and several justices will likely share the same space Tuesday when the president delivers his State of the Union address to Congress.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg once fell asleep during a presidential speech, later blaming California wine for her drowsiness. Tuesday evening, no justice is expected to doze off.
A University of Maryland Eastern Shore women’s bowling standout has earned conference recognition for her recent performance on the lanes.
Gabriela Becerra Diaz received Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week honors following her impressive showing at the James Brown Invitational tournament, where she claimed sixth place overall among competitors.
The weekly award highlights Becerra Diaz’s continued development as a key contributor to the Hawks bowling program during her freshman campaign. Her top-10 finish at the invitational demonstrated the skill level that has made her a standout performer for UMES this season.
The recognition marks another achievement for the Hawks athletics program as conference play continues throughout the winter season.
MILAN – Team USA delivered a dominant performance against Slovakia on Friday, crushing their opponents 6-2 in the Olympic men’s ice hockey semifinals to earn their spot in the gold medal game.
The Americans controlled the game from start to finish, building a commanding five-goal lead before entering the third period. Dylan Larkin, Tage Thompson, and Jack Eichel each found the net, while Jack Hughes contributed two goals to the offensive explosion. Brady Tkachuk added another score sandwiched between Slovakia’s two consolation tallies.
This marks the return of NHL talent to Olympic competition after a dozen years away from the Games, and many had predicted the powerhouse North American teams would benefit from having their top players available.
Those predictions proved accurate as the Americans easily secured their finals berth following Canada’s nail-biting 3-2 semifinal victory over Finland, the tournament’s defending champions.
The stage is now set for Sunday’s championship showdown between the longtime rivals at Milan’s Santagiulia Arena. Meanwhile, Slovakia and Finland will battle for the bronze medal on Saturday at the same venue.
The artificial intelligence company behind the popular ChatGPT platform has shared ambitious financial projections with investors, according to a Friday report from CNBC.
OpenAI has informed potential backers that it plans to invest approximately $600 billion in computing infrastructure by the decade’s end, sources familiar with the matter told the network.
The Microsoft-supported AI firm also anticipates generating more than $280 billion in annual revenue by 2030, with roughly half coming from individual consumers and the other half from business clients, the report indicated.
The company’s financial performance in 2025 exceeded expectations, bringing in $13.1 billion in revenue compared to its initial $10 billion goal, according to CNBC. Meanwhile, OpenAI’s expenses reached $8 billion last year, staying below the projected $9 billion budget.
When contacted by Reuters for verification, OpenAI representatives had not provided a response as of Friday evening.
Carnival Corporation announced Friday it will merge its separate stock market listings and relocate its corporate base of operations to Bermuda.
The major cruise line currently maintains dual listings on both the New York Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange. Under the new structure, the London-based Carnival Plc will become a fully-owned subsidiary, while all trading will consolidate on the New York exchange.
According to company documents, Carnival will change its corporate domicile from the Republic of Panama to Bermuda and operate under the new name “Carnival Corporation Ltd” once the reorganization is complete.
The announcement comes on the heels of strong financial performance for the cruise industry giant. Just last month, Carnival projected annual profits that exceeded analyst expectations on Wall Street, driven by continued strong booking demand from higher-income passengers.
Investors have responded favorably to the company’s recovery, with Carnival shares climbing approximately 30% over the past year.
Microsoft announced Friday that Phil Spencer, the longtime leader of its gaming operations, will step down after spending nearly four decades with the tech giant, marking a significant leadership transition during challenging times for the gaming industry.
Asha Sharma, a company insider, has been appointed as the new executive vice president and CEO of Microsoft’s gaming division, where she will report directly to Microsoft’s Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella.
In her new role, Sharma pledged to refocus efforts on Xbox gaming systems, stating her intention to “recommit to our core Xbox fans and players.”
The gaming division faces mounting pressures from tariff-related expenses, intense market competition, and unpredictable consumer purchasing patterns, which have forced the company to increase Xbox hardware prices.
Microsoft’s gaming revenues dropped approximately 9.5% during the most recent quarter, according to company reports from last month, while the division also recorded undisclosed impairment losses.
The technology company completed its massive $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the studio behind “Call of Duty,” in 2023, significantly expanding Microsoft’s presence in the video game industry following extensive regulatory review.
Microsoft’s gaming operations face intense rivalry from Sony’s PlayStation brand, especially in console sales and exclusive gaming content.
Spencer will continue working with the company in an advisory capacity through the summer months to facilitate a seamless leadership transition.
“Last year, Phil Spencer made the decision to retire from the company, and since then we’ve been talking about succession planning,” Nadella explained.
Additionally, Microsoft announced that Sarah Bond, who served as Xbox’s president and chief operating officer, is departing the company “to begin a new chapter.”
Matt Booty has been promoted to executive vice president and chief content officer within the gaming division, Microsoft confirmed.
Previously, Booty held the position of president overseeing game content and development studios at Microsoft, based on his professional profile.
Booty will report to Sharma, who brings experience from previous positions at Meta and the online grocery service Instacart, Microsoft stated.
Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran appear to be crumbling as both nations move toward potential military confrontation over Iran’s nuclear activities, according to government sources and international diplomats.
Officials from neighboring Gulf states and Israel now believe armed conflict has become more probable than a negotiated settlement, with the Biden administration assembling one of its largest military presences in the region since the 2003 Iraq invasion.
Sources with knowledge of Israeli planning indicate that Jerusalem views the situation between Iran and America as deadlocked and is preparing for potential joint military operations with the United States, though no final decisions have been reached about executing such plans.
This development would mark the second instance of coordinated US-Israeli military action against Iran within twelve months, following joint airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear installations last June.
Gulf nation officials report that oil-producing countries in the region are bracing for possible military action that could spiral beyond control and create widespread Middle Eastern instability.
Two Israeli government sources informed Reuters that they view the divide between Washington and Tehran as impossible to bridge, with the likelihood of immediate military escalation being substantial.
Certain regional authorities suggest Iran is making a dangerous error by continuing to demand concessions, while President Trump finds himself constrained by his own military positioning – unable to reduce forces without appearing weak unless Iran provides concrete commitments to end its nuclear weapons pursuits.
Former US diplomat and Iran expert Alan Eyre observed that “Both sides are sticking to their guns,” noting that meaningful progress cannot occur “unless the U.S. and Iran walk back from their red lines – which I don’t think they will.”
Eyre added, “What Trump can’t do is assemble all this military, and then come back with a ‘so-so’ deal and pull out the military. I think he thinks he’ll lose face. If he attacks, it’s going to get ugly quickly.”
Negotiations between the two nations have reached an impasse across fundamental issues including uranium enrichment, missile programs, and sanctions relief.
During mediation efforts by Oman, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi declined to even examine an envelope containing US missile-related proposals, immediately returning it unopened, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Following Tuesday’s Geneva meetings, Araqchi stated that both sides had established “guiding principles,” while the White House maintained significant gaps remained between the parties.
Iran is anticipated to present a written response soon, a US official confirmed, with Araqchi announcing Friday that he expected to have a draft counterproposal prepared within days.
However, Trump, who has deployed aircraft carriers, naval vessels, and fighter jets to the Middle East, cautioned Iran Thursday that it must reach an agreement on its nuclear program or “really bad things” will happen.
The president seemed to establish a 10 to 15-day timeline, prompting Tehran to threaten retaliation against US regional bases if attacked. These escalating tensions have driven oil prices higher.
US officials indicate Trump has not yet decided on military action, though he acknowledged Friday that he might order limited strikes to pressure Iran into negotiations.
“I guess I can say I am considering that,” he told reporters.
The potential timing for any attack remains uncertain. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 28 regarding Iran. A senior US official noted that all American forces would not be positioned until mid-March.
European and regional authorities believe the magnitude of US military deployment would allow Washington to strike Iran while simultaneously protecting its bases, allies, and Israel.
America’s primary requirement remains constant: complete cessation of uranium enrichment on Iranian territory. Iran maintains it must preserve its nuclear capabilities and refuses to negotiate regarding its ballistic missile program, while denying intentions to develop nuclear weapons.
Should negotiations collapse, defense expert David Des Roches explained that current US Gulf activities already indicate how strikes would commence: disabling Iran’s air defenses before targeting the Revolutionary Guards Navy, the force responsible for years of tanker attacks and threats to block the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil passes.
However, some Arab and European officials express uncertainty about Trump’s ultimate objectives, with European governments wanting America to clarify what military strikes would accomplish – whether to weaken Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, prevent escalation, or pursue more ambitious goals like “regime change.”
Various regional and European officials question whether military action could alter Iran’s governing structure, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and defended by the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.
Some argue that without clear alternative political forces in Iran and with the leadership’s resilience largely unchanged, assuming strikes could trigger “regime change” would be dangerous.
Military operations may prove easier to initiate than control, and much more difficult to convert into strategic success, they warn.
Compromise indicators have been minimal. Ali Larijani, a key Khamenei adviser, told Al Jazeera TV that Iran was prepared to accept comprehensive International Atomic Energy Agency monitoring to demonstrate it is not pursuing nuclear weapons. Tehran has subsequently notified IAEA director Rafael Grossi of this decision.
A source knowledgeable about the talks revealed that Iran’s support for regional militias had not been formally discussed, but Tehran had no fundamental opposition to addressing US concerns about proxy forces.
Three regional officials reported that Iranian negotiators had clarified that any meaningful concessions require Khamenei’s approval, as he considers enrichment and missile development sovereign rights.
Washington Institute analyst David Makovsky noted that each side is testing the other’s boundaries.
Washington believes overwhelming force will force Tehran to surrender, while Tehran believes Trump lacks commitment for prolonged conflict and Israel considers the differences too substantial to resolve, making confrontation nearly unavoidable, he explained.
Agricultural leaders across multiple states are sounding the alarm about data centers expanding into farming communities, warning that valuable agricultural land needs better protection from commercial development.
According to Farm Bureau officials, the growing presence of data facilities in countryside locations has sparked concerns about preserving prime agricultural property. Ohio Farm Bureau’s president Bill Patterson describes this as part of a broader land use challenge affecting much of the Midwest region.
“Whether it’s green energy, commercial, housing, or eminent domain, you have to” address these competing land uses, Patterson explained, highlighting the various pressures facing rural landowners today.
The Farm Bureau leadership is now developing new policies specifically designed to shield farming operations from encroaching data center development while maintaining the agricultural character of rural communities.
Delaware’s agricultural community is welcoming a Supreme Court decision that restricts presidential authority to impose trade tariffs under emergency powers legislation.
Scott Metzger, who leads the American Soybean Association, expressed relief following Friday’s high court ruling that limits how presidents can utilize the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for imposing trade restrictions.
“The IEEPA tariffs have been used on several ag products,” Metzger stated, highlighting concerns about how these trade measures have impacted farming operations.
The Supreme Court’s Friday decision struck down multiple tariffs implemented during the Trump administration, providing what soybean producers view as protection against similar future trade policies that could harm their industry.
Good evening, Delmarva! We’re wrapping up this Friday with mostly cloudy skies and temperatures settling around 37 degrees tonight. A gentle west wind at 5 to 10 mph will keep things feeling crisp, so grab that jacket if you’re heading out this evening.
Saturday brings better news with partly sunny skies and a pleasant warmup to around 50 degrees – perfect for any weekend outdoor plans! However, don’t get too comfortable with the nice weather. Changes are brewing as we head into Saturday night, when clouds increase and we’ll see our first chance of light rain moving into the area.
The weather story continues into Sunday, where we’re tracking a mixed precipitation event. Rain and snow are expected, with temperatures dropping to around 40 degrees. This could create some slippery conditions, especially for early Sunday morning travelers.
Bottom line: enjoy Saturday’s mild conditions, but keep an eye on Sunday’s weather if you have travel plans. Stay warm out there, Delmarva, and have a great weekend!
PHILADELPHIA – Delaware’s women’s tennis team made program history Friday afternoon, stunning the 40th-ranked Penn Quakers with a thrilling 4-3 victory in Philadelphia.
The milestone triumph represents the most significant win against a nationally-ranked opponent in the Blue Hens’ tennis program history. Senior player Amelia Gorman delivered the decisive blow, securing the match-winning point with her triumph in third singles competition.
The narrow victory showcases the continued growth and competitiveness of Delaware’s women’s tennis program, as the Fightin’ Blue Hens proved they could compete with and defeat elite-level opposition on the road.
A former University of Delaware football standout is making his return to Newark, but this time he’ll be calling plays from the sidelines instead of catching passes on the field.
Jourdan Townsend, who graduated from UD in 2023 after a stellar career as a wide receiver for the Blue Hens, has been named the program’s new senior offensive analyst and assistant wide receivers coach. Head coach Ryan Carty made the announcement on Friday.
The appointment brings the former Blue Hens star back to his collegiate home, where he’ll now help develop the next generation of Delaware receivers. Townsend’s transition from player to coach represents a quick move into the coaching ranks following his graduation just two years ago.
The hiring adds a familiar face to Carty’s coaching staff, as Townsend brings firsthand knowledge of the Delaware football program and its offensive system to his new role.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — February 20, 2026
DELMARVA — The United States Department of Agriculture announced registration opens Monday, February 23, for an $11 billion farm relief program. The Farmer Bridge Assistance initiative will provide direct, one-time payments to row crop producers navigating disrupted trade markets and rising production costs. Farmers with Login.gov accounts will have access to pre-completed application forms through the online portal.
Policy
Delaware’s agricultural community is celebrating a Supreme Court decision that restricts presidential authority to impose trade tariffs. Scott Metzger, who leads the American Soybean Association, says the ruling limits how presidents can utilize the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Markets
Corn futures showed mixed activity while soybeans faced downward pressure from profit-taking. Wheat climbed higher on dry weather concerns and short covering. At Dover, grain elevators are reporting corn at $6.20 per bushel, soybeans at $11.40 per bushel.
Forecast
Areas of fog are clearing this evening with temperatures near 52 degrees. Tonight drops to 34 with mostly cloudy skies. Saturday brings partly sunny conditions with highs near 48. Sunday brings rain transitioning to rain and snow by evening. A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect through Sunday night with heavy snow possible Monday.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, February 20, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Agricultural commodity markets presented a mixed picture during Thursday’s trading session, with grain and livestock futures showing divergent movements across various sectors.
In grain markets, March corn futures climbed 1 and 3/4 cents to settle at $4.27 and 1/2 per bushel. Meanwhile, March soybean contracts dropped 3 and 1/2 cents to close at $11.37 and 1/2. Soybean meal for March delivery surged $5.00 to reach $309.80, while March soybean oil fell 76 points to finish at 58.92.
Wheat markets showed strength, with March Chicago wheat futures advancing 14 cents to end the session at $5.73 and 1/2 per bushel.
Livestock markets faced downward pressure for the most part. April live cattle contracts decreased $1.42 to settle at $242.00, while March feeder cattle dropped $2.25 to close at $368.02. However, April lean hog futures bucked the trend, gaining 22 cents to finish at $93.67.
These market movements reflect ongoing supply and demand dynamics affecting agricultural commodities, which can impact local farming operations throughout the region.
Friday’s trading session at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange showed varied results for dairy commodities, with some products gaining ground while others lost value.
Dry whey experienced a decline of six cents, closing at 68 cents per pound. Trading activity remained quiet with no transactions recorded for this product.
Forty-pound blocks of cheese dropped by $0.0125 to finish at $1.4975 per pound. Market activity was moderate with five transactions completed, with prices ranging between $1.4950 and $1.5075.
Cheese barrels moved in the opposite direction, gaining two cents to reach $1.49 per pound, though no trading activity was documented.
Butter showed strong performance, climbing nine cents to $1.87 per pound. This commodity saw the most active trading with seventeen transactions recorded, spanning from $1.85 to $1.88.
Nonfat dry milk also posted gains, increasing by $0.0625 to settle at $1.6850 per pound. Six sales were completed within a price range of $1.6775 to $1.69.
Delaware’s top officials are celebrating a major legal victory after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against tariffs put in place during the previous Trump administration.
Attorney General Kathy Jennings and Governor Matt Meyer both released public statements responding to the high court’s decision to eliminate tariffs that had been implemented through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act during Trump’s presidency.
Jennings characterized the Supreme Court’s decision as a significant win across multiple fronts. “The court’s ruling is a decisive victory for the rule of law, for common sense, and for affordability,” the Attorney General stated.
The legal challenge successfully overturned the IEEPA-based tariffs that had been a signature policy of the Trump administration’s trade approach.
Federal agriculture officials are standing behind a massive $12 billion emergency aid package for struggling farmers as the application process launches Monday, several days earlier than originally planned.
Speaking at the Agricultural Outlook Forum in Arlington, Virginia this week, U.S. Department of Agriculture officials justified the unprecedented assistance as essential to keeping American farmers afloat during continued economic hardship.
The financial relief comes as the agricultural sector faces mounting pressures, with concerns growing after Friday’s Supreme Court decision overturning former President Trump’s emergency tariff policies – a ruling that could create additional complications for farm communities already dealing with financial strain.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the accelerated timeline during Friday’s conference, telling attendees that qualifying farmers should see money deposited directly into their accounts by February 28th.
“These resources will help carry producers into the next season, truly a bridge, as purchase commitments and new trade deals take effect and input costs continue to decline,” Rollins explained to the crowded ballroom of agricultural professionals.
The relief package centers around the Farmer Bridge Assistance program, which will distribute $11 billion in direct payments to producers who planted any of 19 designated commodity crops, calculated on a per-acre basis. An additional $1 billion has been earmarked specifically for specialty crop growers.
However, industry experts warn that even this substantial government intervention won’t fully address the scale of agricultural losses, which have exceeded $30 billion in recent years.
John Newton, who serves as vice president of public policy and economic analysis for the American Farm Bureau Federation, characterized the aid as temporary relief while longer-term solutions take effect.
The assistance will function as “a bridge until the improvements in the farm bill programs are realized on the farm,” Newton explained during the conference.
Questions remain about the Agriculture Department’s ability to process what officials expect will be an overwhelming number of applications. Significant federal workforce reductions last year, particularly affecting USDA’s Farm Service Agency offices throughout rural America, have already created delays in various government services for farmers.
The emergency payments highlight the severity of current agricultural economic conditions. Department economists project that U.S. net farm income will decline by 0.7% this year, even with record-breaking government support expected to comprise nearly 29% of producers’ total earnings.
Looking ahead to the 2026/27 growing season, USDA forecasters anticipate modest price increases for major crops including corn, soybeans, and wheat. Projected average prices stand at $4.20 per bushel for corn, $10.30 for soybeans, and $5.00 for wheat – representing 10-cent increases from current levels but remaining significantly below the peaks reached in 2022/23.
Chief Economist Justin Benavidez acknowledged that while emergency farm assistance has reached near-historic levels and helped prevent more widespread agricultural business failures, it has likely contributed to keeping input costs elevated for producers.
I notice the original article content appears to be incomplete, cutting off mid-sentence after mentioning the victim was robbed at gunpoint. Without the complete article text, I cannot provide a full rewrite while maintaining journalistic accuracy and preserving all the facts, quotes, and details as required.
The available information indicates that on February 16, 2026, around 5:00 p.m., Newark Police Department personnel were dispatched to the 900 block of Wharton Drive following reports of an armed robbery. Officers spoke with the victim upon their arrival at the scene.
To provide a complete and accurate rewrite for TV Delmarva viewers, I would need access to the full original article content including all details about the arrests, the stolen vehicle investigation, and any additional information about the incident.
A major utility company under Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway umbrella has reached a massive settlement with federal authorities over devastating wildfires that scorched hundreds of thousands of acres across the West Coast.
PacifiCorp will pay $575 million to resolve government damage claims stemming from six major wildfires that destroyed nearly 290,000 acres of federal property in Oregon and California, the Department of Justice announced Friday.
Federal officials alleged the utility’s power lines were responsible for igniting the blazes through negligent operations.
The most destructive fires occurred during the Labor Day holiday weekend in 2020, when five separate blazes – named Archie Creek, Echo Mountain Complex, Slater, South Obenchain and 242 – consumed roughly 250,000 acres of government land. A sixth fire called McKinney started in July 2022, burning an additional 39,000 acres.
The substantial financial settlement will reimburse taxpayers for emergency firefighting expenses and fund restoration efforts by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management on damaged federal property.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson described the agreement as one that “ensures fair compensation to the American taxpayer” while “strikes a balance by addressing the government’s significant fire-suppression costs and loss of natural resources without preventing PacifiCorp from offering electricity at fair prices.”
Despite agreeing to the settlement terms, PacifiCorp has not admitted any wrongdoing or legal responsibility, according to Justice Department officials. Company representatives did not respond to media inquiries about the agreement.
The settlement comes just days after PacifiCorp announced plans to sell a significant portion of its Washington state operations to Portland General Electric for $1.9 billion, a move designed to strengthen the company’s financial position as it faces ongoing wildfire-related lawsuits.
The United States Department of Agriculture announced that registration will open Monday, February 23, 2026, for a new financial relief initiative targeting agricultural producers. The program, known as Farmer Bridge Assistance, is designed to distribute $11 billion in direct, one-time financial support to row crop farmers.
The federal assistance aims to help producers navigate ongoing challenges from disrupted trade markets and escalating production expenses. Farmers who maintain Login.gov accounts will have access to pre-completed application forms through the online portal when registration launches.
This substantial federal investment represents the government’s response to economic pressures facing the agricultural sector, particularly those growing row crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid expressed little enthusiasm Friday when questioned about possibly reuniting with former star wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
Hill became available after Miami released him Monday following a devastating knee injury. The veteran receiver, who has made eight Pro Bowl appearances, suffered both a torn ACL and knee dislocation during a late September victory over the New York Jets.
“I don’t even know if Tyreek is healthy right now to do anything,” Reid stated. “So, I’m sure he’s working hard on that part of it, trying to get that all straightened out.”
“But yeah, listen, we talk about everything. So there’s nothing happening there, but we know what you know – that he’s out there and cranking away, trying to get himself back to where he can play, period,” Reid continued.
During a recent Twitch streaming session, Hill provided an update on his rehabilitation, saying his recovery is “going good” but acknowledged he still needs one additional surgical procedure.
Before his season-ending injury, the soon-to-be 32-year-old receiver (his birthday is March 1) managed 21 receptions for 265 yards and one touchdown across four games this season.
Hill previously played six successful seasons in Kansas City from 2016-21 before joining Miami for four years. During his Chiefs tenure, he earned first-team All-Pro honors three times – twice as a receiver and once as a return specialist – accumulating 479 catches for 6,630 yards and 56 touchdowns in 91 appearances.
The Chiefs struggled offensively last season, ranking 16th in passing yards, while young receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy have failed to provide reliable production or stay consistently healthy.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Minnesota Twins star pitcher Pablo López will undergo season-ending elbow surgery after doctors confirmed a torn ulnar collateral ligament, the team announced Friday.
The 30-year-old right-hander will have the Tommy John procedure performed next week in Texas by Dr. Keith Meister, who serves as the Texas Rangers’ team physician. López celebrates his 30th birthday early next month.
This marks López’s second Tommy John surgery. He previously underwent the procedure while playing in Seattle’s minor league system, causing him to miss the entire 2014 season.
The injury became apparent when López cut short a bullpen session during Minnesota’s first complete team practice on Monday. New manager Derek Shelton initially expressed optimism that the early exit was merely precautionary, but general manager Jeremy Zoll confirmed the UCL damage to media members the following day.
For three consecutive seasons, López has served as the Twins’ opening day starter and had been scheduled to represent Venezuela in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
The veteran pitcher began his major league career with Miami in 2018, spending five seasons with the Marlins before joining Minnesota through a trade.
His first year with the Twins earned him All-Star recognition, and he played a crucial role in helping the organization break a historic 18-game postseason losing streak that had been the longest in North American professional sports. López posted an impressive 2-0 record with a 0.71 ERA across two playoff starts in 2023.
López is earning $21.75 million this season and remains under contract through next year.
Last season, a shoulder problem restricted him to just 14 starts, a significant drop from the 32 starts he made in each of three straight seasons where he won at least 10 games, including his final year in Miami. In 2025, López compiled a 5-4 record with a 2.74 ERA, bringing his career totals to 59-53 with a 3.81 ERA.
FLOREANA ISLAND, Ecuador — For the first time in almost 150 years, giant tortoises are once again roaming Floreana Island in Ecuador’s famous Galápagos archipelago after conservationists released 158 young hybrid specimens on Friday to help rebuild the island’s damaged ecosystem.
The juvenile tortoises, ranging in age from 8 to 13 years old, have started exploring their new home just as the first winter rains of the season began to fall. Officials say the timing couldn’t have been better for the historic release.
“They are large enough to be released and can defend themselves against introduced animals such as rats and cats,” explained Fredy Villalba, who directs the Galápagos National Park breeding center on Santa Cruz Island. He noted that researchers carefully chose the healthiest animals with the best genetic heritage for this mission to Floreana.
The newly released tortoises represent just the beginning of a larger effort, with plans to eventually introduce 700 of the animals to the island. Christian Sevilla, who oversees ecosystem management for Galápagos National Park, says these hybrid tortoises contain between 40% and 80% of the DNA from Chelonoidis niger, a tortoise species that disappeared from existence 150 years ago.
Scientists remain baffled by how these genetic connections survived, tracing the hybrid lineage back to Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island. Through careful selection of breeding adults with the strongest genetic traits, Sevilla explained, the program hopes to slowly restore the extinct Floreana species to something closer to its original form.
Floreana once supported roughly 20,000 giant tortoises two hundred years ago. But whaling operations, a catastrophic fire, and continuous human activity ultimately wiped out every last tortoise on the island.
“In genetic terms, reintroducing a species to that island with a significant genetic component of the original species is vital,” biologist Washington Tapia explained to reporters.
Tapia, who researches the islands through his company Biodiversa-Consultores, stressed that the project goes beyond simply adding animals to the island — it’s about bringing back a genetic heritage that was lost.
The volcanic island of Floreana covers about 173 square kilometers and sits as the southernmost island in the Galápagos chain, located roughly 1,000 kilometers off Ecuador’s coast in the Pacific Ocean.
The returning tortoises will coexist with nearly 200 human residents and native wildlife including flamingos, iguanas, penguins, sea gulls and hawks. However, they’ll also face challenges from invasive species like blackberry and guava plants, along with non-native animals including rats, cats, pigs and donkeys that humans brought to the island over time.
Local resident Verónica Mora called the tortoise release a dream fulfilled. “We are seeing the reality of a project that began several years ago,” she remarked, expressing how proud the community feels about welcoming back the giant tortoises.
The United Nations recognized the Galápagos Islands as a Natural World Heritage Site in 1978, acknowledging the archipelago’s extraordinary collection of land and sea creatures that exist nowhere else on Earth.
WASHINGTON – Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism about America’s economic future during a Friday interview on Fox News, predicting the nation’s economy could expand by no less than 3.5% in 2026.
Speaking on “The Will Cain Show,” Bessent attributed the disappointing fourth-quarter economic performance, which showed just 1.4% growth in gross domestic product, to external factors that hampered normal business operations. He specifically pointed to a partial government shutdown and significant financial write-offs by American automotive companies as major contributors to the sluggish numbers.
According to Bessent, these disruptions may have reduced economic growth by one to two percentage points compared to what could have been achieved under normal circumstances.
“It was this longest shutdown in history that caused the fourth quarter to crash,” Bessent explained during the television appearance.
President Donald Trump delivered a scathing 45-minute response Friday following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn his global tariff policies, targeting specific justices with unusually harsh personal criticism.
The high court’s 6-3 decision against the tariffs prompted Trump to express disappointment and shame toward certain members of the nation’s highest judicial body during remarks to reporters at the White House.
“The Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing. And I’m ashamed of certain members of the court – absolutely ashamed – for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country,” Trump stated from the White House briefing room.
The ruling particularly stung Trump because it included votes from two justices he nominated during his first presidency – Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett – who joined Chief Justice John Roberts and the court’s three liberal members in the majority opinion.
Trump’s response marked an extraordinary public attack on the Supreme Court by a sitting president, even as his administration has previously criticized lower court decisions that have blocked his policy initiatives since returning to office in January 2025.
Speaking from behind a lectern in dimly lit conditions, the president questioned the patriotism of some justices and alleged the court “has been swayed by foreign interests,” though he offered no supporting evidence for this claim.
Trump directed especially sharp words at his own appointees Gorsuch and Barrett for their votes against the tariff policy, which he has used as a key tool in foreign relations.
“I think it’s an embarrassment to their families, you wanna know the truth, the two of them,” Trump said, referring to Gorsuch and Barrett.
In contrast, the president offered high praise for Justice Brett Kavanaugh, another of his appointees, who authored the dissenting opinion alongside Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.
“I’d like to thank and congratulate Justices Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh for their strength and wisdom and love of our country, which is, right now, very proud of those justices,” Trump declared. “When you read the dissenting opinions, there’s no way that anyone can argue against them.”
Kavanaugh’s dissent suggested the ruling might not significantly limit presidential tariff authority in the future, noting that the court concluded Trump “checked the wrong statutory box by relying on (an emergency economic powers law) rather than another statute to impose these tariffs.”
The justice wrote that Friday’s decision doesn’t prevent the president “from imposing most if not all of these same sorts of tariffs under other statutory authorities” and that “the court’s decision is not likely to greatly restrict presidential tariff authority going forward.”
Trump repeatedly highlighted Kavanaugh during his remarks, calling his 2018 appointee’s work “genius” and expressing pride in the nomination that survived a contentious Senate confirmation process.
“I would like to thank Justice Kavanaugh for his, frankly, his genius and his great ability,” Trump said. “Very proud of that appointment.”
The president also targeted the court’s liberal wing with harsh criticism, referring to them as “the Democrats on the court.”
“They’re an automatic no, just like in Congress. They’re an automatic no. They’re against anything that makes America strong, healthy and great again,” Trump said. “They also are a, frankly, disgrace to our nation, those justices.”
The Supreme Court, which maintains a 6-3 conservative majority, had generally supported Trump’s broad executive power claims in emergency rulings over the past year, making Friday’s defeat particularly notable for the administration.
The tariff policies were implemented under legislation designed for national emergencies, but the majority found this legal justification insufficient to support the broad trade measures.
Canadian aviation regulators have given their stamp of approval to two General Dynamics Gulfstream business aircraft models, according to government paperwork, ending a diplomatic dispute that involved threats from former President Donald Trump.
Transport Canada issued certification for the G500 and G600 business jets on February 15, according to a type certificate data sheet that had not been publicly disclosed before. The Federal Aviation Administration’s leader had predicted earlier this month that Canada would soon greenlight several Gulfstream aircraft that had been stuck in approval limbo for multiple years.
The approval follows Trump’s January social media threat to remove certification from Canadian-manufactured Bombardier Global Express business aircraft and impose 50% import duties on all Canadian-built planes. Trump demanded that Canada’s aviation authority approve several aircraft built by American competitor Gulfstream before lifting his threatened penalties.
Two additional Gulfstream models, the G700 and G800, remain awaiting Canadian certification approval.
The political pressure surrounding aircraft certification troubled aviation industry professionals, who emphasized that airplane approvals should focus solely on safety considerations without political interference.
International aviation protocols establish that the nation where aircraft are developed – in this case, the United States for Gulfstream planes – holds primary responsibility for initial safety certification through a type certificate process that validates the aircraft’s design safety.
While other nations generally accept the primary regulator’s determination, they maintain authority to reject certification or request additional safety information.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spent Saturday examining his nation’s accomplishments over the past half-decade, which he described as bringing “great transformation” to the country, according to state-run media reports from Seoul.
The Workers’ Party’s Ninth Congress kicked off Thursday and is anticipated to continue for several more days. This major political gathering, held once every five years, represents North Korea’s most significant governmental event, establishing future policies and potentially reshuffling leadership positions under Kim’s supreme authority.
State media outlet KCNA reported that the ruling party celebrated “remarkable successes” across multiple sectors including politics, economics, cultural affairs, military defense, and international relations throughout Kim’s leadership over the previous five years.
According to KCNA, the party’s Central Committee initially concentrated on identifying areas needing improvement before turning attention to achievements, though the report did not specify what deficiencies were discussed.
Friday’s reports indicated that 5,000 Workers’ Party members are participating in the congress. While no major international officials appear to be in attendance, KCNA noted that congratulatory messages arrived from Russia, China, Vietnam, and Laos.
Analysts expect North Korea to display its military strength through a parade and outline weapons development objectives as components of the ongoing meeting.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared Friday that a recent Supreme Court decision has diminished President Donald Trump’s negotiating power by overturning tariffs that were implemented through emergency authority legislation.
Speaking on Fox News’ “The Will Cain Show,” Bessent explained the court’s impact on the administration’s trade strategy. “The Supreme Court has taken away the President’s leverage, but in a way, they have made the leverage that he has more draconian because they agreed he does have the right to a full embargo,” Bessent stated during the interview.
The Treasury Secretary indicated that the administration would find alternative pathways to maintain current tariff levels. “We will get back to the same tariff level for the countries. It will just be in a less direct and slightly more convoluted manner,” he explained.
Following the court’s decision on Friday, Trump responded by declaring his intention to use alternative legal authorities for tariff collection and revealed plans for a comprehensive 10% tariff on imports from all other nations.
Bessent expressed confidence that international partners would maintain their existing trade commitments with the Trump administration from the past year.
The Treasury Secretary emphasized the president’s broader trade enforcement capabilities, stating: “He (Trump) has a right to a complete embargo, he can just cut countries off … or he can cut whole product lines off. We can’t receive any money. So, I would call on all countries to honor their agreements and move forward.”
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – The fierce competition between German and American bobsledders delivered thrilling action Friday during the opening day of Olympic two-woman bobsled racing, with teams from both nations claiming every spot in the top five heading into the weekend finale.
Germany’s Laura Nolte, the reigning champion in this event, sits atop the leaderboard at the midway mark alongside her brakewoman Deborah Levi. The duo demonstrated remarkable precision, setting a track record of 56.97 seconds in their opening run before improving to 56.96 on their second attempt.
With just 0.62 seconds separating the leading five sleds, Saturday’s final two runs will determine the medal winners. Notably absent from medal contention will be America’s Elana Meyers Taylor, who captured monobob gold earlier this week but experienced a catastrophic second run that derailed her championship hopes.
Nolte has established herself as the sport’s premier pilot, capturing three consecutive World Cup championships and winning five of seven races this season. Despite her record-setting performance, she acknowledged room for improvement.
“On the first run I messed up corner one and when you lose speed there it’s hard to get it back in the down part,” Nolte explained after her track record run.
Germany’s second sled features Lisa Buckwitz, who earned gold as a brakewoman in 2018 and now competes as a pilot. Partnered with Neele Schuten, Buckwitz trails by just 0.18 seconds after showing impressive form during practice sessions throughout the week.
American veteran Kaillie Humphries, who previously won Olympic gold for Canada in 2010 and 2014 before representing the United States, demonstrated masterful driving skills alongside brakewoman Jasmine Jones. After leading following the first run, they now sit in third place, just five hundredths behind Buckwitz.
Germany’s third entry of Kim Kalicki and newcomer Talea Prepens holds fourth position, while Americans Kaysha Love and Azaria Hill round out the top five.
The most dramatic storyline involves Meyers Taylor, competing in her fifth Olympics at age 41 with four previous medals in this discipline. Teamed with explosive heptathlete Jadin O’Brien, who only began bobsledding months ago, they appeared competitive after their opening run before disaster struck.
During their second attempt, the pair crashed into the wall shortly after entering their sled, sliding sideways and losing crucial momentum. Their time of 57.99 seconds ranked 21st among 25 competitors, dropping them to 12th overall and effectively ending their medal pursuit.
“We came out of the start grooves, hit right. I tried to steer it away from the wall and just could not react in time,” Meyers Taylor said, reflecting on her six Olympic medals across five Games.
“So we hit, skidded up the first curve, and after you do that it’s game over. When you make that kind of mistake, that is a devastating mistake.”
Historical dominance by Germany, the United States, and Canada continues in this event, with these nations claiming 17 of 18 available medals since two-woman bobsled joined the Olympics in 2002. Italy’s single bronze medal at the 2006 Turin Games represents the only exception to this pattern.
Saturday’s conclusion appears likely to extend this streak, with all medal contenders representing these three powerhouse nations.
Agricultural officials in Michigan have confirmed that cattle at a dairy operation in the state’s northern region have tested positive for bovine tuberculosis.
According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the infected herd is located in Charlevoix County. The outbreak came to light when a cow from the operation tested positive for the disease during routine screening at a federally-inspected meat processing facility.
Following the initial positive test result, officials conducted further testing that revealed additional infected animals within the same herd. This marks the second reported case of bovine tuberculosis in Michigan livestock operations recently.
Trading contracts for cattle experienced declines at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange as market participants held back, anticipating the development of direct business activity and the release of Friday’s On Feed report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Live cattle contracts for April delivery dropped $1.42 to settle at $242 per hundredweight, while June contracts fell $1.35 to close at $237.52. Feeder cattle also saw significant losses, with March contracts declining $2.25 to finish at $368.02 per hundredweight, and April contracts posting similar decreases.
The market pullback reflects trader caution as they await key industry data that could influence future pricing trends in the livestock sector.
Delaware law enforcement officials are conducting a fresh review of a decades-old missing person case involving a New Castle County woman who disappeared more than 25 years ago.
Cary Sue Huie, who may have also gone by Sue Shields Huie, was officially reported as a missing person on February 20, 1998. According to police records, Huie was last spotted on January 20, 1998, when she departed her New Castle residence with plans to travel to North Carolina to see family members.
Huie never reached her intended destination in North Carolina and has remained missing without any contact or sightings since that January day in 1998. The case has remained unsolved for more than two decades.
As part of ongoing efforts to resolve cold cases, investigators are taking another comprehensive look at the circumstances surrounding Huie’s disappearance, hoping that new leads or information might emerge to help solve this long-standing mystery.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks track and field squad is putting the finishing touches on their training as they get ready to compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Indoor Championships this weekend.
The annual conference indoor meet will unfold across two days, with competition beginning Sunday and concluding Monday.
UMES athletes will look to showcase the skills they’ve developed throughout the indoor season as they face off against other MEAC schools in various track and field events.
The Hawks will be hoping to make their mark at the championship meet as they compete for individual honors and team standings within the conference.
The National Pork Producers Council is sounding the alarm about potential ripple effects if federal lawmakers don’t take action on California’s Proposition 12 animal housing requirements. The organization’s CEO Bryan Humphreys spoke with agricultural media about his concerns regarding multiple states pursuing similar livestock confinement regulations modeled after California’s controversial law.
According to Humphreys, the core issue with both Massachusetts’ Question 3 and California’s Proposition 12 centers on jurisdictional overreach. “The challenge with Massachusetts’ (Question 3) and with California specifically remains, they are legislating and regulating farmers outside” their state boundaries, Humphreys explained during the interview.
The pork industry leader emphasized that this trend represents a broader question about which level of government should establish farming practices across the United States, as more states consider implementing their own versions of animal welfare legislation.
A family-run poultry processing company has been honored with Wisconsin’s prestigious Manufacturer of the Year recognition. Brakebush Brothers, Inc., which specializes in enhanced chicken products, received the state’s top manufacturing distinction.
The company serves major grocery store chains nationwide, along with foodservice operations and ingredient manufacturers. Based in Westfield, Wisconsin, Brakebush Brothers operates processing facilities in several states including Wells, Minnesota; Irving, Texas; Mocksville, North Carolina; and Hartwell, Georgia.
The Wisconsin-based processor focuses on creating value-added poultry products rather than basic commodity chicken, setting them apart in the competitive food manufacturing industry.
Agricultural economists are forecasting continued growth in milk production through 2026, despite mounting challenges facing dairy operators across the region. The latest USDA data reveals that 4% of dairy operations have ceased operations, highlighting ongoing pressures within the industry.
During the recent USDA Agricultural Outlook conference, economist Anthony Fisher addressed how elevated beef prices are creating significant impacts on dairy herd management strategies. Fisher noted that milk production increases are expected even as the total number of dairy cows continues to shrink.
“It’s expected to decline from the recent highs as producers respond to lower milk prices, higher replacement heifer costs,” Fisher explained during his presentation, referring to the factors driving changes in herd sizes.
The agricultural expert emphasized that while January milk production showed increases, dairy farmers are navigating a complex economic environment that includes fluctuating milk prices and rising costs for replacement animals. These market dynamics are forcing producers to make difficult decisions about their operations’ future viability.
Grain markets showed mixed results this week as wheat values climbed higher while soybean prices faced downward pressure from investors cashing in profits and technical trading patterns.
Wheat managed to finish the trading period with gains, boosted by ongoing concerns about dry weather conditions and traders covering short positions in the market.
Meanwhile, soybeans experienced a decline as traders took profits and engaged in technical selling strategies, though the crop still managed to post small weekly increases overall.
Market watchers are keeping close tabs on South American growing regions, where weather forecasts show some scattered rainfall expected in both Argentina and Brazil in the coming days.
On the export front, sales figures showed improvement compared to the previous week, though the 29.3 million bushel total remained below typical averages. China and Egypt emerged as the primary buyers driving the increased export activity.
Delaware State Police are reaching out to the community for assistance in tracking down multiple registered sex offenders who have either disappeared from their registered locations or are living without permanent housing.
The Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit, known as SOAR, has published public alerts for two distinct groups of individuals requiring different types of monitoring.
Missing Offenders Being Actively Sought
Seven registered sex offenders are currently being pursued by authorities after failing to comply with address registration requirements or update their location information as mandated by law.
The wanted individuals include Luis Burgos, Charles Fulton, Tori Lied, John Martz, Mollie Anne Schonwit, Roy Stevens, and Michael Viscount.
Anyone with knowledge of where these individuals might be located should immediately contact authorities at (302) 739-5882. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 847-3333.
Homeless Offender Notifications
Additionally, SOAR has identified five registered sex offenders who are currently without permanent housing but are not considered fugitives from registration requirements.
These individuals – Quentrae Carroll, William Hammons, Kennie McGhee, Eric Riffel, and Moises Torres-Paddilla – have recently reported their homeless status to authorities as required.
If community members have information indicating any of these individuals have moved into permanent housing, they should notify police using the same contact numbers.
State Police emphasize that the individuals featured in this alert represent only a partial list of both wanted and homeless registered sex offenders currently being monitored. Complete information about all registered sex offenders in Delaware can be accessed through the official Delaware Sex Offender Registry website.
Detailed profiles for each individual, including photographs and offense information, are available by clicking through the registry database.
The nation’s poultry industry started 2026 on a slower note, with January production numbers showing a notable decline from the previous year’s levels.
According to federal agriculture officials, processors certified 4.49 billion pounds of wholesome poultry during the month, marking a 3% drop compared to January 2025. The decrease stems from reduced processing speeds combined with birds maintaining steady to lighter average weights across the industry.
Chicken production bore the brunt of the decline, falling 3% to reach 4.081 billion pounds for the month. Turkey processing also experienced setbacks, dropping 4% to 398.607 million pounds during the same period.
The production slowdown reflects broader challenges facing poultry processors as they navigate operational adjustments in the new year.
Delaware health officials announced Thursday they are investigating a potential measles exposure that took place at the emergency department of Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington earlier this week.
The Delaware Division of Public Health confirmed the exposure occurred on February 18, 2026, prompting immediate action from state health authorities.
Health department officials are currently conducting contact tracing efforts to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the highly contagious disease during their visit to the hospital’s emergency room.
As part of their investigation, DPH officials will be reaching out directly to people who were identified as potentially exposed to verify their vaccination status against measles.
The health department’s swift response underscores the serious nature of measles exposure, particularly in a pediatric healthcare setting where vulnerable populations may be present.
CUMBERLAND, Md. — One of three individuals belonging to a group outsiders call the Zizians, which authorities have connected to six fatalities across the country, walked free from a Maryland detention facility Friday after making bail.
Daniel Blank posted $15,000 bond and was released around midday Friday, while his co-defendants Jack “Ziz” LaSota and Michelle Zajko continue to be held without the possibility of bail, according to court records and testimony from preliminary hearings.
Law enforcement officials in Maryland have tied the trio to murder cases spanning California, Pennsylvania, and Vermont after a property owner discovered them residing in box trucks on a remote, snow-covered dirt road this past February.
Blank’s attorney Rebecca Lechliter refused to provide any statement regarding the release. As part of his bail conditions, Blank must reside by himself and wear a GPS monitoring device.
The death toll associated with this group climbed to six in the previous year following the killing of a U.S. border patrol agent in Vermont. Following this incident, the three individuals were taken into custody on weapons and trespassing violations while hiding in the forests of western Maryland. Currently, seven group members are incarcerated across three different states, all awaiting their respective trials.
Following their February 16, 2025 apprehension, Maryland State Trooper Brandon Jeffries documented that all “suspects involved are to be questioned regarding other crimes that have occurred across the country and have ties with the Zizians Cult.”
This collective, dubbed “Zizians” by those outside their circle, consists of young, exceptionally bright computer science professionals who appear to hold extreme viewpoints regarding plant-based diets, animal welfare, gender identity, and artificial intelligence. Beginning in 2022, group members have been implicated in the death of one of their own during an assault on a California property owner, the subsequent murder of that landlord, the fatal shootings of Zajko’s mother and father in Pennsylvania, and a deadly highway gunfight in Vermont that claimed the lives of both the border agent and another Zizian member.
The selection of jurors was scheduled to begin recently in Cumberland, Maryland, where LaSota, Zajko, and Blank face charges including LSD possession, intent to distribute LSD, various firearms violations, trespassing, and obstructing law enforcement.
However, the proceedings have been postponed until June after Zajko, who also faces a resisting arrest charge, dismissed her legal counsel, briefly acted as her own representative, and subsequently retained new legal representation.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A federal magistrate is deliberating whether to force authorities to give back electronic equipment confiscated from a Washington Post journalist’s Northern Virginia residence during a search last month.
During Friday’s court proceedings, legal representatives for the newspaper contended that federal officials are trampling on First Amendment protections after taking devices from reporter Hannah Natanson’s Alexandria home. U.S. Magistrate Judge William Porter had previously approved the FBI search as part of a probe into suspected illegal sharing of classified materials with Natanson by a Pentagon contractor.
Porter declined to make an immediate ruling on the Post’s motion demanding return of the seized equipment, stating he plans to announce his decision prior to a scheduled follow-up session on March 4.
“I have a pretty good sense of what I’m going to do here,” the magistrate said without elaborating.
The investigation centers on Pentagon contractor Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones, who was taken into custody January 8 on charges of improperly removing and keeping classified documents. Authorities allege Perez-Lugones brought home printed classified materials from his job and subsequently shared them with Natanson.
During the January 14 search of Natanson’s Alexandria residence, federal agents confiscated a mobile phone, two laptop computers, a recording device, a portable hard drive and a Garmin smartwatch. Porter previously agreed to temporarily prevent the government from examining any content from the reporter’s devices.
Attorney Simon Latcovich, representing the Post, explained that material stored on Natanson’s equipment could reveal hundreds of confidential sources who regularly supplied her with numerous tips daily.
“Since the seizure, those sources have dried up,” he said.
Should Porter decide to conduct a private examination of the device contents before determining what the government can access, Latcovich requested that Post and reporter attorneys be permitted to review the material first to argue for protecting certain information.
Justice Department lawyer Christian Dibblee acknowledged that the government understands Porter didn’t approve a “fishing expedition.”
“The government does take that seriously,” he said.
The newspaper’s legal team accused authorities of breaking legal protections for journalists and violating Natanson’s First Amendment free speech guarantees.
Government prosecutors maintained they have the right to retain the confiscated materials because they contain evidence relevant to an active investigation involving national security concerns.
The situation has attracted nationwide attention and criticism from press freedom organizations who view it as evidence of increased Justice Department aggressiveness in leak investigations targeting journalists.
“There is a pattern here, your honor, that this is a part of,” Latcovich said.
WASHINGTON — Congressional leaders have been notified that the Trump administration plans to move forward with preparations to potentially reopen America’s embassy in Damascus, Syria, after a 14-year closure that began during the nation’s civil conflict in 2012.
According to documentation received by The Associated Press, lawmakers were informed earlier this month about the State Department’s plan to “implement a phased approach to potentially resume embassy operations in Syria” through a notice sent to congressional committees.
The February 10 communication indicated that funding for these preparations would commence within 15 days, beginning next week, though no specific timeline was provided for completion or the return of American diplomatic staff to Damascus on a permanent basis.
Embassy reopening discussions have been ongoing since last year, gaining momentum after longtime ruler Bashar Assad was removed from power in December 2024. The initiative has received strong support from President Donald Trump’s ambassador to Turkey and Syria special envoy, Tom Barrack.
Barrack has championed extensive diplomatic reconciliation with Syria’s new government led by former opposition leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, successfully promoting the removal of American sanctions and Syria’s return to regional and global diplomatic circles.
Speaking to media on Friday, Trump praised al-Sharaa’s leadership performance. “He’s doing a phenomenal job,” Trump stated. “He’s a rough guy. He’s not a choir boy. A choir boy couldn’t do it. But Syria’s coming together.”
During a Damascus visit last May, Barrack ceremonially raised the American flag at the embassy location, though formal operations had not yet resumed.
On the same date as the congressional notification, Barrack celebrated Syria’s decision to join the coalition fighting Islamic State militants, despite ongoing U.S. military withdrawal from a strategically important southeastern base and continuing tensions with Kurdish populations.
“Regional solutions, shared responsibility. Syria’s participation in the D-ISIS Coalition meeting in Riyadh marks a new chapter in collective security,” Barrack commented.
State Department officials declined to provide specific details about the classified embassy reopening strategy beyond acknowledging the congressional notification was delivered.
The department has employed comparable “phased” methodology for plans to reestablish the American Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, following military action that removed former President Nicolás Maduro in January, utilizing temporary personnel operating from provisional locations.
The Swiss men’s curling team captured Olympic bronze on Friday with a decisive 9-1 triumph over Norway at the Milano Cortina Games in Italy.
Led by Yannick Schwaller, the Swiss squad delivered a commanding performance at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, establishing control early and maintaining their dominance throughout the match.
The Swiss team had entered the bronze medal game after completing a perfect round-robin phase without a single loss. However, their path to gold was blocked when they fell to defending world champions Britain in Thursday’s semifinal round.
Switzerland built their advantage through precise play in the opening ends. Smart tactical moves in the second end positioned Benoit Schwarz-van Berkel to score three points, and the team followed up by stealing another point to establish a commanding 4-0 lead.
Norway managed to put one point on the scoreboard, but Schwarz-van Berkel responded with another strong performance in the eighth end. His skillful runback shot added two more points to Switzerland’s total, extending their lead to 6-1.
The Norwegian team struggled to mount any significant comeback throughout the contest. When Magnus Ramsfjell missed a crucial shot that allowed Switzerland to steal three points in the eighth end, Norwegian skip conceded the match in memorable fashion by performing a complete 360-degree spin while delivering his final stone.
This bronze medal represents Switzerland’s eighth overall medal in Olympic curling competition and marks their first podium finish since claiming men’s bronze at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.
The gold medal match is scheduled for Saturday, featuring Canada’s team under Brad Jacobs against Britain’s squad led by Bruce Mouat, who enter as the current world champions.
Corporate executives and trade organizations are expressing optimism following the U.S. Supreme Court’s February 20 decision to strike down former President Donald Trump’s emergency tariff measures, though many acknowledge the complicated reimbursement process that lies ahead.
The ruling has generated widespread commentary from business leaders across various sectors:
Steve Lamar, who leads the American Apparel & Footwear Association, emphasized the need for stability in trade policy. “Now is the time to restore a predictable and dependable trade policy, compliant with the rule of law, that the apparel and footwear industry can rely on to temper the already heavy tariff burden facing our industry, U.S. manufacturers, and every hard-working American family that relies on our products,” Lamar stated.
Michael Wieder, who co-founded baby products manufacturer Lalo, clarified the Court’s reasoning behind the decision. “The Supreme Court decision didn’t say that tariffs are illegal, it’s that this way of imposing tariffs is illegal … You can do it, but there has to be a clear definitive reason,” Wieder explained.
He added his satisfaction with the outcome: “We don’t have 100% of the facts, but we’ve been waiting for this and so many people have, so it is definitely a good day.”
However, some experts warn of challenges ahead. Steve Orava, who chairs the International Trade Practice at King & Spalding, pointed to continuing uncertainty. “The major issue that everybody’s going to be dealing with for at least the short term is some additional uncertainty … Whether you’re in favor of the tariffs or against the tariffs, there’s kind of a unified view that getting some certainty in terms of the tariff levels is what is most helpful to drive business and investment decisions,” Orava said.
The refund process itself may prove problematic, according to Andrew Wilson from the International Chamber of Commerce. “Instances where intermediaries, wholesalers, express shippers like DHL, FedEx have paid the tariff on behalf of customers, they will be named as the importer of record … I think there (is) going to be quite a lot of uncertainties, quite a lot of tension, possibly some litigation coming out of this,” Wilson predicted.
Retail Industry Leaders Association President Brian Dodge viewed the decision as an opportunity for improved government-industry cooperation. “The Supreme Court’s decision … opens the door for the Administration to engage industry more closely on trade policy to create the stability and predictability American retailers and consumers need,” Dodge commented.
Francis Creighton, who heads Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, welcomed the clarity the ruling provides. “Today’s decision restores clarity and helps stabilize an industry that depends on open markets and longstanding international partnerships,” Creighton said.
Dan Anthony, executive director of We Pay The Tariffs, a coalition representing over 800 small businesses, addressed the technical aspects of processing refunds. “From a technical perspective, for the U.S. government, this is not novel or difficult … Every shipment has a code that specifically calls out the IEEPA tariffs that are paid,” Anthony noted.
Anthony urged the government to act swiftly, saying it “should be looking to minimize future suffering.”
Economic experts are cautioning that Friday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision blocking President Donald Trump’s emergency-based tariffs won’t provide much immediate economic relief globally, despite representing a significant legal defeat for the administration’s trade strategy.
Analysts predict another wave of market-disrupting uncertainty as Trump pursues alternative methods to reinstate the comprehensive tariff system the court deemed illegal.
Several major questions loom large: what replacement tariffs the administration will implement, whether businesses will receive refunds from the invalidated levies, and if nations that negotiated agreements to reduce tariff impacts might seek to renegotiate those arrangements.
Following the court’s decision, Trump quickly unveiled replacement global tariffs set at 10% for an initial 150-day timeframe, while noting uncertainty about potential refund timelines.
“In general, I think it will just bring in a new period of high uncertainty in world trade, as everybody tries to figure out what the U.S. tariff policy will be going forward,” said Varg Folkman, analyst at the European Policy Centre think tank.
“In the end it’s going to look pretty much the same.”
ING bank economists shared this assessment: “The scaffolding has come down, but the building remains under construction. No matter how today’s ruling reads, tariffs are here to stay.”
The Supreme Court’s decision specifically targeted tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, legislation designed for national emergencies. These levies have generated more than $175 billion in revenue to date.
The ruling cuts America’s trade-weighted average tariff rate nearly in half, dropping from 15.4% to 8.3%, according to Global Trade Alert, a trade policy monitoring organization.
Nations facing the highest U.S. tariff rates will see the most dramatic changes. China, Brazil, and India are expected to experience double-digit percentage point reductions, though rates will remain elevated.
However, no one anticipates this situation will persist: the Trump administration had already signaled before the ruling that it would utilize different legal mechanisms to restore tariffs.
Meanwhile, approximately two dozen countries that negotiated bilateral agreements with the U.S. to establish tariff levels and sometimes commit to American investments are now evaluating whether the Supreme Court ruling provides leverage for renegotiation.
Bernd Lange, who chairs the European Parliament’s trade committee, indicated lawmakers could ratify the European Union’s agreement with the United States as early as Monday.
“The era of unlimited, arbitrary tariffs … might now be coming to an end,” Lange posted on X. “We must now carefully evaluate the ruling and its consequences.”
British officials stated Friday they expect their special trading relationship with the United States to persist, referencing the baseline 10% tariff arrangement negotiated with Washington.
Many nations had been adapting to Trump’s tariff policies, with Americans bearing most of the financial burden according to a Federal Reserve Bank of New York analysis released this month.
The International Monetary Fund’s latest World Economic Outlook projects “resilient” global growth of 3.3% for 2026.
China reported a record trade surplus approaching $1.2 trillion in 2025, driven by surging exports to markets outside the U.S. as Chinese manufacturers adjusted to Trump’s trade policies.
Some countries may therefore choose to maintain their current bilateral U.S. agreements rather than “inviting the kind of uncertainty we saw in the spring in 2025,” according to EPC’s Folkman, referencing the disruption caused by Trump’s “reciprocal” tariff strategy.
However, Niclas Poitiers, a research fellow at economic think tank Bruegel, highlighted significant political uncertainties surrounding the EU-U.S. trade agreement, where Europe was perceived as making excessive concessions.
“There could be circumstances in which the deal unravels,” he observed.
Federal regulators are maintaining their investigation into marketing platform AppLovin, according to a Friday report from Bloomberg News.
The Securities and Exchange Commission previously began examining claims that AppLovin breached service agreements with platform partners in order to deliver more targeted advertisements to users, Bloomberg initially reported in October.
When Bloomberg requested documents related to the AppLovin investigation, the SEC refused to provide them. Following an appeal, the agency confirmed that an “investigation involving AppLovin is still active and ongoing.”
In a Friday letter to Bloomberg, the SEC explained it would not share internal communications among staff members mentioning AppLovin because doing so could “cause harm to the ongoing and active enforcement investigation.”
According to the report, the agency expressed concerns that relevant individuals and organizations might “fabricate evidence, influence witness testimony and/or destroy or alter certain documents” if information were disclosed.
The SEC also noted in its Bloomberg correspondence that releasing the communications could potentially expose cooperating witnesses. The agency has not detailed what specific areas the investigation covers or formally accused AppLovin or its executives of any violations.
Reuters was unable to confirm the Bloomberg report independently. Both the SEC and AppLovin have not yet responded to Reuters’ requests for statements.
The AppLovin investigation reportedly stems from a whistleblower complaint submitted last year, as well as several reports from short-seller firms.
The University of Delaware women’s basketball team is preparing for a road trip to take on Missouri State in their next scheduled contest.
The Blue Hens will face the Bears as they continue their current season campaign. The matchup represents another opportunity for Delaware to showcase their skills away from their home court.
The team will be looking to build on their recent performances as they travel to Missouri for what promises to be a competitive game against the Bears.
Drivers traveling through Wilmington should prepare for overnight lane restrictions this week as crews work to repair the I-95 viaduct.
The Delaware Department of Transportation has notified commuters that workers will need to shut down one lane of southbound Interstate 95 to fix broken acrylic panels on the Wilmington Viaduct structure.
The repair operation is set to take place overnight from 9:00 pm Wednesday, February 25th until 5:00 am Thursday morning. Should weather conditions prevent the work from proceeding as planned, DelDOT will move the project to Thursday night, February 26th, during the same hours.
The affected stretch of highway runs from the Jackson Street exit ramp to where traffic merges back onto I-95 at the 2nd Street entrance ramp.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when driving through the work zone during the overnight hours.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins addressed participants at the USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum, emphasizing that legislative action is required to enable nationwide E15 ethanol fuel availability throughout the year.
“While the Trump administration has gone as far as we possibly can on E15, we are asking Congress to step up, answer the call and to finally get nationwide, year-round E15,” Rollins stated during her remarks to forum attendees.
The secretary’s comments highlight the administration’s position that executive measures have reached their limit regarding E15 authorization, and that lawmakers must now take the lead to advance the ethanol fuel initiative on a national scale.
Cattle supplies across the United States continue to tighten, according to new federal agriculture data that shows significant drops in both feedlot activity and market-ready livestock.
Federal agriculture officials report that U.S. feedlots received 1.736 million head of cattle in January 2026, representing a 5% decrease from the same month in 2025. The majority of these incoming animals were classified as lighter and middle weight cattle.
The situation appears even more pronounced when examining cattle ready for sale. Marketing numbers reached 1.626 million head during the reporting period, marking a substantial 13% year-over-year decline.
These trends suggest that tight cattle supplies will likely persist in the coming months, potentially affecting beef prices and availability for consumers throughout the region.
Following the catastrophic failure of the Potomac Interceptor on January 19, environmental and economic consequences are mounting as this massive sewer main continues dumping an estimated 240 to 300 million gallons of untreated sewage directly into the Potomac River.
While protecting public health from dangerous contaminants and harmful bacteria remains the immediate focus, officials will eventually need to calculate the enormous nutrient pollution burden this disaster has added to both the river and Chesapeake Bay.
Some experts are calling this the most significant sewage disaster in American history. University of Maryland water testing revealed E. coli contamination reaching 10,000 times beyond EPA safety limits during the worst period of the spill.
Although DC Water’s monitoring shows contamination levels decreasing in areas farther from the source, repairs won’t completely halt the leak until mid-March, with full restoration work taking an additional nine months to finish.
Repair efforts faced major setbacks when crews discovered a 10-foot rock barrier near the rupture site, combined with pump equipment failure caused by massive clumps of non-flushable wipes, resulting in an additional 600,000 gallons entering the waterway.
The ongoing crisis threatens to shut down fish farming operations and commercial fisheries, could devastate regional tourism, and will likely reverse years of progress in reducing Chesapeake Bay watershed pollution.
The exact environmental damage remains unclear, but experts anticipate severe consequences as weeks’ worth of nitrogen and phosphorus contamination entered the water system within just days. If agricultural operations had caused even a small portion of this pollution, there would be clear targets for blame and legal action.
Instead, elected officials are engaging in political finger-pointing to avoid responsibility for the infrastructure neglect that led to this 60-year-old pipeline’s collapse.
This major sewage catastrophe, along with numerous smaller spills throughout the watershed, must not be allowed to undermine the pollution reduction achievements funded by taxpayers, agricultural producers, watermen, and municipal governments.
Regardless of who takes responsibility, everyone will ultimately bear the costs of this environmental disaster.
Delaware’s coastal communities remain under a Coastal Flood Watch that will stay in effect until Friday morning at 5:00 AM, according to the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey.
The weather alert was initially issued on Tuesday, February 20th at 3:50 PM and continues to monitor conditions that could lead to flooding along Delaware’s shoreline areas.
Residents and businesses in coastal zones should stay informed about changing conditions and be prepared to take necessary precautions if flooding develops during the watch period.
The National Weather Service typically issues these watches when weather patterns suggest the possibility of coastal flooding, giving communities advance notice to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump acknowledged Friday that he’s contemplating limited military action against Iran, even as Tehran’s foreign minister indicated a nuclear agreement could be finalized within days.
When asked by reporters whether the United States might pursue limited military strikes while diplomatic negotiations continue, Trump responded, “I guess I can say I am considering that.”
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told television interviewers that Tehran plans to complete a draft agreement “in the next two to three days” before sending it to Washington.
The contrasting messages highlight growing tensions between the two nations as the Trump administration demands concessions from Iran. The U.S. has assembled its most substantial military deployment in the Middle East in decades, with additional naval vessels and aircraft en route to the region.
Both Washington and Tehran have indicated their readiness for military conflict should diplomatic efforts regarding Iran’s nuclear program collapse. Recent indirect negotiations have shown minimal apparent advancement.
The standoff reflects the longstanding adversarial relationship between the two countries, with military preparations intensifying even as diplomatic channels remain active.
PUTLOS, Germany (AP) — A massive multinational military training operation brought together thousands of service members from over a dozen countries in northern Germany for NATO exercises dubbed Steadfast Dart 2026.
The training marked a historic milestone as NATO’s rapid response spearhead force conducted its inaugural European deployment, incorporating naval vessels, military aircraft, and ground forces from 13 participating countries: Italy, Greece, Germany, the Czech Republic, Spain, Lithuania, Estonia, and Turkey. Additional logistical and operational support came from France, Belgium, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.
The images were compiled by Associated Press photography staff.
WASHINGTON — Weather experts are revising how they track El Niño patterns as global warming continues to alter traditional climate measurements, according to new research from meteorologists.
Fresh analysis published this month reveals that an uncommon extended cooling period helped scientists understand why Earth’s temperatures jumped dramatically over the last three years, beyond the steady warming trend linked to human activities.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has modified its method for determining when these influential weather cycles begin and end. Rising ocean temperatures worldwide forced NOAA to update their calculations, which will likely result in more La Niña events being identified and fewer El Niño periods being declared.
Global monthly temperatures made a significant leap above the long-term warming pattern in early 2023, continuing through 2025. Researchers have proposed various explanations for this jump, including accelerated greenhouse gas effects, reduced ship pollution particles, underwater volcanic activity, and increased solar energy.
New research published in Nature Geoscience by Japanese scientists examined how Earth’s energy balance — the difference between incoming and outgoing energy — shifted in 2022. When this balance tips toward more trapped heat, temperatures rise accordingly. The study found that roughly three-quarters of this energy change resulted from both long-term human-caused warming and the transition from an extended La Niña cooling phase to a warming El Niño period.
El Niño represents a natural cyclical warming of specific equatorial Pacific Ocean areas that disrupts global weather patterns, while La Niña involves cooler-than-normal waters in the same regions.
These phenomena affect rainfall and temperature patterns differently across the globe. El Niño events typically boost worldwide temperatures, while La Niña periods suppress the overall warming trend.
Research indicates La Niña conditions generally create more destructive impacts for the United States through enhanced hurricane seasons and drought conditions.
Between 2020 and 2023, Earth experienced an uncommon “triple dip” La Niña period without any intervening El Niño phase. During La Niña conditions, warmer water remains at deeper levels, creating cooler surface temperatures. This reduces the amount of energy released into space, explained study co-author Yu Kosaka from the University of Tokyo.
Kosaka drew a comparison to human fever responses.
“If our body’s temperature is high then it tends to emit its energy out, and the Earth has the same situation happening. And as the temperatures increase, it acts to emit more energy outward. And for three-year La Nina, it’s opposite,” Kosaka said.
This traps more energy — which converts to heat — on Earth, she explained. While La Niña periods typically create one or two years of extra energy buildup, this extended cycle lasted longer, making the effects more pronounced and producing higher temperatures.
“When there is a transition from La Nina to El Nino, it’s like the lid is popped off,” releasing the accumulated heat, explained former NOAA meteorologist Tom Di Liberto, now with Climate Central.
The study authors determined that approximately 23% of the energy imbalance driving recent temperature increases stems from this unusually prolonged La Niña pattern, while slightly more than half comes from fossil fuel emissions. Other factors account for the remainder.
Jennifer Francis from the Woodwell Climate Research Center, who wasn’t part of the study team, said the findings make logical sense and explain an energy imbalance increase that some researchers had attributed to accelerated warming.
For seven and a half decades, meteorologists have identified El Niño and La Niña events by comparing temperatures in three tropical Pacific areas to normal conditions. El Niño was defined as 0.5 degrees Celsius (0.9 degrees Fahrenheit) above normal, while La Niña was the same amount below normal.
The challenge in our warming world is that “normal” temperatures keep changing.
Previously, NOAA used 30-year temperature averages as their baseline, updating these averages every decade along with other climate measurements. As waters warmed significantly, NOAA switched to updating the baseline every five years, but this still proved insufficient, according to Nat Johnson, a meteorologist at NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab.
NOAA introduced a relative El Niño index this month that compares temperatures to other tropical regions worldwide. The difference between old and new methods has recently reached half a degree Celsius (0.9 degrees Fahrenheit), “and that’s enough to have an impact,” Johnson said.
The key factor with these weather patterns is how ocean waters interact with the atmosphere. Recent interactions didn’t align with the previous labeling system but do correspond with the updated method, Johnson noted.
This change will probably result in slightly more La Niña identifications and fewer El Niño declarations compared to the former system, Johnson said.
NOAA’s current forecast predicts an El Niño development later this year during late summer or fall. If it arrives early enough, it could reduce Atlantic hurricane activity. However, it would also mean higher global temperatures in 2027.
“When El Nino develops, we’re likely to set a new global temperature record,” Woodwell’s Francis said in an email. “‘Normal’ was left in the dust decades ago. And with this much heat in the system, everyone should buckle up for the extreme weather it will fuel.”
NASCAR is making history by becoming the first major racing series to run on zero-carbon bioethanol through a groundbreaking partnership with biofuel company POET. The collaboration represents a significant milestone in the motorsports industry’s push toward sustainable fuel alternatives.
POET’s Founder and CEO Jeff Broin spoke with Brownfield about the historic agreement, explaining that NASCAR’s adoption of this technology marks a first for professional racing. “Through NASCAR we’re announcing this as the first liquid transportation fuel that’s available that’s zero-carbon and it’s available in,” Broin stated during the interview.
The partnership positions NASCAR at the forefront of environmental innovation in motorsports, demonstrating how racing organizations can embrace cleaner fuel technologies without compromising performance. This move could potentially influence other racing series and transportation sectors to consider similar sustainable fuel options.
(Editor’s note: Letitia Nichols serves as deputy state director for USDA Rural Development covering Maryland and Delaware.)
Representatives from USDA Rural Development recently took part in the 25th annual MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture Regional Conference, demonstrating the agency’s dedication to assisting farming operations throughout the Delmarva Peninsula and broader Mid-Atlantic area.
The gathering united female farmers, livestock producers, agricultural business owners and farm service providers for comprehensive workshops centered on farming practices.
Taking part in this conference allowed our Rural Development staff to directly hear about the obstacles and requirements facing women in agricultural production within our area.
Conference attendees listened to Oksana Bocharova, who successfully received funding through the Value-Added Producer Grant program.
Agricultural producers throughout the Delmarva area can apply for federal grants designed to boost farm revenues and create new market access.
USDA Rural Development continues to accept submissions for its VAPG initiative. Officials have pushed back the submission deadline to 1 p.m. on April 22.
The VAPG initiative stands as one of USDA Rural Development’s most sought-after resources for assisting farmers, livestock producers, and agricultural enterprises in creating innovative products, broadening marketing reach, and boosting producer earnings.
This program directly addresses the requirements of numerous area agricultural producers dealing with narrow profit margins and changing market conditions.
The VAPG initiative provides funding for two main project categories:
• Planning grants: Financial support for feasibility assessments, business planning, and market analysis for potential projects; and
• Working capital grants: Resources to establish or grow processing, marketing, or distribution operations for value-added agricultural products.
For 2026, planning grant awards max out at $50,000 while working capital grants reach up to $200,000.
Every grant demands a 1:1 matching contribution, which can consist of cash and qualifying in-kind support.
USDA mandates that all submissions must be filed electronically via their online application system.
The online system features a comprehensive user manual and detailed guidance to assist applicants through the submission process.
Those interested should start their preparation well in advance.
Due to the program’s competitive nature and complexity, many agricultural producers collaborate with professional grant writers, cooperative extension personnel, or regional development groups to improve their application quality.
For additional details, reach out to your state’s business programs director or check https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants.
Lisa Fitzgerald serves as the business programs director for Delaware and Maryland, and can be contacted at [email protected] or 302-857-3628.
WASHINGTON — First Lady Melania Trump presented her 2025 inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History on Friday, calling the experience “incredible” as she watched the dress take its place in the museum’s renowned First Ladies Collection.
This marks the second time the First Lady has contributed an inaugural dress to the museum’s collection, having previously donated her 2017 gown.
During Friday’s ceremony, Trump upheld the time-honored custom of first ladies contributing their inaugural attire to the museum. She presented the sleeveless white dress with black trim along with a black neck accessory featuring a replica Harry Winston diamond brooch that she wore during the January 20, 2025 inauguration festivities. The complete outfit was showcased on a display mannequin during the presentation.
The First Lady offered thoughtful commentary about the dress and its significance, emphasizing her passion for fashion design while noting the garment represents much more than clothing.
“This is more than 50 years of education, experience, and wisdom realized with each thread, each stitch, each sharp edge,” she said. “The meticulously formed black shape ‘Z’ on the front bodice summons decades of my early memories, life experiences, and influences. And, all of these stories are tucked deep within its crisp, strong seams — forever.”
Drawing from her background as a former fashion model, Trump explained that fashion design represents another avenue for artistic expression, noting how the dress’s black and white color scheme “sets a mood rich with emotion.”
“This dress speaks with a distinct point of view, a modern silhouette, bold and dignified, and ruthlessly chic,” she said.
Following the brief ceremony, museum staff transported the mannequin to the upper level where it joined the first ladies’ display, which showcases more than two dozen gowns from previous presidential spouses. Trump, accompanied by Herve Pierre — her long-time fashion consultant who created both of her donated gowns — visited the exhibit to view the dress in its protective display case.
“It’s incredible. It’s a historic moment,” she told reporters when asked about seeing her gown become part of the permanent collection. The museum welcomed visitors back that Friday afternoon.
BOSTON — What appears to be simple playtime is actually sophisticated mental training for a beloved harbor seal at Boston’s New England Aquarium. Reggae, a 33-year-old Atlantic harbor seal, has captured widespread attention after videos surfaced showing him tenderly embracing rubber ducks during his daily enrichment activities.
The heartwarming footage shows Reggae floating peacefully while clutching a yellow duck to his chest, and in another scene, sitting on artificial rocks while gently patting the toy’s head with his flipper.
These charming interactions serve a deeper purpose than entertainment. The duck-based activities help Reggae develop crucial cognitive abilities including memory retention, analytical thinking, and concentration — all vital for maintaining the wellbeing of animals living in captivity.
Rebekah Miller, who supervises the aquarium’s pinniped section that houses Atlantic harbor seals and California sea lions, explained the importance of these mental challenges.
“He can use his great vision to look around the habitat, find these new items, and he can also use his other senses to kind of explore,” Miller noted. “It’s a great way to challenge our animals. We want to create challenges for them and really allow them to use those problem-solving skills that they have.”
During a recent training demonstration, animal care specialist Liz Wait directed Reggae through various commands while offering fish treats from a metal container attached to her belt.
“Target!” Wait instructed, gesturing toward a specific duck. Reggae immediately swam over and touched it with his snout. She continued with additional commands using different toys.
“Hold it!” she directed, positioning a rubber duck on his pale stomach. Reggae responded by wrapping his flippers around the object in an embrace.
“Are you having fun with your ducks?” Wait asked as the seal positioned himself on a rock platform, resting his head on one of the toys.
“You want to say, ‘Bye, everybody?’” the trainer requested while waving. Reggae lifted his right flipper in response and exchanged a salute with Wait. “Good, Bubba.”
According to Miller, Reggae seems unbothered by his newfound internet fame, describing his temperament as calm and sociable.
“We describe his personality as very mellow. He’s a very easygoing guy, he goes with the flow and he loves attention from people,” she observed.
Young visitors were particularly enchanted by the unusual sight. Thirteen-year-old Tom Smith from Boston, who was touring the facility with his family during school break, expressed his amazement.
“You never expect a seal to hug a rubber ducky,” Smith remarked.
The harbor seals represent some of the aquarium’s most popular attractions, residing in a massive 42,000-gallon outdoor enclosure located on the main plaza. All current seals were born at the facility to parents who were also long-term residents.
Many of today’s seals can trace their ancestry back to Hoover, a famous harbor seal born in 1971 who was initially cared for by a Maine fisherman after becoming orphaned. When feeding costs became prohibitive for the fisherman’s family, Hoover was transferred to the aquarium, where he eventually became famous nationwide for his ability to mimic human speech, including phrases like “hello there” and “get out of here” spoken in a distinctive New England dialect.
The aquarium’s seals typically exceed the approximately 25-year lifespan common in natural environments. Several have reached ages of 30 and even 40 years, longevity that staff members credit to comprehensive veterinary care, structured behavioral training, and daily mental stimulation activities.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A former police chief who suddenly stepped down from his position in January has surrendered to authorities on charges of stealing $85,000 from his own department’s accounts.
Karl Jacobson, who previously led the New Haven Police Department, voluntarily turned himself in Friday on an outstanding warrant. A judge set his bond at $150,000, and he was subsequently released, according to state prosecutors. The charges include two counts of larceny involving the defrauding of a public community.
“An allegation of embezzlement by a police official is a serious matter and potentially undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system,” Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin said in a statement.
Defense attorney Gregory Cerritelli, representing Jacobson, stated he was not yet prepared to address the specific accusations but emphasized that “an arrest is not evidence of guilt and allegations are not proof.”
“This is the beginning of a very long process,” he said in an emailed statement. “I urge everyone to keep an open mind and avoid a rush to judgment.”
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker revealed last month during Jacobson’s retirement announcement that the ex-chief had confessed to taking money from a municipal account designated for compensating confidential informants who assist police in solving cases.
According to Elicker, Jacobson admitted to using the funds for personal expenses after three of his deputy chiefs confronted him about financial discrepancies.
The mayor described the allegations as “shocking” and a “betrayal of public trust.”
Jacobson led the police force for three years in the Connecticut city, which houses Yale University and ranks among the state’s most populous municipalities.
State prosecutors announced Friday that New Haven officials first reported the embezzlement claims on January 5, triggering a Connecticut State Police investigation. The inquiry uncovered that $81,500 had gone missing or been misused from the New Haven Police Department Narcotic Enforcement Fund during the period from January 1, 2024, through January 5, 2026. This fund provides payments to confidential sources who assist in drug-related investigations.
“The defendant had access to money in that fund,” prosecutors stated in their announcement, noting that banking records revealed checks connected to the fund had been deposited into Jacobson’s personal banking account.
Additionally, two checks worth a combined $4,000 were taken from the New Haven Police Activity League Fund on December 23 and 24, 2025. Prosecutors confirmed both payments ended up in Jacobson’s personal account. Investigators determined no other department personnel were implicated in the scheme.
Before becoming chief, Jacobson had worked with the New Haven department for 15 years. His law enforcement career also included nine years with the East Providence Police Department in Rhode Island.
Commercial truck and bus drivers across the nation will now be mandated to complete their licensing examinations exclusively in English under new federal requirements announced by the Trump administration’s transportation officials.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed the policy change on Friday, emphasizing the need for drivers to possess adequate English skills for reading traffic signage and interacting with police during traffic stops. The state of Florida has already begun implementing English-only testing procedures.
At present, numerous states permit drivers to complete their examinations in alternative languages, despite existing requirements for English language competency. California previously provided testing options in 20 different languages. Duffy noted that several states have contracted external organizations to conduct commercial driving tests, and these third-party entities are failing to uphold proper qualification standards.
“And the third party tester is participating in the scam because they are not adequately testing the people who went through a sham school,” Duffy said.
The Transportation Secretary stressed that Americans expect operators of large commercial vehicles to possess proper qualifications for handling such equipment. Duffy criticized the longstanding neglect of trucking industry problems, stating they were “allowed to rot and no one’s paying attention to it for decades.”
“Once you start to pay attention, you see that all these bad things have been happening. And the consequence of that is that Americans get hurt,” Duffy said. “When we get on the road, we should expect that we should be safe. And that those who drive those 80,000-pound big rigs, that they are well-trained, they’re well-qualified, and they’re going to be safe.”
The comprehensive safety initiative will also target fraudulent trucking operations attempting to enter the industry while maintaining pressure on substandard training facilities and ensuring state compliance with commercial licensing regulations.
This week, the Transportation Department ordered the closure of 557 driver training facilities for failing to satisfy fundamental safety requirements. The agency has intensified enforcement actions against states issuing commercial licenses to immigrants lacking proper qualifications, particularly following a deadly August collision.
According to Duffy, an unauthorized truck operator performed an illegal U-turn in Florida, triggering a fatal accident that claimed three lives. Additional deadly incidents, including a recent Indiana crash that killed four people this month, have amplified safety concerns.
Federal officials plan to strengthen trucking company registration procedures and requirements while increasing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration inspection frequency at truck stops and driving schools.
Under current regulations, companies need only pay several hundred dollars and provide insurance documentation to obtain operating permits, with audits potentially delayed for a year or longer.
This lenient system has enabled fraudulent operators, dubbed “chameleon carriers” within the industry, to register repeatedly using different business names and simply change identities to evade accountability following accidents or violations.
Authorities are also working to verify the accuracy of electronic logging equipment used by drivers and confirm that states are properly enforcing commercial licensing requirements.
Following the Indiana collision, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration suspended the employing company and revoked operating numbers for two affiliated businesses connected to AJ Partners. Chicago-area companies Tutash Express and Sam Express were also disqualified, while the Aydana driving school attended by the crash-involved driver lost its certification.
Immigration officials detained the driver, a 30-year-old from Kyrgyzstan who allegedly entered the United States illegally. Investigators report he attempted to pass a slower vehicle ahead of him when his truck collided with an approaching van.
In December, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration moved to revoke certification for up to 7,500 of the nation’s 16,000 driving schools, though many of those facilities were already inactive.
Duffy revealed that the companies involved in the Indiana crash were all registered to the same apartment address. In other instances, hundreds of these chameleon operations may share a single registration address.
A group of nearly 40 healthcare executives from around the world recently completed an intensive tour of Israel’s medical innovation centers, exploring how groundbreaking research transforms into life-saving technologies used globally.
The delegation arrived at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot on a clear February day, though visible damage from an earlier Iranian missile strike served as a stark reminder of ongoing regional tensions. The attack had destroyed dozens of laboratories conducting critical cancer and disease research.
Dr. Daniel Kraft, founder of Exponential Medicine and a physician-scientist working at the crossroads of technology and healthcare, shared his perspective with The Media Line. “The future of health and medicine is coming faster than you think,” Kraft said. “It’s not the technology; it’s often the convergence of a new operating system for the future of health and medicine.”
According to Kraft, Israel’s unique advantage lies in its concentrated environment where artificial intelligence, digital health tools, diagnostic systems, and clinical facilities operate within close proximity. This density speeds up the development process significantly. “Health and medicine are a universal need and collecting point,” he explained, noting that medical collaboration often continues even when political relationships face challenges.
The visiting healthcare leaders participated in a program jointly organized by Israel Tech Mission and 8400 The Health Network, Israel’s primary HealthTech ecosystem accelerator. The network serves as a bridge connecting the country’s medical innovation ecosystem with global health sector leaders.
As the primary organization supporting Israel’s HealthTech and Life Sciences sector, 8400 The Health Network played a crucial role in designing the program’s agenda and facilitating connections between international visitors and key Israeli stakeholders.
The initiative aimed to showcase both current obstacles and emerging opportunities within the ecosystem, while identifying areas of mutual strategic benefit and establishing pathways for long-term investment, collaboration, and partnerships. The organization continues supporting ongoing relationships, helping transform initial meetings into enduring partnerships and sustained strategic involvement.
The participants included investors, company founders, advisors, and operators from the United States and international markets, all sharing a common goal: understanding how laboratory discoveries in Israel successfully transition into global healthcare applications.
David Siegel, chairman and founder of Israel Tech Mission, helped structure the week-long program. He characterized the initiative as an opportunity to expose participants to both promising companies and the fundamental operating principles of Israel’s innovation ecosystem.
“We don’t bring people here just to see companies. We bring them here to understand how the system works,” Siegel explained to The Media Line. For him, this distinction is crucial, as the goal involves creating lasting relationships that continue developing well beyond the formal meetings.
David Nakar, the mission’s executive director, coordinated the week’s complex logistics and arranged meetings across research institutions, hospitals, and startup facilities. “Israel’s advantage isn’t just density of talent—it’s velocity,” Nakar told The Media Line. “But velocity needs channels. Delegations like this create structured pathways between founders, researchers, operators, and capital allocators. When those pathways are intentional, the distance between lab discovery and global patient impact shortens dramatically.”
Mission participant Al Kinel expressed his enthusiasm about the experience to The Media Line. “I feel so proud and happy about what is occurring here and what’s coming out,” Kinel said. “I’m excited to be able to help take those innovations and get them out to the world and help let people learn about them.”
Kinel operates a health technology consulting firm called Strategic Interests and leads the New York Israel Chamber of Commerce, which fosters commercial and research connections between Israel and the United States. His work focuses primarily on helping medical innovations move beyond early-stage promise into actual implementation within American healthcare systems. “There are people that are going to be supportive and helpful, and we will figure out how to work with them to help us be successful, and then there’s the undecided,” he said. “I want them to understand the value of the innovation of Israel and how it’s changing the world in tikkun olam [‘healing the world’].”
He acknowledged the challenging global environment surrounding these efforts. “Unfortunately, we’re in a spot in a world where there are people who are going to hate us and will never want to listen,” he said. “That’s not our audience.” His focus remains on those willing to consider evidence and engage in collaboration. From his perspective, exporting medical technology represents more than just economic activity—it becomes a form of engagement based on measurable results. “If we can align, we will probably be way more impactful than we each could in our own individual way,” he added.
While Kinel emphasized alignment, Sam Moed discussed organizational structure.
As a global board member of 8400 The Health Network, Israel’s national HealthTech ecosystem accelerator, Moed described the organization’s dual mission. “We are very focused on supporting and strengthening the health care system in Israel,” he told The Media Line, “but at the same time, we are building bridges globally.”
For Moed, these international connections serve practical purposes. Israel produces substantial early-stage medical innovation, but scaling these technologies requires access to global capital and markets. “The United States is the largest source of life sciences capital in the world,” he said. Without connecting to that ecosystem, promising technologies may fail to reach patients.
“I am very optimistic about the magnitude of disruptive innovation that is coming out of Israel,” Moed stated. The goal, he suggested, involves not just incremental improvements but establishing healthcare alongside cybersecurity and defense as one of Israel’s defining pillars. “We want health care to be one of those pillars.”
He noted that local challenges often generate globally applicable solutions. Referencing trauma care and mental health innovation, Moed observed that real-world experience has shaped technologies now attracting international attention. “Some of the innovation agenda is driven by the problems we face here,” he said. In this way, the country’s constraints have produced exportable expertise.
During the week, the delegation met with participants operating at every level of Israel’s health system, from capital formation to clinical application. The program included sessions with venture capital leaders and life sciences investors, hospital-based innovation teams integrating digital tools into patient care, early-stage founders developing diagnostics and therapeutic platforms, and professionals working in trauma and mental health in southern Israel following the October 7 events. Rather than focusing on individual companies, the schedule exposed participants to the structural elements of the ecosystem: academic research, clinical integration, capital formation, and resilience-driven innovation, and how these components interact.
At the Weizmann Institute of Science, conversations focused on translational pathways. Researchers explained their approach of designing studies backward from proof of concept and regulatory milestones, rather than forward from curiosity alone.
During one smaller breakout session, a group met with Professor Ravid Straussman, a physician-scientist in the Department of Molecular Cell Biology at the Weizmann Institute of Science. From his office, Straussman presented the progression of his research and how it has developed into three startups focused on cancer treatment. His work centers on identifying specific bacteria and fungi living within tumors, discoveries that are changing how certain cancers are understood and treated therapeutically. By analyzing the tumor microbiome, his team has opened new strategies for targeting cancer and potentially strengthening patients’ immune responses.
The discussion reflected a broader theme of the visit: the transition from discovery to practical application. Straussman described not only the scientific breakthrough, but the process of translating that breakthrough into structured ventures designed to carry the research beyond academic settings. For participants evaluating Israel’s health ecosystem, the session provided a concrete example of how basic science can develop into companies with international clinical significance.
Jonathan Sheffi, vice president of strategy and product excellence for the Life Sciences & Healthcare division at Clarivate, said the visit has already prompted him to pursue a structured initiative. Speaking with The Media Line, he stated, “I will create a business plan to develop a translational research platform based on Israel’s patient-level data.” The intention, he explained, involves not incremental collaboration but systematic leverage. “Through this platform, I hope to spur financial and human capital investment in Israel by large pharmaceutical companies,” he noted. By building on what he described as Israel’s strengths in “software, data science, and AI,” Sheffi added that he hopes to help “create a new generation of Israeli drug discovery companies.”
“It was announced that I will be joining the board of directors of Compugen,” Michele Holcomb told The Media Line, referring to the Israeli biotechnology company. Holcomb, a board director at PureTech Health and a veteran biotech and pharmaceutical executive, noted that the dialogue and interviews related to the appointment preceded the visit. Still, the timing highlighted the depth of integration between Israeli life sciences and global industry leadership. The flow of expertise, she suggested, moves in both directions.
Lee Shapiro’s relationship with Israeli health technology spans more than two decades. As co-founder of Chicago-based 7wire Ventures, he has observed the ecosystem evolve from early digital health experiments to mature global companies. “Israel had a very organized longitudinal record for every citizen in Israel, kind of cradle to grave health information that existed,” he said, recalling the early infrastructure that allowed companies to innovate around data long before it became common elsewhere.
Today, he sees few comparisons. “There really is very little comparison,” he said. “Israeli companies and their technology base are far advanced from where European companies have been and what we see coming out of Asia.” At the same time, he believes awareness lags behind reality. “We need more stories told about the life-saving technologies,” Shapiro said. “I don’t think people realize that some of the great medications that they’re using every day have come from Israel.”
Those medications, devices, and digital platforms are integrated into health systems across North America, Europe, and Asia. Their impact is measured in survival rates, early diagnoses, and more efficient care pathways. Shapiro framed that reach culturally. “The spirit of tikkun olam in terms of healing the world is something that is part of the ecosystem here and is something that’s used in a way that can not only create great markets but also do good for the rest of the world,” he said.
The conversation at Startup Nation Central expanded the perspective further. There, attention turned to infrastructure: mapping innovation, matching investors with startups, and supporting regulatory and market entry abroad.
Innovation, in Rob Cronin’s view, carries another dimension. As founder and CEO of 120/80 GROUP, a New York-based communications firm specializing in health technology, he sees economic impact and diplomacy intersect. “What I see as the opportunity and the ultimate form of diplomacy and the mechanism by which we can fight antisemitism is an economic, innovation-based form of tikkun olam,” he told The Media Line. “It’s about improving people’s lives.”
Michelle Garland, founder and CEO of Soul Search Partners, has spent more than two decades placing executive teams in venture-backed health technology companies. What impressed her most was not only product or capital, but people. “The talent here is exceptional, and the ideas are brilliant,” she told The Media Line. Sustained collaboration, she suggested, depends as much on relationships as financing. “We have to build more bridges,” she asserted.
By the end of the conversation, her reflection became personal. “I have a bigger tribe than I knew of,” she said, visibly moved. The remark pointed to something that ran beneath the week’s formal meetings: a sense that professional ambition, identity, and global health purpose were not entirely separate.
Participants repeatedly described an ecosystem that is compact yet internationally focused, technically rigorous yet commercially disciplined. Israeli medical innovation is developed with international application in mind. Therapies enter multinational trials. Digital platforms integrate into foreign health systems. Devices travel through supply chains that extend well beyond national borders.
For Moed, that orientation remains central. “We want Israel to be seen as a global health care innovation powerhouse,” he said. The measure is not visibility, but penetration into global health systems.
Israel’s growing role in global healthcare reflects more than scientific output. It reflects structure. As Kraft told The Media Line, “It’s often about connecting dots and getting people out of their old silos, their cognitive silos, their political silos, their belief silos, and better work together.” In a compact ecosystem where research, capital, and clinical infrastructure converge at close range, that ability to connect may be what places Israel at the center of how new medicine is built.
Nathan MacKinnon delivered a clutch performance in Milan on Friday, scoring the decisive goal with 35.2 seconds remaining to propel Canada past defending Olympic champion Finland 3-2 in men’s hockey semifinal action.
The NHL’s top goal scorer found the back of the net at Santagiulia Arena with just one second left in a power play opportunity, completing Canada’s remarkable rally from a two-goal disadvantage in the second period.
Sam Reinhart ignited Canada’s comeback effort with a crucial goal, while defenseman Shea Theodore delivered the third-period tying score to set up MacKinnon’s heroics.
Canada now awaits the outcome of Friday’s other semifinal matchup between the United States and Slovakia to determine their opponent for Sunday’s championship game. Finland will compete for the bronze medal on Saturday.
Despite entering as heavy favorites with their star-studded NHL roster, Canada has faced significant challenges in recent contests. The team required overtime to eliminate the Czech Republic in Wednesday’s quarterfinal round.
Canada’s situation became more complicated when captain Sidney Crosby sustained an injury in that previous game and was unable to participate Friday, leaving the team without one of their key offensive weapons.
The Canadians struggled early, managing only three shots on goal in the first half of the opening period. Finland capitalized when Sam Bennett received a penalty for goaltender interference.
Mikko Rantanen struck just three seconds into the resulting power play, and Finland extended their advantage early in the second period when Erik Haula converted a short-handed opportunity with a backhand shot.
“The start of the game, everybody’s so excited to play, and so amped up, so much adrenaline, it’s just kind of natural, you get a little bit of a feel out process,” said Canada forward Brad Marchand. “Some of these teams you haven’t played before. It’s kind of chess match.”
Canada began their resurgence during their next power play opportunity, as defenseman Cale Makar fired a shot through traffic that Reinhart redirected past the Finnish goaltender to cut the deficit in half. Theodore evened the score midway through the final period with a powerful slap shot from the point.
MacKinnon’s tournament-saving goal came off an assist from Connor McDavid in the game’s final moments, allowing Canada to avoid overtime. However, tension remained high as officials reviewed a potential offside challenge from Finland’s bench, which was ultimately unsuccessful.
The victory maintains the possibility of a North American championship showdown between two hockey powerhouses, marking the first Olympics since 2014 where NHL players have been permitted to participate in the Games.
