European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has firmly dismissed speculation about an early departure from her position, stating in a Wall Street Journal interview Thursday that she plans to serve her complete term.
The ECB chief’s remarks directly counter reports suggesting she might step down prematurely. “When I look back at all these years, I think that we have accomplished a lot, that I have accomplished a lot,” she said, adding, “We need to consolidate and make sure that this is really solid and reliable. So my baseline is that it will take until the end of my term.”
The clarification follows a Financial Times report Wednesday claiming Lagarde was considering an early exit before France’s upcoming presidential election, potentially allowing departing French President Emmanuel Macron to influence the selection of her replacement.
Following the speculation, Lagarde privately contacted her fellow policymakers Wednesday evening to reaffirm her commitment to leading Europe’s premier financial institution, according to Reuters sources. She assured them they would receive any resignation news directly from her, not through media reports.
In her interview with the Journal, Lagarde described her core responsibilities as maintaining price and financial stability, along with “protecting the euro, making sure that it is solid and strong and fit for the future of Europe.”
Regarding her post-ECB plans, Lagarde mentioned the World Economic Forum as “one of the many options” she’s exploring for her eventual departure from the central bank.
A University of Delaware swimmer has made history by becoming the first woman from the Blue Hens program to earn a spot at the NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships.
Victoria Novinskiy achieved this groundbreaking accomplishment by capturing first place in the 100-Yard Butterfly during competition at the 2026 Atlantic Sun Swimming & Diving Championships taking place in Orlando, Florida.
Her victory not only secured her individual qualification for the national championships but also helped propel the Delaware women’s swimming and diving squad to the top of the team standings after two days of competition at the conference meet.
This marks a significant milestone for the University of Delaware women’s swimming and diving program, as no female athlete had previously qualified for the NCAA’s premier swimming competition in the program’s history.
ORLANDO, Fla. – History was made for the University of Delaware men’s swimming and diving program as Kade Snyder captured the institution’s first-ever Atlantic Sun Conference individual championship.
Snyder’s triumph came in the men’s 100-meter butterfly event during day two of the conference championships, marking a breakthrough moment for the Blue Hens since they joined the Atlantic Sun Conference.
The victory represents a significant milestone for Delaware’s aquatic programs, as no male swimmer or diver from the university had previously claimed an individual title at the conference level since becoming members of the Atlantic Sun.
Six Delaware athletes total earned spots on the podium during the second day of competition, showcasing the program’s depth and competitive strength at the championship meet in Florida.
Toronto FC completed the acquisition of Hungarian forward Daniel Salloi from Sporting Kansas City on Thursday in a major MLS transaction.
The deal brings Sporting Kansas City $300,000 in general allocation money plus an additional $700,000 in potential bonuses. Kansas City will also receive a percentage of any future transfer fee if Toronto sells Salloi to another team.
“We are very happy to welcome Daniel to Toronto,” stated TFC general manager Jason Hernandez. “As a captain and stalwart for SKC for many years, he will bring a welcome combination of MLS experience and impact to our group. We look forward to integrating him into the team and starting our journey together.”
Sporting Kansas City’s general manager David Lee expressed gratitude toward Salloi while explaining the decision. “This move provides us with additional flexibility, which will help as we continue to build our roster, while also giving Daniel the opportunity to continue his career in MLS as he entered the final year of his contract,” Lee said.
“It is always difficult to part ways with players who have given so much to a club, but we felt this was the right decision for all involved and we wish Daniel nothing but the best in Toronto,” Lee added.
The 29-year-old winger has compiled impressive statistics during his eight-year tenure with Sporting Kansas City since arriving in 2016, netting 54 goals while providing 32 assists across 242 regular-season appearances. Salloi earned MLS All-Star recognition in 2021 and was part of the squad that captured the U.S. Open Cup championship in 2017.
During the previous campaign, Salloi contributed seven goals and four assists over 33 MLS appearances, including 24 starts.
The 2026 MLS regular season kicks off this weekend, with Toronto FC traveling to face FC Dallas while Sporting Kansas City visits the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday evening.
Television actor Eric Dane, beloved for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan on the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, has passed away at the age of 53 following his fight against ALS, his family announced Thursday.
Dane spent a decade and a half bringing the charismatic plastic surgeon known as “McSteamy” to life on the popular series. More recently, he appeared in the HBO drama Euphoria and had planned to continue filming the show’s upcoming third season despite his health challenges.
According to statements released to People magazine and other outlets, Dane’s family shared: “Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.”
The family continued: “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a devastating neurological condition that gradually destroys the connection between the brain and muscles. The disease takes its alternate name from the legendary Yankees first baseman who succumbed to it in 1941 when he was just 37 years old.
Dane’s family noted his commitment to helping others facing the same illness: “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.”
The actor had been married to fellow performer Rebecca Gayheart, with whom he shared two daughters. Though the couple separated in 2018 following 14 years of marriage, reports indicate that Gayheart moved to withdraw her divorce filing last March, shortly before Dane made his diagnosis public.
Born Eric William Dane in San Francisco on November 9, 1972, he was the elder of two sons born to an architect father and stay-at-home mother. His entertainment career began with a small part on The Wonder Years in 1993, but his breakthrough came in 2005 when he joined Grey’s Anatomy. His film work included roles in popular movies such as Marley & Me and X-Men: The Last Stand.
Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker was forced to exit Thursday’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter after experiencing discomfort in his right hip, according to team officials.
The star guard was pulled from the game with 2 minutes and 35 seconds left in the first half, with Isaiah Livers taking his place on the court. During his brief nine-minute appearance, Booker managed to put up five points while connecting on two of his six field goal attempts.
This season, the four-time All-Star has been Phoenix’s top performer, averaging 25.2 points along with 6.3 assists per contest across 43 games played.
The 29-year-old guard recently dealt with another injury setback, missing a two-week stretch after spraining his right ankle during a January 23rd contest against Atlanta. Booker made his comeback on February 7th and even participated in last weekend’s All-Star festivities.
BUENOS AIRES – In the early morning hours of Friday, Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies gave approval to controversial workplace reform legislation championed by libertarian President Javier Milei, despite widespread labor union opposition that resulted in a nationwide work stoppage paralyzing much of the nation.
The legislative measure received backing from 135 lawmakers while 115 voted in opposition. Having previously gained Senate approval last week, the bill underwent several amendments and must now return to the upper chamber for a final determination before it can be enacted into law.
Switzerland-based pharmaceutical giant Novartis announced Friday its decision to divest its majority ownership in its Indian subsidiary through a transaction valued at $159 million.
The company will sell its 70.68% controlling interest in the publicly-traded Indian operation for 14.46 billion rupees to an investment group comprising WaveRise Investments, ChrysCapital and Two Infinity Partners.
According to regulatory requirements, the purchasing consortium has extended an additional offer to acquire a 26% stake from public shareholders of Novartis India, as mandated by takeover rules when acquiring more than 25% of a company’s shares.
Exchange documents reveal the consortium is offering public shareholders 860.64 rupees for each share, which represents a 3.6% increase above Thursday’s closing market price.
President Donald Trump disclosed Thursday that he recently held a meeting with Vas Narasimhan, the top executive of Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis, at the White House on Wednesday.
Speaking to employees at a steel manufacturing facility in Rome, Georgia, Trump revealed that Narasimhan informed him the company is constructing 11 manufacturing facilities across the United States, crediting the president’s tariff strategies for spurring this investment.
In response to inquiries, a Novartis representative provided a statement to Reuters saying, “We appreciate the opportunity to update the U.S. government on our progress, including recent groundbreakings for manufacturing and research facilities in North Carolina and California and plans to expand our radioligand therapy manufacturing network with a new site in Florida.”
However, the company’s official response did not confirm specific numbers regarding how many facilities are planned for construction on American soil.
Previously, the Swiss pharmaceutical company announced intentions to invest $23 billion in constructing and expanding 10 facilities throughout the United States following the Trump administration’s warnings about potential import tariffs on pharmaceutical products.
A major NASCAR team has launched legal action against a former high-ranking executive, claiming he illegally shared proprietary information with a competitor.
Joe Gibbs Racing filed the $8 million lawsuit Thursday in federal court in North Carolina’s Western District, targeting Chris Gabehart, who previously held the position of competition director with the organization.
Gabehart spent 13 years with JGR, working extensively as crew chief for driver Denny Hamlin before advancing to his leadership role overseeing competitive operations. His annual base compensation reached $1 million last year, not including performance bonuses, according to motorsport.com.
The racing organization announced Gabehart’s exit in late 2024, alleging he conspired to transfer proprietary data to Spire Motorsports, which had extended him an offer to become their chief motorsports officer.
Internal investigators at JGR discovered that Gabehart had created a digital folder on his work computer that was synchronized with his personal cloud account, containing sensitive details about employee compensation and evaluations for drivers, crew chiefs, and pit crew members, motorsport.com reported.
The lawsuit claims Gabehart accessed these confidential files while completing his departure process on the identical date he conducted a meeting with Spire co-owner Jeff Dickerson.
The legal filing states: “Until November 10, 2025, Defendant served as one of JGR’s most senior leaders with respect to all competitive aspects of the business. After his demands for additional authority were rebuffed by JGR’s owner, Defendant immediately embarked on a brazen scheme to steal JGR’s most sensitive information and use it for the benefit of a direct competitor in NASCAR — Spire Motorsports.”
Court documents reveal that Gabehart held a meeting with team owner Joe Gibbs on November 6, during which the former NFL head coach declined to grant him complete control over racing operations.
Following this meeting, both parties entered discussions about separation arrangements. According to JGR’s account: “Under those terms, Defendant would have been permitted to work for another NASCAR team, provided that he agreed not to solicit key employees and contractors and that he cooperated in returning JGR equipment and information.”
The racing team further alleges that Gabehart “using his personal cell phone, took at least twenty photos of his laptop screen” displaying confidential data. The suit adds: “Defendant accessed and interacted with the Spire Folder on November 12, 13, 15, 23, 25, 26, 27, and December 2 of 2025 — the same day he met with Jeff Dickerson.”
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented a temporary speed reduction on Interstate 495, lowering the maximum allowable speed to 55 miles per hour due to current weather conditions affecting the roadway.
The speed restriction has been put into place as a safety precaution for drivers traveling along the interstate corridor. DelDOT monitoring systems indicate that weather conditions warrant the reduced speed limit to help prevent accidents and ensure safer travel.
Motorists are advised to exercise additional caution while driving on I-495 and to observe the temporary 55 mph speed limit currently in effect. The speed restriction will remain in place until weather conditions improve and normal speed limits can be safely restored.
The Trump administration has outlined plans to restrict large-scale real estate investors from purchasing additional residential properties, according to a Thursday report from the Wall Street Journal.
A White House memorandum delivered to congressional committee leadership details the proposed restriction, which would prevent investors who already own more than 100 single-family properties from acquiring more homes, the Journal reported.
The plan includes several exceptions to the purchasing restriction, particularly for investors who construct new homes or undertake major renovations on properties intended exclusively for rental markets, according to the report.
Administration officials are working to incorporate this investor restriction into ongoing Senate housing legislation negotiations, the Wall Street Journal indicated.
When contacted for comment Thursday evening, White House representatives had not yet provided a response.
This proposal builds upon an executive order President Trump issued in January aimed at limiting large institutional investors’ ability to compete against individual home purchasers, with the goal of improving housing affordability.
Facing pressure to tackle housing cost concerns before this year’s congressional elections, the Trump administration has rolled out multiple initiatives, including mortgage-backed securities purchases, designed to make homeownership more accessible to Americans.
MILAN – Japanese figure skating star Kaori Sakamoto’s quest for Olympic gold came to a heartbreaking conclusion Thursday evening at Milano Cortina, where a single error cost her the championship she desperately wanted to cap her career.
The 25-year-old three-time world champion stumbled on a jump combination during her free skate routine set to music by Edith Piaf, a mistake that proved decisive in her narrow defeat. Sakamoto earned 224.90 points, falling just 1.89 points short of American winner Alysa Liu’s 226.79 total. Television cameras captured Sakamoto weeping as the final results were announced.
“I thought I might be able to finish with a smile but instead I’m ending it with this sense of frustration,” Sakamoto told reporters through an interpreter. “Still, I’ll try to make this experience valuable for the future.”
“The points I lost on those mistakes were exactly the margin that cost me the gold medal … that’s the most frustrating part — I know I left something out there.”
Sakamoto, who has announced plans to retire following this season, had hoped to complete her impressive career with Olympic gold after previously earning bronze in Beijing two years ago.
“I really wanted to skate perfectly here,” she explained. “Knowing that I couldn’t … was painful. I couldn’t stop the tears.”
Despite her disappointment, the veteran skater reflected on her growth since Beijing, where she also captured a team silver medal at these Games.
“My bronze before felt like a miracle. The fact that I now feel frustrated with a silver medal shows how much I’ve grown,” she noted.
Sakamoto also praised her younger Japanese teammates, particularly 17-year-old Ami Nakai, who claimed the bronze medal, and Mone Chiba, who placed fourth in her Olympic debut.
“For a 17-year-old to skate with that kind of composure and finish third is amazing,” Sakamoto said. “Being able to compete with both of them here is something I’ll always treasure.”
Nakai, who held the lead after the short program thanks to a successful triple Axel, encountered difficulties in her free skate when she downgraded a planned triple-triple jump sequence to a triple-double combination. Nevertheless, she secured bronze with 219.16 points, making her among Japan’s youngest Olympic medalists in women’s singles.
“At first, I didn’t even think I’d be able to compete in the Olympics, and now I’ve won a bronze medal, it still doesn’t feel real,” Nakai said. She finished with 219.16 points, becoming one of Japan’s youngest women’s singles medallists.
“I started skating because I loved the sport … and now I was able to fully express my love for skating on the Olympic stage,” she added.
The young skater expressed empathy for her teammate’s disappointment.
“I’ve seen Kaori’s hard work, so when I saw her performance, I felt very sad … From now on, I want to become a skater like Kaori, with a firm sense that I am carrying the weight of Japan on my shoulders.”
Chiba, competing in her first Olympics, acknowledged her fourth-place finish while looking ahead to future competitions.
“I feel like even though I gave it my all, I still fell short,” she said. “I’ll keep this feeling in mind and carry it forward … with a view to the World Championships.”
Looking toward the future of Japanese figure skating, Sakamoto expressed confidence in the next generation, saying she hopes to eventually return to Olympic competition “as a coach to future gold medallists.”
During Thursday evening’s dinner at the USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum, Ray Starling urged attendees to examine how broad societal shifts could impact the future of American agriculture.
Starling specifically pointed to declining male workforce participation as one cultural phenomenon that farming industry leaders should analyze for its potential effects on agricultural operations nationwide.
The expert’s remarks came as part of his address to the gathering of agricultural professionals and policymakers at the forum’s evening event.
Employees at Volkswagen’s Tennessee manufacturing facility have overwhelmingly endorsed their inaugural United Auto Workers contract, with Thursday’s vote showing 96% approval for the labor agreement.
The decisive vote represents a major triumph for UAW President Shawn Fain, who has prioritized expanding union presence throughout Southern states since taking office in 2023. Historically, the region has presented significant challenges for labor organization efforts.
The four-year contract delivers substantial benefits to workers, including 20% salary increases alongside enhanced healthcare coverage and strengthened job security provisions.
“Volkswagen workers have moved yet another mountain,” Fain declared in his official response to the vote.
This organizing success builds on the union’s momentum from their 2023 Detroit victories, which followed a six-week work stoppage at Ford Motor, General Motors and Stellantis that secured 25% wage hikes and cost-of-living protections.
Contract discussions between the union and company spanned approximately 18 months before reaching a preliminary agreement earlier this month. The negotiations covered operations at the German manufacturer’s only U.S. production facility, where the electric ID.4 SUV is assembled.
“This milestone reflects our shared commitment to competitive wages, strong benefits, and the long‑term success of our employees and operations,” Volkswagen stated in their official announcement.
The Chattanooga plant workforce previously voted 73% in favor of UAW representation in April 2024, marking a breakthrough after narrow defeats in similar votes during 2014 and 2019.
However, union expansion efforts in Southern states have faced setbacks since losing a representation vote at a Mercedes facility in Alabama last year.
The world’s largest automaker is making a surprising leadership change as Toyota announces CEO Koji Sato will step down after just three years in the top position, one of the shortest tenures in company history.
Sato, who took over as chief executive in 2023, was initially viewed as the perfect leader to accelerate Toyota’s electric vehicle development. However, Chief Financial Officer Kenta Kon will assume the CEO role in April, while Sato transitions to vice chairman and chief industry officer.
Despite achieving record-breaking sales and profits during his leadership, three sources familiar with the situation indicate that Chairman Akio Toyoda believes his chosen successor no longer fits the company’s current needs amid rising cost challenges.
The leadership transition comes as Toyota faces increased financial pressure from U.S. tariffs and the need for substantial technology investments. Company insiders noted that Sato had been notably absent from several major events that Toyoda attended in recent months, sparking internal speculation about his future.
However, Toyota maintains that Toyoda played no role in the personnel decision. Senior analyst Seiji Sugiura from Tokai Tokyo Intelligence Laboratory offered a different perspective: “Toyota keeps emphasising, over and over, that Akio Toyoda wasn’t involved in the personnel decision. Mr. Sato also says the same thing very carefully – which means he probably was involved.”
The company stated that an executive appointment committee had been considering succession plans since last year, with discussions intensifying when Sato’s appointment to lead Japan’s automotive industry association was confirmed in late 2025.
Kon brings extensive experience as Toyoda’s former secretary for eight years and is recognized for developing a proposed acquisition of forklift manufacturer Toyota Industries. This deal would strengthen the Toyoda family’s control over a crucial supplier, though minority shareholders have criticized it as lacking transparency and being undervalued.
The leadership change reflects Toyota’s growing emphasis on cost management, particularly its “break-even” metric – the minimum vehicle sales needed to cover operational expenses. The company has pledged to absorb additional costs affecting its suppliers, adding financial strain since new tariffs took effect in April.
“Over the past year or so, they’ve been talking a lot about needing to lower the break‑even point,” Sugiura explained, suggesting more aggressive cost-reduction measures under Kon’s leadership.
During the leadership announcement, Kon emphasized that Toyota must remain “vigilant” to survive challenging external conditions. The incoming CEO currently serves dual roles as CFO for both Toyota and its technology division, Woven by Toyota, where Chairman Toyoda’s son Daisuke holds a senior executive position.
Toyota expects to invest 360 billion yen ($2.3 billion) this fiscal year supporting suppliers, viewing this expenditure as competitive investment rather than merely operational costs. The automaker recently increased its annual profit forecast by 12%, aided by cost-reduction efforts and its successful focus on hybrid vehicles while other manufacturers struggled with pure electric vehicle strategies.
The management transition occurs as Toyota executives express concern about falling behind competitors in software development, even as electric vehicle demand has cooled globally, making EVs a less immediate competitive threat.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has notified all 30 team general managers that the league will implement new regulations next season designed to prevent teams from deliberately losing games to improve their draft lottery position, according to reports from multiple sports media sources Thursday.
Silver has acknowledged the growing problem, stating during an All-Star weekend press conference that the issue is “worse this year than we’ve seen in recent memory.” The NBA’s competition committee also made tanking a primary focus during their January meeting.
Two franchises have already faced financial penalties this month for violating player participation policies. The Utah Jazz received a $500,000 fine while the Indiana Pacers were penalized $100,000 for conduct harmful to the league. Utah specifically benched their top two players, Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., for entire fourth quarters in consecutive winnable contests.
According to ESPN and The Athletic, the league is evaluating multiple potential solutions. These include equalizing lottery odds across all non-playoff teams, locking in those odds at the trade deadline or another predetermined date, and preventing franchises from selecting in the top four spots in back-to-back years or following consecutive bottom-three seasons.
Additional possibilities under review include expanding the lottery system to encompass play-in tournament teams (positions 7-10 in both conferences) and calculating lottery odds based on two-year team records, similar to the current WNBA system.
With NBA action resuming Thursday following the All-Star break, no franchise has been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. However, five teams – Brooklyn, Indiana, New Orleans, Washington, and Sacramento – currently have winning percentages under .290.
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia criticized the practice on social media earlier Thursday, calling tanking “losing behavior done by losers” and stating it was “much worse than any prop bet scandal.”
The Texas A&M Aggies delivered a stunning road upset against 21st-ranked Tennessee, defeating the Volunteers 82-74 Thursday evening in Knoxville.
Leading the charge for the Aggies were Ny’Ceara Pryor, who tallied 22 points and dished out 10 assists, and Fatmata Janneh, who contributed 17 points while grabbing 12 rebounds. Lemyah Hylton chipped in 12 points for Texas A&M (11-11, 4-9 SEC).
The turning point came in the third quarter when the Aggies exploded with a dominant 16-2 run to open the period, building a commanding 63-44 advantage. Despite jumping out to a 10-0 lead early in the contest, Texas A&M held only a narrow five-point edge at intermission before their decisive third-quarter surge resulted in a 22-9 period advantage.
Tennessee’s Janiah Barker delivered an outstanding individual performance with a career-best 29 points and 10 rebounds. Zee Spearman contributed 14 points while Talaysia Cooper added 11 for the Volunteers (16-9, 8-5), who never managed to take the lead and suffered their third consecutive defeat.
In other Top 25 action, fourth-ranked Texas dominated Arkansas 93-62 behind Madison Booker’s 21 points. The Longhorns built a substantial 20-point halftime advantage and cruised to victory in Fayetteville.
Ninth-ranked Duke defeated NC State 83-65 as Toby Fournier posted 26 points and 12 rebounds. The Blue Devils improved to a perfect 15-0 in ACC play.
Eleventh-ranked Oklahoma edged 24th-ranked Georgia 71-67, with Aaliyah Chavez leading the way with 27 points. The Sooners controlled the game throughout, never surrendering their lead.
Thirteenth-ranked Iowa topped Purdue 83-74 behind Ava Heiden’s 21 points and 13 rebounds, while 22nd-ranked North Carolina needed overtime to defeat Virginia Tech 66-63, with Nyla Harris contributing 15 points and nine rebounds in the victory.
Electric vehicle giant Tesla has slashed the cost of its top-tier Cybertruck variant by $15,000, according to updated pricing displayed on the company’s official website Thursday.
The Cyberbeast model, which represents Tesla’s premium pickup truck offering, now carries a price tag of $99,990 — down from its previous $114,990 sticker price. The significant markdown appears to coincide with Tesla’s decision to eliminate its “Luxe Package” option for the vehicle.
That premium package, which Tesla had introduced to its product lineup last August alongside a price increase, featured Supervised Full Self-Driving capabilities and complimentary access to the company’s Supercharger network. The automaker appears to be phasing out this bundled option entirely.
Other variants in the Cybertruck lineup remain at their current pricing levels without any adjustments.
This pricing move follows Tesla’s recent introduction of a new all-wheel drive configuration for its popular Model Y SUV earlier this month. That variant is positioned at $41,990, placing it above the more affordable rear-wheel drive “Standard” option.
Industry analysts suggest these pricing adjustments align with Tesla’s broader 2026 business approach, which focuses on making vehicles more accessible to budget-minded consumers by reducing entry-level prices rather than waiting to launch an entirely new affordable model.
Team Canada’s hockey coach Jon Cooper indicated Thursday that star captain Sidney Crosby could still participate in Friday’s Olympic semifinal, despite the player exiting Wednesday’s contest due to injury.
The Pittsburgh Penguins star departed the ice carefully during the second period of Canada’s overtime victory against the Czech Republic at Milan’s Santagiulia arena, following a collision with Czech defender Radko Gudas.
“Sid is by no means ruled out of the tournament,” Cooper told reporters. “We are not going to put anybody in harm’s way, but if he can play he will, and we will know more in 24 hours. He’s not been ruled out.”
The two-time Olympic gold medalist’s status will be determined before Canada takes on Finland in their semifinal matchup on Friday.
Cassava Sciences announced Thursday that federal investigators have wrapped up their examination of the company following accusations of research misconduct related to its experimental Alzheimer’s treatment, simufilam.
The biotechnology firm revealed that the Department of Justice concluded its investigation four months following the dismissal of criminal charges in Maryland against Hoau-Yan Wang, a medical professor and former company consultant. Wang had been accused of providing fraudulent data concerning the Alzheimer’s drug.
The closure of the federal investigation marks the end of scrutiny that had surrounded the company’s research practices and the development of its potential Alzheimer’s therapy.
Pakistan and the United States have finalized a partnership agreement to renovate the historic Roosevelt Hotel in New York City, according to official documents and government sources.
The memorandum of understanding was executed on Thursday following approval from Pakistan’s cabinet, sources confirmed. The collaborative arrangement between the two nations will enable Pakistan to maximize returns on what officials consider one of their most valuable international real estate holdings.
The renovation project represents a significant diplomatic and economic partnership between Washington and Islamabad, focusing on revitalizing the Manhattan landmark property.
The downfall of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor reached a devastating new chapter Thursday when authorities arrested King Charles’ younger brother on suspicions he illegally shared government documents with Jeffrey Epstein.
Law enforcement officials detained the 66-year-old on his birthday while investigating claims he violated his duties as a British trade representative by improperly disclosing official information to the notorious sex trafficker.
Mountbatten-Windsor has maintained his innocence regarding any Epstein-related misconduct and previously expressed remorse for his “ill-judged association” with the deceased American criminal.
His public image was already devastated following his decision to settle a civil case filed by Virginia Giuffre, who claimed he sexually assaulted her as a minor at locations connected to Epstein and his network, allegations he repeatedly rejected.
This latest crisis transforms the individual once considered Queen Elizabeth II’s preferred child and celebrated as a distinguished war hero into essentially a social outcast.
Born as second in the line of succession, he held the title of Prince of the United Kingdom and later became the Duke of York.
Though an arrest doesn’t establish guilt, criminal charges could result in imprisonment if authorities and legal officials determine prosecution is warranted.
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course,” King Charles declared in an official statement.
MILITARY SERVICE AND MARRIAGE
Andrew Albert Christian Edward Mountbatten-Windsor entered the world at Buckingham Palace on February 19, 1960, when his mother was 33 years old, nearly a decade following his older sister Anne’s birth, making him the first royal baby born to a sitting monarch in over a century.
Following the path of his father and elder brother Charles, he enrolled at Gordonstoun, the demanding Scottish boarding school, before entering Dartmouth naval college in 1979.
His naval career began with helicopter pilot training in 1981, and he deployed aboard HMS Invincible during the 1982 Falklands War against Argentina, operating a Sea King helicopter for anti-submarine operations and transport missions that earned him military recognition.
Before his recent troubles, Mountbatten-Windsor was primarily recognized for his 1986 wedding to Sarah Ferguson, popularly called “Fergie.” The queen granted them the titles Duke and Duchess of York on their wedding day.
Their marriage ended in separation during March 1992, part of what the queen famously termed her “annus horribilis” due to multiple royal family scandals.
Reports suggested the former prince was heartbroken by his wife’s departure, though Ferguson later characterized him as a kind person worthy of affection.
Their union produced two daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and despite divorcing in 1996, the family maintained positive relationships, taking vacations together and cohabiting for extended periods.
TRADE ROLE UNDER SCRUTINY
Mountbatten-Windsor completed 22 years of naval service before accepting the position of UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment in 2001, serving until his Epstein connections sparked public outrage.
Investigators are now examining his conduct during this diplomatic assignment.
Following his military retirement, he concentrated on performing ceremonial responsibilities for the queen while working to stimulate economic development and employment opportunities.
Associates portrayed the Duke of York as a straightforward individual whose primary interest was his professional duties. They argued his efforts advancing British commerce internationally received insufficient recognition. However, some diplomatic personnel considered him discourteous, uninformed and crude.
Media attention focused heavily on his romantic relationships. Publications connected him romantically with various women including fashion models and business executives, earning him the nickname “Air Miles Andy” due to his luxury travel habits.
His association with Epstein, who received a 2008 conviction for child sex crimes, ultimately destroyed his career. Public pressure forced him to resign his trade position in 2011, and Giuffre publicly accused him of sexual abuse in 2015.
Palace officials revoked his military appointments, charitable patronages and “His Royal Highness” designation after his disastrous 2019 BBC interview intended to restore his reputation.
In February 2022, he paid an undisclosed sum, reportedly exceeding 10 million pounds ($13.5 million) according to media accounts, to resolve Giuffre’s American lawsuit. She took her own life three years afterward.
“Today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty,” her relatives stated Thursday. “He was never a prince.”
Last October, following additional Epstein revelations, King Charles removed his brother’s princely status and evicted him from his Windsor residence.
“These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him,” according to a Buckingham Palace announcement.
Critics view his destruction as the result of his pride and privileged attitude. A former royal security officer recalled Andrew’s angry outbursts when staff disturbed the stuffed animals arranged on his bed.
West Virginia’s attorney general has launched legal action against tech giant Apple, alleging the company’s iCloud storage service has become a major conduit for sharing child sexual abuse material.
Republican Attorney General JB McCuskey filed the groundbreaking lawsuit Thursday, marking what his office calls the first government case of its kind targeting Apple’s data storage platform for facilitating the spread of such illegal content.
The legal action centers on accusations that Apple chose to protect user privacy at the expense of child safety. McCuskey’s office referenced internal Apple communications, including a 2020 text message from the company’s former anti-fraud chief describing iCloud as “the greatest platform for distributing child porn” due to Apple’s policy decisions.
“These images are a permanent record of a child’s trauma, and that child is revictimized every time the material is shared or viewed,” McCuskey stated. “This conduct is despicable, and Apple’s inaction is inexcusable.”
The Mason County Circuit Court filing demands monetary damages and court orders compelling Apple to deploy stronger detection systems and redesign products with enhanced safety features.
Apple’s approach differs significantly from competitors like Google and Microsoft, which routinely scan uploaded content against databases of known abuse material maintained by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and similar organizations.
Before 2022, Apple avoided comprehensive scanning of iCloud uploads while keeping data accessible to law enforcement through warrants. The company had planned full encryption that would block police access, but scrapped those plans following FBI objections about hampering criminal investigations.
Apple announced NeuralHash technology in August 2021, designed to identify abuse material on users’ devices before upload while preserving privacy. However, security experts raised concerns about false positives, and privacy advocates worried about potential government surveillance expansion.
Following widespread criticism, Apple postponed NeuralHash deployment in September 2021 and ultimately canceled the program in December 2022. That same month, the company introduced optional end-to-end encryption for iCloud storage.
West Virginia officials criticized NeuralHash as inadequate compared to existing tools and easily circumvented. They argue Apple continues storing and syncing data without proactive abuse detection, enabling continued circulation of illegal images.
Apple did implement Communication Safety features that blur inappropriate content on children’s devices, though it abandoned broader iCloud scanning efforts.
The disparity in reporting numbers highlights the issue: Apple submitted 267 abuse reports to federal authorities in 2023, while Google reported 1.47 million cases and Meta filed 30.6 million reports.
This lawsuit parallels a proposed class action filed in California federal court by abuse victims depicted in such material. Apple has moved to dismiss that case, citing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which typically shields internet companies from liability over user-generated content.
Apple has previously denied similar allegations and maintains it has not engaged in wrongdoing related to these claims.
Financial markets across Asia experienced declines Friday as tensions in the Middle East and concerns about private equity investments created uncertainty among traders worldwide.
Markets in Japan saw the Nikkei index fall by 1%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined 0.3% as trading resumed following the Lunar New Year holiday break.
Oil prices surged to their highest levels in six and a half months, with Brent crude futures climbing above $72 per barrel. The increase came after President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran, giving the country between 10 and 15 days to reach an agreement on its nuclear program or face consequences he described as “really bad things.”
The escalating Middle East situation coincided with significant losses in private equity stocks on Wall Street. Blue Owl, a private equity manager, triggered sector-wide concerns after selling assets and permanently halting quarterly withdrawals from one of its investment funds. Blue Owl’s stock price dropped approximately 6%, while larger competitors Apollo Global Management and Blackstone each fell more than 5%.
According to Kenji Abe, chief strategist at Daiwa Securities in Tokyo, these developments pushed investors toward safer investments as they also prepare for next week’s earnings announcement from Nvidia, currently the world’s most valuable company.
Reports emerged Thursday that the chip manufacturer is close to completing a $30 billion investment in OpenAI, which would replace a previous $100 billion long-term agreement between the two companies, according to Financial Times sources.
Retail giant Walmart saw its shares decline 1.4% after newly appointed CEO John Furner expressed cautious views about American consumer spending patterns.
Economic data revealed that the U.S. trade deficit expanded significantly in December, with the goods deficit reaching record levels in 2025, indicating that Trump’s tariff policies have shown limited effectiveness so far.
Currency markets saw the dollar on track for its strongest weekly performance in four months, supported by marginally positive U.S. economic indicators and Federal Reserve meeting notes suggesting officials are in no rush to reduce interest rates.
The dollar gained approximately 0.9% against the euro this week, pushing the European currency down to $1.1762. Meanwhile, the Japanese yen weakened after inflation data showed core prices rising at just 2% in January, the slowest rate in two years, potentially complicating the Bank of Japan’s plans for interest rate increases.
Against the yen, the dollar climbed 1.6% for the week to reach 155.2 yen.
Australia’s currency maintained stability at $0.7047 due to favorable yield differences, while New Zealand’s dollar struggled amid reduced expectations for early rate hikes, heading toward its largest weekly decline of 2026.
U.S. Treasury bonds remained relatively unchanged, with 10-year yields holding at 4.06%. However, disagreement among Federal Reserve officials about the timing and pace of potential rate cuts pushed two-year yields up five basis points to 3.46% over the week.
Brent Donnelly, President of Spectra Markets, advised caution given the current environment. “There does not seem to be much point in adding risk ahead of this weekend’s uncertainty surrounding the Middle East,” Donnelly stated.
“Today feels like a good day to stay out of trouble,” he added.
The U.S. dollar is on track for its most impressive weekly gains in four months, powered by encouraging economic reports, shifting Federal Reserve policy signals, and escalating geopolitical tensions with Iran that have investors seeking stability.
Fresh unemployment data released Thursday evening showed fewer Americans applied for jobless benefits than economists predicted, reinforcing signs of a resilient employment market and giving the greenback additional momentum.
The currency maintained its strength during early Friday trading in Asian markets, pushing the British pound down to a one-month low of $1.3457, marking a weekly decline of nearly 1.5%. The euro also struggled, dropping slightly to $1.1768 and facing a 0.8% weekly loss, with additional pressure from uncertainty surrounding European Central Bank leadership under Christine Lagarde.
Measured against a collection of major currencies, the dollar remained close to Thursday’s one-month high at 97.89, positioning itself for a weekly increase exceeding 1% – its strongest showing in over four months.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia strategist Joseph Capurso expressed confidence in the dollar’s continued rise, stating: “It wouldn’t surprise me if the U.S. dollar keeps lifting for a while longer.” He pointed to this week’s Federal Reserve meeting minutes, which revealed several policymakers’ willingness to raise interest rates if inflation remains persistent.
Growing concerns about potential U.S.-Iran military conflict have also boosted the dollar’s appeal as a safe investment this week.
President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran Thursday, demanding the country negotiate on its nuclear program or face consequences, saying “really bad things” will happen. Trump established a 10 to 15-day timeline, prompting Tehran to threaten retaliation against American military installations in the region if attacked.
“That could really affect oil markets and currency markets if things go bad there. It’ll be a test also about whether or not the U.S. dollar is still a safe haven,” Capurso explained. “A major attack would call that into question.”
Market attention now shifts to upcoming releases of the U.S. core PCE price index and preliminary fourth-quarter GDP numbers, which could significantly influence currency movements.
Current investor expectations still anticipate approximately two Federal Reserve rate reductions this year, though the likelihood of a June cut has decreased to about 58% from 62% the previous week, based on CME FedWatch tool data.
Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer for Northlight Asset Management, outlined the central bank’s dilemma: “The big argument within the Fed is whether or not to proactively lower rates to support the job market, or to keep rates higher for longer in order to fight inflation.” He noted that Friday’s PCE report will “add to the debate.”
The Australian dollar declined 0.08% to $0.7055 but is positioned for only a 0.2% weekly loss, supported by expectations of tighter monetary policy domestically.
New Zealand’s currency faced greater challenges, heading toward a 1.2% weekly decline following dovish signals from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Investors betting on stricter policy were caught off guard after a series of rate cuts over recent months. The kiwi traded 0.12% lower at $0.5967.
In Japan, the yen weakened 0.05% to 155.08 against the dollar, erasing earlier session gains after Friday data showed the country’s annual core consumer inflation reached 2.0% in January, the slowest rate in two years.
Abhijit Surya, senior APAC economist at Capital Economics, analyzed the implications: “Today’s data won’t exactly instil a sense of urgency in the (Bank of Japan) to resume its tightening cycle, especially given the lacklustre rebound in activity last quarter.” However, he added: “If we’re right that the recent slump won’t prove enduring, while wage growth picks up and underlying price pressures remain relatively firm, there is still a strong case for the bank to hike rates again in June.”
Energy giant Santos announced Friday it has reached a 10-year deal with South Australia’s government to deliver natural gas that will help convert the Whyalla Steelworks into an environmentally sustainable iron production plant.
Beginning in 2030, the Australian company will provide 20 petajoules of natural gas each year sourced from its Cooper Basin operations. This commitment equals approximately one-third of Santos’ existing gas output from that region.
According to Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Kevin Gallagher, the natural gas will power new technology at the facility. “Santos gas will be used to enable Whyalla to deploy direct reduced iron technology that can process local magnetite ore to produce low-carbon iron,” Gallagher explained.
The executive emphasized the environmental and economic benefits of the partnership. “This will keep jobs in Whyalla and the Cooper Basin, and reduce emissions by approximately 50% compared to the former coal-fired blast furnace operations,” he stated.
The gas supply announcement comes just days after Santos revealed plans to cut its workforce by 10% as part of its annual financial results released Wednesday.
American figure skater Alysa Liu brought home Olympic gold on Thursday with a spectacular performance at the Milano Cortina Games, ending a remarkable 20-year stretch without a medal for U.S. women in the sport.
Liu’s triumph was followed by Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto earning silver, while her 17-year-old compatriot Ami Nakai secured the bronze medal.
The 20-year-old American captivated the packed arena with her disco-inspired routine set to Donna Summer music, executing each jump with precision and bringing spectators to their feet with her confident performance.
“When I was skating, hearing the cheers, I felt so connected with the audience. I want to be out there again,” Liu shared after her victory.
“The way I felt out there was calm, happy and confident. I’ve been having fun. This experience is really cool,” she added.
Liu’s path to Olympic glory includes an extraordinary comeback story. She shocked the figure skating community by stepping away from competition at just 16 years old following the 2022 Beijing Olympics, explaining she was experiencing burnout and wanted to explore different pursuits.
Two years later, the California native returned with renewed passion and greater artistic control, making her own decisions about music selection, choreography, and costume design. This fresh approach led to a revival that included capturing the world championship title in Boston the previous year.
Wearing a sparkling gold costume that matched her achievement, Liu celebrated her perfect routine with a playful hair flip at the conclusion. Her teammate Ilia Malinin could be seen celebrating enthusiastically from the audience as she earned her season-high score of 150.20 in the free skate, totaling 226.79 points.
This marked Liu’s second gold medal from the Milano Games, following the United States’ earlier victory in the team event.
Liu entered Thursday’s competition as America’s final realistic chance for individual gold after teammates Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito, known as the “Blade Angels,” struggled during Tuesday’s short program.
With seven successful triple jumps on Thursday, Liu became the first American woman to earn an individual medal since Sasha Cohen’s silver in 2006 and the first U.S. gold medalist since Sarah Hughes’ victory in Salt Lake City in 2002.
Sakamoto, who was considered a strong contender entering the competition, fell short of her goal to capture her first Olympic gold in what would be her final Games. The three-time world champion and Beijing bronze medalist made a costly error on a jump combination that derailed her medal hopes.
The 25-year-old Japanese skater left the ice with a bleeding knee, her disappointment evident as she broke down in tears upon realizing her gold medal dreams had ended with that single mistake. She finished with a total score of 224.90.
“My goal was to get the gold medal, and now I feel so disappointed,” Sakamoto said through tears that continued even after the medal ceremony.
Nakai had been leading both Sakamoto and Liu going into Thursday’s free skate. While she successfully landed her opening triple Axel, her next element went awry when she mistimed what should have been a triple loop-triple toeloop combination, settling for a triple-double sequence that ultimately cost her the gold.
Despite placing ninth in the free skate, the teenager held onto bronze with a total of 219.16 points.
Nakai expressed surprise at making the Olympic team at all, let alone earning a medal, and acknowledged the responsibility of leading Japan’s figure skating future.
“It’s my first and last time and at the Olympics with her,” Nakai said of Sakamoto.
“I feel sad about that, but I think this means that moving forward, I am carrying the weight of the Japan team, so I’d like to do well for the next Olympics as well.”
Japan’s Mone Chiba placed fourth in her Olympic debut, while American Amber Glenn recovered from her 13th-place position after the short program to finish fifth overall. Russia’s Adeliia Petrosian fell during a quadruple jump attempt and ended up sixth.
All competitors found themselves chasing Liu, who said she felt free from the typical pressure of Olympic competition.
“The most important part of my story is human connection,” she explained.
“That’s all I want in my life, is human connection. And damn now I connect with a hella ton of people. So that’s my dream, and I am glad that I have my creative ideas and can share those as well.
“I think my story is more important than anything (results or medals), and that’s what I will hold dear. And this journey has been incredible.”
The women’s competition concluded the figure skating events at the Milano Cortina Games. Notable attendees included musician Megan Thee Stallion and former tennis champion Maria Sharapova.
Energy markets jumped Friday amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, after President Trump issued an ultimatum giving Tehran just 10 to 15 days to reach a nuclear agreement.
Crude oil futures climbed during trading, with Brent crude increasing 21 cents to reach $71.87 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate gained 23 cents to hit $66.66. These prices marked six-month peaks following Trump’s warning Thursday.
The President warned that “really bad things” would occur if Iran fails to negotiate regarding its nuclear program, which Tehran claims serves peaceful purposes but Washington suspects has military applications.
Adding to regional tensions, Iran has scheduled joint naval operations with Russia, according to local media reports. This announcement comes just days after Iran temporarily shut down the Strait of Hormuz for military exercises.
The strategic waterway sits between Iran and the oil-rich Arabian Peninsula, serving as a critical passage for approximately 20 percent of worldwide petroleum supplies. Any military conflict in this region could severely restrict global oil availability and drive energy costs higher.
Additional factors boosting petroleum prices include declining crude stockpiles and reduced exports from major oil-producing nations worldwide.
Thursday’s Energy Information Administration data revealed U.S. crude reserves decreased by 9 million barrels, as refinery operations and export activity increased.
Saudi Arabia, the globe’s top oil exporter, saw shipments drop to 6.988 million barrels daily in December – the lowest level since September, according to Joint Organizations Data Initiative figures.
Meanwhile, Japan’s core inflation rate slowed to 2.0 percent annually in January, marking the weakest pace in two years and potentially affecting central bank interest rate policies.
Lower interest rates in oil-importing nations like Japan typically provide support for crude oil pricing.
A new trade agreement between the United States and Indonesia was signed on Thursday, creating opportunities for reduced tariffs and expanded agricultural commerce between the two nations.
The bilateral agreement focuses on lowering trade barriers on products from both countries while encouraging increased agricultural purchases. The deal represents a step forward in strengthening economic ties between the U.S. and the Southeast Asian nation.
Military tensions between the United States and Iran reached new heights Thursday as President Trump delivered an ultimatum to Tehran while a second American aircraft carrier moved closer to Middle Eastern waters.
Speaking to reporters, Trump stated he believes Iran has “10 to 15 days” to negotiate a nuclear agreement, cautioning that without a meaningful arrangement, “bad things happen.”
The warning comes as Iran conducted joint military exercises with Russia in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean. Iranian state media reported the drills focused on improving operational coordination and sharing military expertise between the two nations.
Iran’s vulnerability has increased following what officials describe as 12 days of combined Israeli and American attacks on nuclear facilities and military installations last year, coupled with violent suppression of mass demonstrations in January.
Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani sent a letter to the Security Council Thursday declaring that while Iran “does not seek tension or war and will not initiate a war,” any American aggression would meet a “decisive and proportionate” response.
“In such circumstances, all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets in the context of Iran’s defensive response,” Iravani wrote.
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier was tracked near Morocco’s coast Wednesday, positioning it to potentially enter the Mediterranean Sea. Military analysts estimate the carrier would need over a week to reach Iranian waters.
Recent Iranian military activities included live-fire exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway through which one-fifth of global oil trade passes. The nation also issued rocket-fire warnings to regional pilots, suggesting plans to test anti-ship missiles.
Nuclear negotiations have remained stalled for years, with Iran refusing to address American and Israeli demands to reduce its missile capabilities and cut connections to armed groups. Recent indirect talks in Geneva showed minimal progress, though Iran agreed to prepare written responses to U.S. concerns raised during discussions.
A senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously, revealed that national security leaders met Wednesday to review Iran policy. They received briefings indicating “full forces” needed for potential military operations would be positioned by mid-March.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk issued urgent evacuation orders for Polish citizens in Iran, warning that “within a few, a dozen, or even a few dozen hours, the possibility of evacuation will be out of question.” He provided no additional details.
German military officials confirmed relocating “a mid-two digit number of non-mission critical personnel” from an Iraqi base due to regional circumstances, though some troops remain to maintain operations at the multinational facility in Irbil.
The New York-based Soufan Center noted that 50 additional U.S. combat aircraft, including F-35s, F-22s, and F-16s, were deployed to the region this week, joining hundreds already stationed at Arab Gulf bases.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met with Trump last week, declared Israel ready “for any scenario.” He warned that if Iran targets Israel, “they will experience a response they cannot even imagine.”
Netanyahu has consistently advocated for stronger U.S. action against Iran, arguing any agreement should eliminate Tehran’s nuclear program, restrict its missile arsenal, and force separation from militant organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Iran maintains its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes, though U.S. and international officials suspect weapons development intentions. Tehran claims it ceased uranium enrichment following last summer’s strikes, which Trump said “obliterated” Iranian nuclear sites, though actual damage remains unclear as international inspectors have been barred.
A regional government official, speaking confidentially about diplomatic conversations, said he has warned Iranian leaders that Trump’s threats should be taken seriously, pointing to the president’s track record on international issues. The official suggested focusing negotiations on nuclear matters while postponing discussions about missile programs and proxy group support.
Inside Iran, tensions continue rising as mourners conduct ceremonies honoring protesters killed by security forces 40 days ago. Some gatherings have featured anti-government demonstrations despite official warnings.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Thursday his intention to have the Pentagon and federal agencies identify and make public all documentation concerning extraterrestrial beings and unidentified flying objects, citing widespread public fascination.
The president’s announcement came through social media just hours after he criticized former President Barack Obama for revealing what Trump called “classified information” during Obama’s recent podcast discussion about the possibility of alien life.
Speaking to journalists on Air Force One, Trump stated, “I don’t know if they’re real or not,” and regarding Obama’s comments added, “I may get him out of trouble by declassifying.”
In his Thursday evening social media statement, Trump explained he was instructing federal departments to make public all documentation concerning “alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters.”
Obama’s weekend podcast remarks, which sparked Trump’s response, were later clarified by the former president, who explained he hadn’t witnessed proof that aliens “have made contact with us,” but noted, “statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there’s life out there.”
When questioned about potential extraterrestrial visitors, Trump told reporters Thursday: “I don’t have an opinion on it. I never talk about it. A lot of people do. A lot of people believe it.”
However, Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, indicated this week on a podcast that he was prepared to address the subject, claiming the president had prepared remarks about aliens that he would deliver at the “right time.”
This revelation surprised White House staff. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt chuckled when reporters asked about it Wednesday, telling them, “A speech on aliens would be news to me.”
Widespread curiosity about UFOs and potential government concealment of alien evidence returned to mainstream attention following 2017 leaks to The New York Times and Politico by former Pentagon and government personnel, who shared Navy footage of unexplained objects. This renewed attention led Congress to conduct its first UFO hearings in five decades during May 2022, though officials determined the objects, appearing as green triangles above a Navy vessel, were probably drones.
The Pentagon has since committed to greater openness on this subject. In July 2022, it established the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) as a centralized hub for collecting military UFO encounter reports, replacing a previous departmental task force.
In 2023, Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, who led AARO at that time, informed reporters he possessed no proof “of any program having ever existed as a to do any sort of reverse engineering of any sort of extraterrestrial (unidentified aerial phenomena).”
Released information indicates most military UFO reports remain unexplained, though identified cases typically involve ordinary objects.
An 18-page unclassified congressional report from June 2024 revealed service members submitted 485 reports of unexplained phenomena over the previous year, with 118 cases determined to be “prosaic objects such as various types of balloons, birds, and unmanned aerial systems.”
“It is important to underscore that, to date, AARO has discovered no evidence of extraterrestrial beings, activity, or technology,” the report emphasized.
President Donald Trump made his way to Rome, Georgia on Thursday with economic messaging at the forefront of his agenda.
The administration has consistently emphasized its intention to prioritize economic matters, with Trump regularly asserting he deserves greater recognition for the nation’s financial performance. However, recent headlines have been dominated by other pressing matters, including violent incidents during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis and potential military engagement with Iran.
Trump’s choice to visit this particular Georgia location appears strategically motivated. The event took place in the congressional district formerly held by Marjorie Taylor Greene, a one-time ally who stepped down from her position in January.
During his passionate public address, the president also addressed the Supreme Court’s ongoing examination of his authority to implement global trade tariffs through emergency powers legislation.
“I’ve been waiting forever, forever, and the language is clear that I have the right to do it as president,” Trump shouted. He added, “The tariff is the greatest thing that has happened to this country.”
Addressing inflation concerns, Trump declared the issue resolved while pointing fingers at Democratic opposition. “They caused the affordability problem. And we solved it,” he stated.
The White House released an official statement outlining the administration’s accomplishments in Georgia:
“As President Donald J. Trump visits Georgia today, he returns to a state that is seeing real recovery, safer communities, and renewed strength under his leadership — as more work remains to fully reverse the economic damage of the Biden era.” The statement continued, emphasizing that Trump remains committed to ensuring every Georgian benefits from reduced costs, increased wages, secure neighborhoods, and widespread prosperity.
Key economic highlights from the White House statement include:
Energy Cost Reductions:
Georgia drivers are paying $2.71 per gallon for gasoline — a 40% decrease from the record highs experienced during the Biden administration, with additional savings anticipated.
Tax Relief Benefits:
The Working Families Tax Cuts Act, championed by Trump and Republicans, is saving the typical Georgia household $3,086 annually in tax obligations. Projections indicate Georgian workers could see wage increases of up to $6,700 per person in coming years. The tax reforms are expected to safeguard 204,000 Georgia jobs moving forward. Rural healthcare infrastructure across Georgia is receiving more than $218 million in Republican-backed investment.
Immigration Enforcement:
ICE operations under the Trump administration have removed numerous criminal illegal immigrants from Georgia communities, including individuals convicted of serious violent crimes. Recent arrests include a previously deported Mexican national charged with sexual assault of an 11-year-old, a murder suspect from Mexico, a Salvadoran national with seven felony burglary convictions, a Honduran individual facing domestic violence charges, and a Canadian firearms trafficker previously on that country’s most wanted list.
Housing Market Improvements:
Statewide home prices have declined nearly 2% compared to last year. The Atlanta metropolitan area has experienced a 4.1% drop in median listing prices over the past year, ranking among the nation’s top markets for falling home costs.
Infrastructure and Recovery Support:
The administration recently announced over $1 billion in available funding for Georgia communities and healthcare facilities.
Major Business Investments:
Several significant corporate commitments are bringing jobs and economic opportunities to Georgia. A $600 million synthetic diamond manufacturing facility, part of Japan’s $550 billion U.S. investment pledge, is moving forward to support critical manufacturing and semiconductor requirements while reducing foreign dependency. Amazon Web Services plans an estimated $11 billion infrastructure expansion in Georgia, potentially creating at least 550 high-skilled positions. Salesforce is investing $15 million to expand its Georgia operations, adding over 250 new jobs. JS Link announced a $223 million investment for a rare earth magnet production facility, expected to generate 520 new positions.
The White House statement concluded: “The proof is in the progress: Lower costs, more opportunities, safer communities, and renewed economic energy mean Georgia families are winning again under President Trump — and the best is yet to come.” It emphasized that Republican leadership is working toward a more prosperous future for all Georgians, with Trump’s visit demonstrating his continued dedication to completing his agenda.
The defending world champion British men’s curling team advanced to Saturday’s Olympic gold medal game after a dramatic 8-5 semifinal victory over Switzerland on Thursday in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
Team Britain secured their win by scoring two crucial points in the final end, setting up a championship showdown against Canada at the Winter Olympics.
The Swiss team controlled the early portions of the match, but the turning point arrived in the seventh end when British skip Bruce Mouat executed a spectacular takeout shot that removed four stones from play. This forced Switzerland to give up the hammer advantage while scoring only a single point.
Following that pivotal moment, the British squad effectively limited Switzerland’s scoring opportunities. Despite having the final stone of the match, Swiss player Benoit Schwarz-van Berkel couldn’t make the shot he needed to change the outcome.
The loss was particularly disappointing for Switzerland, who had become the first men’s curling team since Canada’s Kevin Martin squad in 2010 to complete the round-robin phase without a defeat. The Swiss team had an outstanding week before falling short in the semifinals.
This marked the second consecutive year these teams met in a major final, with Britain’s Team Mouat capturing a 5-4 victory in last year’s world championship final.
“We weren’t having our best in the first five ends and then really flipped it around in the last five. So just really proud of us for sticking together, supporting each other and believing in each other,” Mouat said.
In the other semifinal match, Canada’s Brad Jacobs guided his squad to a 5-4 victory over Norway in a defensive struggle that required an extra end to decide the winner.
Jacobs, who captured Olympic gold at the 2014 Sochi Games, saw his team advance after the contest went to overtime. Canada had missed an opportunity to win in regulation when Jacobs’ attempted double takeout removed only one stone instead of two. However, when Norway scored two points but surrendered the hammer, Canada easily secured the victory in the extra end.
The Norwegian and Canadian teams had faced each other earlier that same day in their final round-robin meeting, with Magnus Ramsfjell’s Norway winning 8-6. However, Canada didn’t field their complete lineup for that earlier game, resting player Ben Hebert.
“They were tough all day. Magnus made a ton of great shots, starting in that first game. Those guys were virtually lights out,” Jacobs said.
“They gave us everything we could handle. I was just grateful that we had hammer in that game, and we got off to a good start. We were able to manage the scoreboard, because they were not going away easy.
“They played awesome. Just happy to be able to get through them in that semi-final.”
The British and Canadian teams will compete for the gold medal on Saturday, while Switzerland and Norway will battle for the bronze medal on Friday.
Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith revealed plans Thursday evening for a fall referendum that would ask provincial residents whether their government should impose restrictions on incoming international students, temporary foreign workers, and asylum seekers.
The announcement, delivered during a televised speech from Calgary, signals Alberta’s bid to challenge federal authority over immigration matters – an area traditionally controlled by Canada’s national government rather than individual provinces.
The referendum proposal threatens to create new tensions within Canada as Prime Minister Mark Carney works to strengthen relationships with western provinces and counter growing separatist sentiment in Alberta.
During her address, Smith explained that her administration expects to announce a substantial budget shortfall next week, attributing the deficit partially to declining oil revenue from lower global energy prices.
However, the Premier also pointed to Alberta’s unprecedented population surge as a contributing factor to the province’s financial pressures. Statistics Canada reports that Alberta’s population exceeded 5 million residents in 2025, with over 600,000 new arrivals during the previous five years – making it Canada’s fastest-growing province.
“Throwing the doors wide open to anyone and everyone across the globe has flooded our classrooms, emergency rooms and social support systems with far too many people, far too quickly,” Smith stated during her televised remarks.
Alberta isn’t alone in experiencing immigration-driven population increases. Following years of expansive immigration policies under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada has recently moved to reduce immigration quotas and establish limits on temporary residents due to mounting pressure on housing availability, infrastructure capacity, and social services.
What distinguishes Alberta from other Canadian provinces, according to research from ATB Financial, is its exceptionally high rate of internal migration as Canadians relocate there seeking improved economic prospects and lower housing costs.
Smith noted that recent town hall discussions revealed international immigration as a primary concern among Alberta residents, prompting her decision to pursue referendum authorization for policy changes.
The proposed modifications could include legislation requiring Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or “Alberta approved immigration status” for eligibility to receive provincially funded services including healthcare, education, and social programs.
Japan’s central banking officials face a challenging decision after new data revealed the country’s core inflation dropped to its lowest point in two years during January, exactly meeting the Bank of Japan’s 2% target.
The inflation slowdown creates uncertainty around when Japanese monetary authorities will implement their next interest rate increase, as weakening price pressures suggest the economy may not be ready for higher borrowing costs.
However, a different measurement that economists consider more reliable for tracking underlying price trends remained significantly above the 2% benchmark, indicating that strong wage growth could still push the central bank toward raising rates from their current low levels.
These latest figures contribute to conflicting economic signals, as Japan’s economy showed minimal growth during the fourth quarter of last year, while exports surged and manufacturing sentiment improved in recent months.
“With price pressures showing signs of softening, the Bank of Japan won’t be in a rush to resume its hiking cycle. However, we still believe conditions will be in place for the Bank to raise rates by the middle of the year,” said Abhijit Surya, senior APAC economist at Capital Economics.
The core consumer price index, which removes volatile fresh food costs from calculations, aligned with market predictions and represented a decrease from December’s 2.4% increase.
Government fuel subsidies, eliminated gasoline tax surcharges, and the lingering effects of last year’s food price surge primarily drove the inflation decline, according to the data.
Bank of Japan officials have acknowledged that temporary factors will likely push core inflation temporarily below their target, but emphasized their focus remains on achieving sustainable, wage-driven price increases of approximately 2% before implementing additional rate hikes.
A separate inflation measure excluding both fresh food and fuel costs, which the central bank monitors closely as a superior gauge of demand-driven price changes, remained well above target at 2.6% year-over-year in January.
This figure declined from December’s 2.9% increase and matched a low reached in February 2025, as food price increases began to stabilize.
Services inflation held steady at 1.4%, with private services price increases moderating to 1.9% from 2%, suggesting businesses have been hesitant to pass rising labor costs onto consumers.
Overall inflation decelerated to 1.5% in January from December’s 2.1%, dropping below the Bank of Japan’s 2% target for the first time in nearly four years and creating communication difficulties for the central bank’s rate increase strategy.
The Japanese yen initially weakened following the data release, then recovered to trade at 155.10 per dollar on Friday.
Japan’s central bank concluded a decade of massive economic stimulus in 2024 and implemented several rate increases, including one in December, based on their assessment that the country was making consistent progress toward sustainably achieving the 2% inflation goal.
Economic analysts anticipate core inflation will remain below 2% in upcoming months due to government fuel subsidies, which may counteract upward pressure from increased import costs caused by the weakened yen.
These competing inflation influences could affect the timing of the Bank of Japan’s next rate adjustment. Most economists surveyed by Reuters predict the central bank will increase its key interest rate to 1% from the current 0.75% by the end of June. Financial markets have assigned roughly a 70% probability to a rate hike by April.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, known for supporting accommodative monetary policy, expressed hope Wednesday that the Bank of Japan would collaborate with government initiatives to achieve lasting 2% inflation alongside wage increases, though she stopped short of explicitly requesting continued low rates.
The leader of Japan’s banking association stated Thursday he saw a “reasonable possibility” of a rate increase as soon as March or April, marking an unusual direct comment on potential central bank actions.
Toru Suehiro, chief economist at Daiwa Securities, suggested the Bank of Japan may reduce its inflation projections in April as weak-yen pressures have diminished since their January forecasts.
“The hurdle for additional rate hikes is high. I see the chance of a rate hike in March or April as low,” he said.
Rising Czech tennis talent Jakub Mensik delivered a stunning quarterfinal upset at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open on Thursday, defeating world No. 2 Jannik Sinner of Italy 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-3 in Doha.
The sixth-seeded Mensik fired 11 aces throughout the match and controlled the decisive third set with exceptional serving. He won an impressive 14 of his 16 first-serve points in the final set and finished with a 49-of-60 success rate on first serves (81.7%). Mensik also showed tremendous resilience under pressure, successfully defending five of seven break point opportunities.
The defeat marks a significant setback for Sinner, who recently reached the Australian Open semifinals but has now failed to make consecutive finals for the first time since summer 2024.
Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz of Spain now enjoys a more favorable path to the ATP 500 title, though the Spaniard faced his own challenge in the quarterfinals. Alcaraz mounted a comeback victory over seventh-seeded Russian Karen Khachanov, winning 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-3. Despite committing 34 unforced errors, Alcaraz overwhelmed his opponent with 41 winners compared to Khachanov’s 14.
The semifinals will feature Alcaraz against fifth-seeded Russian Andrey Rublev, who defeated Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (2). Mensik will face French player Arthur Fils, who scored his own upset by defeating Czech eighth seed Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-3.
Delray Beach Open
Fourth-seeded Learner Tien showcased his serving power with 20 aces among 51 total winners to outlast Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic 6-4, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5) in Delray Beach, Florida.
Kecmanovic displayed remarkable fighting spirit, saving four match points during the encounter. He saved one in the 12th game to push the set to a tiebreaker, then rescued three more after falling behind 6-2 in the breaker, but ultimately couldn’t escape a fifth match point. Tien’s quarterfinal matchup will be against eighth-seeded Frances Tiafoe, who also required three sets to overcome qualifier Zachary Svajda 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, successfully defending five of six break points.
Thursday evening’s remaining matches in Florida feature fifth-seeded Tommy Paul taking on Australia’s Adam Walton, while top seed Taylor Fritz faces Spain’s Rafael Jodar.
Rio Open
Portuguese lucky loser Jaime Faria continued his impressive tournament run by defeating Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzegovina 7-6 (1), 6-4 to secure a quarterfinal berth in Rio de Janeiro.
Faria struck 26 winners while overcoming 29 unforced errors to advance. Joining him in the quarterfinals is eighth-seeded Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who posted an identical 7-6 (1), 6-4 victory over Lithuanian qualifier Vilius Gaubas.
Rio’s evening schedule includes third-seeded Brazilian Joao Fonseca facing Peru’s Ignacio Buse, while Italian Matteo Berrettini meets Serbian lucky loser Dusan Lajovic.
Olympic gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson of Britain destroyed a world record that had been untouchable for more than two decades, crushing the women’s indoor 800-meter mark Thursday at a track meet in France.
The 23-year-old runner blazed to a time of 1:54.87 at the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold competition in Lievin, obliterating the previous record of 1:55.82 by nearly a full second. That former mark was established by Slovenia’s Jolanda Ceplak on March 3, 2002 – remarkably, the same day Hodgkinson was born.
Following her record-breaking performance, Hodgkinson expressed gratitude to the enthusiastic spectators. “Thank you for the amazing crowd,” she said according to the World Athletics website. “I could hear you all the way around.”
The British star has been in exceptional form this season, posting a strong 1:56.33 time at the UK Indoor Championships just last weekend.
Hodgkinson dominated the race from the beginning, hitting the 200-meter split in 26.47 seconds and reaching 400 meters in 55.56 seconds. She maintained her commanding lead through the 600-meter mark at 1:25.06, leaving the rest of the field far behind as she approached the record-breaking finish.
Switzerland’s Audrey Werro crossed the line in a distant second place as Hodgkinson powered through the final stretch to secure her place in track and field history.
The British athlete earned Olympic silver at the Tokyo 2021 Games before capturing gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee is refuting claims made by media personality Tucker Carlson regarding his treatment at Ben-Gurion Airport after conducting an interview there.
Carlson, a former Fox News host known for his criticism of Israel, conducted an interview with Ambassador Huckabee at the airport’s VIP terminal. According to sources who spoke with The Jerusalem Post, their discussion centered on how Christians are treated throughout Israel and the broader Middle East region.
After the meeting, Carlson alleged mistreatment by Israeli security. Speaking to the Daily Mail, he stated: “Men who identified themselves as airport security took our passports, hauled our executive producer into a side room and then demanded to know what we spoke to Ambassador Huckabee about.”
However, both the US Embassy and Ambassador Huckabee are challenging this version of events. An embassy representative told the Daily Mail: “It is not accurate that Israel was only going to let Tucker into the country for the interview.”
Embassy officials explained that their only coordination with Israeli authorities involved facilitating the landing of Carlson’s private plane to ensure his visit went smoothly. They stressed that Carlson chose to make only a brief entry into the country before leaving and received the same treatment as any other visitor.
Ambassador Huckabee took to social media platform X to counter Carlson’s narrative, explaining that passport verification and security questioning are standard procedures for all travelers at Israeli airports, including high-ranking officials. The ambassador pointed out that even he must go through these same protocols despite carrying diplomatic credentials.
Huckabee also criticized news organizations for spreading what he termed the “false story” about Carlson being “detained” by Israeli security forces.
The face-to-face meeting came about after tensions arose from Carlson’s February podcast titled “Christian Persecution.” That episode featured conversations with Jerusalem’s Anglican archbishop and a Jordanian business leader that suggested Christians experience substantial persecution in Israel.
In response to Carlson’s criticisms of Christian Zionists, Ambassador Huckabee had challenged him on X, writing: “Hey @TuckerCarlson instead of talking ABOUT me, why don’t you come talk TO me?” Carlson accepted the invitation for a direct conversation.
Former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also traveled to Israel this week to draw attention to what she described as “Christian persecution.”
Ambassador Huckabee, who previously served as Arkansas governor and is an ordained Baptist minister, has been defending Christian Zionism since late January when Jerusalem church leaders criticized it as harmful ideology.
When asked during a podcast interview whether he considers Carlson anti-Semitic, Ambassador Huckabee replied: “If he’s not, he’s hiding his love for Jews very carefully. This is not the Tucker Carlson I’ve known since 1991.”
A senior agricultural policy official from Ohio Farm Bureau is expressing confidence that the current farm bill legislation will receive approval in 2026. Brad Bales, who serves as the senior director of state and national policy for the organization, believes the prospects look promising for passage of the updated legislation.
According to Bales, farmers across the region require stability for future planning. “We need to have that long-term certainty,” he states. “A lot has occurred in the farm economy since 2018.”
The comments reflect growing confidence among agricultural leaders that lawmakers will move forward with the comprehensive legislation that addresses farming policies and programs nationwide.
As spring approaches, a state climatologist is closely tracking water levels in major river systems across the Midwest region. Justin Glisan, who serves as Iowa’s state climatologist, reports that northern states have received sufficient winter precipitation to potentially increase stream flows in the coming months.
“There is snowpack on the ground in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin which will feed into the Mississippi Basin,” Glisan explained while discussing the current conditions affecting river systems.
The accumulated snow in these northern areas is expected to contribute to water levels as temperatures warm and melting begins, though moisture distribution has been inconsistent throughout the broader Midwest region this winter season.
A new economic survey paints a troubling picture for agricultural producers across the country, with Delaware farmers likely feeling similar pressures. The February Rural Mainstreet Index has dropped below the growth-neutral threshold for the 12th occasion since January 2023, indicating persistent financial challenges in rural communities.
Ernie Goss, an economist at Creighton University who analyzes the monthly survey data, attributes the declining conditions to fundamental market imbalances affecting agricultural operations. According to Goss, both supply chain disruptions and consumer demand fluctuations are creating significant headwinds for farming operations nationwide.
The economist explained that market demand challenges are particularly evident in commodity pricing trends that directly impact farm revenues and profitability across the agricultural sector.
Delaware farmers and agricultural producers across the country could be in for some relief in 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s top economic forecaster.
Chief Economist Justin Benavidez projects that American agriculture will face somewhat improved conditions next year, with commodity prices expected to climb modestly while the costs of supplies and workforce expenses level off.
The forecast suggests that after facing challenging economic pressures, farmers may finally see market conditions shift in their favor as key crop prices show signs of strengthening and the expense of running agricultural operations becomes more manageable.
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland’s State Soil Conservation Committee has scheduled a virtual public meeting for Thursday, February 19, 2026, running from 9:30 a.m. until noon.
The online session will be open to anyone interested in attending and will center on discussions about soil conservation initiatives and water quality programs throughout the state.
Those who wish to participate in the virtual meeting can obtain access information by reaching out to Loretta Collins, who serves as Executive Secretary for the State Soil Conservation Committee. Collins can be contacted via email at [email protected].
Maryland’s committee dedicated to addressing invasive plant species will convene for a scheduled session on April 28th, 2026, according to a recent announcement.
The meeting will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Maryland Department of Agriculture headquarters, specifically in room 114. Officials are offering flexibility for attendees by providing both in-person participation and virtual access options.
Those seeking additional details about the upcoming session can reach out to David Grow via email at [email protected] for more information.
ANNAPOLIS, MD – A virtual meeting has been scheduled by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners’ Veterinary Technician Committee for March 12th, 2026, beginning at 7:00 PM.
Committee members will focus on reviewing applications for veterinary technician licenses, including both VTNE and RVT certifications. The group will also examine current requirements for various licensing pathways in the veterinary technician field.
Those seeking additional details about the upcoming meeting can reach out to Executive Director Nathaniel Boan by calling 410-841-5862 or sending an email to [email protected].
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Veterinary professionals and stakeholders can mark their calendars for an upcoming regulatory meeting scheduled for early April in Maryland’s capital city.
The Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners has announced they will convene on April 2nd, 2026, beginning at 10:30 in the morning. The session will take place at the Maryland Department of Agriculture headquarters in Annapolis.
Board members plan to address several key items during their gathering, including the review and approval of new license applications, evaluation of continuing education requirements, and discussion of routine administrative matters.
Those seeking additional details about the upcoming meeting can reach out to Executive Director Nathaniel Boan, who can be contacted by phone at 410-841-5862 or via email at [email protected].
The world’s leading potash manufacturer is projecting stronger demand for their fertilizer product next year, even as agricultural producers struggle with tight profit margins and reduced spending on farm inputs.
During their quarterly earnings discussion on February 19th, Canadian-based Nutrien outlined expectations for growing potash sales in 2026, pointing to several market factors including substantial harvest yields in 2025, limited fall fertilizer applications across the United States, and potash’s competitive pricing advantage over alternative nutrients.
According to Nutrien’s Chief Executive Ken Seitz, North American potash purchases will be “driven by the need to replenish soil nutrients following a record crop and a shortened fall application window.” Seitz also noted that favorable weather conditions in Australia should boost farmer demand for potash in that region.
However, the company continues facing challenges in Brazil, where their retail agricultural product sales remain sluggish due to poor farm profitability, leading producers to postpone fertilizer purchases as long as feasible, Seitz explained.
Agricultural producers worldwide are experiencing financial pressure as grain prices remain depressed while fertilizer costs haven’t decreased proportionally, though they’ve dropped significantly from post-pandemic peaks. American farmers are anticipated to plant fewer corn acres this season, with expensive nitrogen fertilizer potentially influencing this decision.
Market analysts predict farmers may cut back on phosphate fertilizer applications this spring due to economic constraints, similar to reductions seen in late 2025. This strategy works because phosphate nutrients persist in soil beyond the application year, allowing producers to sometimes delay purchases. Such delays aren’t typically viable with nitrogen-based fertilizers.
Seitz doesn’t anticipate similar reductions in potash usage since it represents the most affordable fertilizer option and the substantial 2025 crops depleted significant soil nutrients.
When facing poor profitability or financial losses, farmers will attempt to maximize crop production, which requires sufficient fertilization, he explained.
“Their focus is very much on yield,” Seitz stated.
DELMARVA — The USDA is facing heavy criticism from agricultural professionals nationwide after publishing major corrections to corn production data. The federal agency released final 2025 corn acreage numbers in January that dramatically exceeded earlier projections from June. The unexpected increase sent grain prices tumbling more than 5%.
Industry professionals who depend on USDA data for planning and marketing decisions are questioning the reliability of government statistics. The agency has historically been considered the most trusted source for agricultural statistics globally.
Markets
March corn futures are trading at $4.32 per bushel. Soybeans are at $10.68. Wheat is at $5.14. Locally across Delmarva, number 2 yellow corn is bringing $4.25 at eastern shore elevators.
Forecast
The region will see partly sunny skies Wednesday with a high near 43°. Northwest winds 10-20 mph. Tonight drops to 24° under mostly clear skies.
Thursday looks mostly sunny with a high near 36°. Thursday night will be cold, bottoming out around 19°.
Friday brings sunshine with a high near 37°. Conditions stay dry through the weekend with temperatures in the low 40s Saturday and Sunday before a chance of rain moves in Sunday night into Monday.
DELMARVA — Growers across the Delmarva Peninsula are preparing fields for spring planting as February’s window for pre-season maintenance narrows. Equipment dealers across the Eastern Shore report steady traffic as farmers lock in seed purchases and finalize nitrogen application plans. Time remains to test soil and adjust lime programs before spring fieldwork ramps up.
Markets
March corn futures settled at $5.18/bu on Thursday. March soybeans closed at $10.74/bu, while March wheat came in at $5.51/bu. Locally, cash corn on Delmarva is running $4.90/bu. Soybeans are fetching $10.35/bu at regional elevators.
Forecast
Partly sunny skies are expected Thursday with highs around 35°F. Northwest winds 10-20 mph will keep conditions crisp. Overnight temperatures will drop to 19°F under partly cloudy skies.
Friday brings full sunshine with highs climbing to 36°F and lighter winds out of the northwest at 5-10 mph. Conditions stay dry through the weekend, favorable for equipment prep or barn maintenance.
Fields remain too wet for tillage, but drainage should continue improving with the dry stretch. The next chance of precipitation doesn’t arrive until Sunday.
DELMARVA — Corn plantings across Delmarva could increase 3% to 5% over last year according to early indications ahead of USDA’s updated acreage projections set for release next week. Soybean acres are expected to hold steady across Delaware and the Eastern Shore.
Local grain elevators report farmer interest in forward contracting remains strong despite price volatility. Several Sussex County operations have already locked in inputs for the coming season, looking to manage risk ahead of what’s shaping up to be another uncertain year.
Markets
March corn futures opened at $5.12 per bushel overnight. Soybeans are trading at $11.87 for March delivery. Wheat is sitting at $5.43.
Locally, cash corn on Delmarva is bringing $4.90 at the elevator. Soybeans are fetching $11.50.
Forecast
Friday the 13th started cold with temperatures climbing from 19° overnight to a high near 36° under sunny skies. Northwest winds 5 to 10 miles per hour provide good drying conditions for equipment maintenance outdoors. Tonight drops back to 21° with mostly clear skies and calm winds.
Saturday looks better with highs reaching 45° and mostly sunny conditions. By Sunday, conditions change as a system brings a chance of mixed rain and snow Sunday into Monday. Precipitation likely continues into Presidents Day with light rain expected. Temperatures through the period stay manageable, ranging from the low 20s at night to mid-40s during the day.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, February 13, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — February 13, 2026
DELMARVA — Delmarva grain farmers are leaning toward corn over soybeans for the 2026 spring planting season, according to early indications as USDA finalizes acreage estimates. Higher corn futures and stronger demand from the region’s poultry industry are driving the shift.
Extension agents across Delaware and the Eastern Shore report corn could pick up an additional 5 to 8 percent of planted acres compared to last spring. That would mark the biggest shift in 3 years. Input dealers report seed orders reflect the trend, with corn seed sales running ahead of last year’s pace.
Markets
March corn closed at $4.73 a bushel, up 2 cents. March soybeans settled at $10.19, down 4 cents. March wheat finished at $5.51, unchanged.
Locally, cash corn on Delmarva is moving at $4.60 a bushel. Soybeans are bringing $9.85.
Forecast
Friday evening brings cold but dry conditions with temperatures falling to 21 degrees tonight under mostly clear skies. Saturday looks sunny with highs around 45 degrees.
Sunday brings a shift as a mixed precipitation system moves in by afternoon. Rain and snow chances increase Sunday night into Monday, impacting any field work plans early next week. Temperatures stay in the low to mid 40s through the holiday weekend.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, February 13, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — February 14, 2026
DELMARVA — The U.S. Department of Agriculture faced heavy criticism this week after publishing what experts are calling unusually large corrections to corn production data. The federal agency released final 2025 corn acreage numbers in January that dramatically exceeded earlier projections from June. That unexpected increase caused already struggling grain prices to plummet by more than 5%.
Industry professionals who depend on USDA figures for marketing decisions expressed frustration with the historically trusted agency. The data errors have raised questions about reliability heading into the 2026 planting season. Delmarva corn growers are watching these developments closely as they finalize acreage decisions for spring.
Markets
March corn futures settled at $4.17 per bushel. March soybeans closed at $10.42. March wheat ended at $5.68. Local cash corn on Delmarva brought $3.90 per bushel. Soybeans averaged $9.85.
Forecast
Temperatures rebounded overnight from 18°F. Saturday looks good with mostly sunny skies and highs near 45°F under light westerly winds. Ideal conditions exist for any equipment maintenance or barn work.
Sunday turns cloudier with highs around 44°F and a chance of light rain developing by evening. Sunday night brings concern as rain could mix with or change to freezing rain with lows near 29°F. Monday’s holiday could see lingering freezing rain possible early before skies clear. Indoor work is recommended for Sunday evening through Monday morning.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, February 14, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — February 14, 2026
DELMARVA — The U.S. Department of Agriculture faced intense scrutiny this week after publishing major corrections to corn production data that sent grain markets tumbling. The federal agency released final 2025 corn acreage numbers in January that dramatically exceeded earlier June projections. The unexpected increase caused already struggling grain prices to plummet by more than 5%.
Agricultural professionals who depend on USDA statistics for critical business decisions are questioning the agency’s reliability. The errors represent one of the largest statistical corrections in recent years, shaking confidence in what’s historically been considered the most trusted source for agricultural data worldwide. Delmarva grain producers felt the impact immediately as futures markets reacted.
Markets
Corn futures closed this week at $4.38 a bushel. Soybeans settled at $10.62. Wheat finished at $5.19. Local cash corn on Delmarva is running $3.90.
Forecast
Partly sunny skies are expected this evening with temperatures holding near 45°. Tonight drops to 28° with mostly cloudy conditions and patchy freezing fog developing. Sunday brings that freezing fog early, then light rain likely as temperatures climb to 43°. Sunday night expect rain transitioning to a chance of rain and snow as lows hit 31°. Producers should plan accordingly with that precipitation moving in Sunday and lingering into the holiday Monday.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, February 14, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — February 16, 2026
DELMARVA — Delaware’s poultry industry is bracing for higher feed costs this week as grain markets continue their upward trend. Broiler producers across Sussex County are evaluating contract terms with integrators as February’s volatility squeezes margins. Industry sources say elevated propane costs for heating operations are adding another $15 to $20 per house per week compared to this time last year.
Markets
March corn futures opened at $6.47 per bushel, up $0.03 from Friday’s close. Soybeans for March delivery are trading at $13.18, gaining $0.05 overnight. Wheat futures are holding steady at $6.82 per bushel.
Locally on Delmarva, number 2 yellow corn is bringing $6.30 at Dover-area elevators. Soybeans are fetching $12.90 per bushel at Seaford.
Forecast
Patchy fog early this morning will give way to mostly cloudy skies by mid-morning. Highs will reach 41° with light north winds at 5 to 10 mph. No precipitation is expected today, which means good conditions for equipment maintenance and barn work.
Overnight tonight temperatures drop to 27° under mostly cloudy skies with calm winds shifting out of the south. Tuesday looks partly sunny with highs climbing to 46° and light southwest winds. Dry conditions will continue through Tuesday. Rain chances don’t return to the region until Wednesday when light precipitation could move in.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, February 16, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — February 16, 2026
DELMARVA — Delaware cattle ranchers are navigating a complex market situation despite historically high livestock prices. Farm Credit Services of America is urging producers to implement comprehensive risk management strategies as market volatility continues to challenge the industry.
Landon Nelson from the company’s Commercial Insurance Services division says cattle operations need to shield their investments during these turbulent times.
Meanwhile, federal authorities have charged 5 individuals in a massive nationwide cattle fraud scheme totaling $220 million. Among those indicted are Joshua Link from Stafford, Missouri and Tia Link from Smithton, Missouri, facing wire fraud and money laundering charges according to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.
Markets
Corn futures closed at $4.48/bu, down 3 cents. Soybeans settled at $10.19, off 8 cents. Wheat finished at $5.25, down 2 cents.
Locally on Delmarva, broiler growers are seeing 6 cents per pound, while feed-grade corn is bringing $4.35.
Forecast
Expect patchy fog developing tonight with lows around 29°F. Tuesday brings more patchy fog in the morning, then partly sunny skies with highs near 47°F. Southwest winds up to 5 mph.
Wednesday brings increasing clouds with a chance of light rain developing by afternoon, highs in the low 50s. That chance of rain continues Wednesday night. Thursday stays mostly cloudy with another chance of light rain and highs near 49°F.
Field conditions should remain workable through Tuesday, but that midweek rain system will likely put fieldwork on hold.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, February 16, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — February 17, 2026
DELMARVA — A comprehensive worldwide analysis has revealed troubling increases in toxic contamination affecting animal feed supplies across Delmarva and beyond. The dsm-firmenich World Mycotoxin Survey covering January through December 2025 documented consistently elevated contamination levels involving multiple toxic substances appearing simultaneously in feed samples.
The research identified substantial variations between different geographic regions and highlighted that certain feed commodities face particularly high risk. Poultry and livestock producers on the Eastern Shore should work closely with feed suppliers to ensure proper testing protocols are in place.
Policy
The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has authorized the return of processed animal protein to livestock feed for swine and poultry operations, though implementation requires a sanitary partnership with the European Union first.
Markets
March corn futures are trading at $4.78 per bushel. March soybeans at $10.42. March wheat at $5.61. Local grain elevators across Delaware are paying $4.60 for cash corn and $10.15 for cash soybeans.
Forecast
Patchy fog clears this morning with mostly cloudy conditions developing. High temperature today reaching 48° with light southwest winds up to 5 miles per hour. Tonight stays mostly cloudy with temperatures dropping to 34°.
Wednesday brings a 50% chance of light rain with highs near 52° and south winds up to 10 miles per hour. Producers should plan field work accordingly with rain chances increasing midweek.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, February 17, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — February 17, 2026
DELMARVA — Federal regulators are proposing major changes to meat processing operations that could impact Delmarva’s poultry industry. The USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service has put forward new rules that would allow pork and poultry plants to operate production lines at faster speeds based on their equipment and safety records.
The agency says it will maintain full oversight even as facilities increase processing capacity. The proposal comes as livestock supplies remain tight nationwide, with cattle particularly scarce.
Swine Health
A new swine health initiative from the National Pork Board aims to strengthen disease prevention across pig farming operations, targeting serious threats including African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease.
Markets
March corn closed at $4.26¼ per bushel, down 5½ cents. March soybeans gained 1 cent to finish at $11.34. March wheat fell 8 cents to $5.34¾.
Live cattle jumped sharply, with April contracts up $2.17 to $242.80 per hundredweight. Feeder cattle surged $4.82.
Forecast
Widespread fog continues tonight with lows around 33°F. Wednesday will see that fog lifting with highs reaching 52°F under partly sunny skies. Rain chances increase Thursday into Friday with temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, February 17, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — February 18, 2026
DELMARVA — Federal food safety officials are proposing regulatory changes that would let meat and poultry processing plants run their production lines faster. The Food Safety and Inspection Service under USDA has put forward new regulations affecting pork and poultry facilities nationwide.
The changes come as the industry deals with tight cattle supplies, with plants currently running about 25,000 more hooks than available cattle on a weekly basis according to CattleFax.
Agricultural Technology
New FCC restrictions on foreign drone imports could slow agricultural technology advancement, warns a Michigan State researcher. The regulations created obstacles for manufacturers trying to secure approval for international drone models before restrictions took effect late last year.
Markets
March corn settled at $4.26.25/bu, down 5.5 cents. March soybeans gained 1 cent to $11.34/bu. March wheat fell 8.75 cents to $5.61.25/bu.
Livestock showed strength with April live cattle jumping $2.17 to $242.80/cwt.
Forecast
Dense fog this morning gives way to highs near 52°F with a chance of light rain developing. Thursday brings light rain likely with highs in the mid 40s°F and east winds up to 10 mph. Rain continues Friday with highs near 49°F.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, February 18, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — February 18, 2026
DELMARVA — House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson has unveiled Farm Bill 2.0, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, designed to address the current farm financial crisis. Thompson acknowledged significant financial pain in American agriculture, stating that farmers need a bridge. The 5-year framework aims to provide updated support programs for struggling producers nationwide.
Livestock
U.S. poultry production shows modest growth with a 2% increase in broiler-type eggs being set for hatching and chick placements nationwide, according to new data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. The figures reflect ongoing expansion in America’s chicken farming sector.
Markets
Live cattle April contracts settled down $0.27 to $242.52 per hundredweight. Dairy commodities moved higher. Cheese blocks gained $0.05 to $1.50 per pound, while barrels added $0.02 to $1.47. Nonfat dry milk rose to $1.5975 per pound.
Forecast
Rain is expected to move in tonight with temperatures dropping to 35°F. Thursday brings very light rain with highs reaching 45°F. Light rain continues Thursday night into Friday with temperatures in the upper 40s. The wet pattern persists through Friday night before drier conditions arrive Saturday.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, February 18, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
A court in Tunisia has handed down an eight-month prison sentence to parliament member Ahmed Saidani following his social media posts that ridiculed the country’s president, according to Thursday’s ruling that critics view as evidence of growing suppression of dissent.
Saidani, who previously backed President Kais Saied’s agenda targeting political rivals, has shifted to become an outspoken opponent. He now accuses the president of attempting to control all governmental decisions while shifting responsibility for the nation’s troubles to others.
According to a judicial official, the parliamentarian received his sentence on accusations of using communication networks to insult others.
Authorities detained Saidani earlier this month following a Facebook post where he ridiculed the president, calling him the “supreme commander of sewage and rainwater drainage.”
“This is a violation of the law and an attack on institutions. How can parliament hold the executive authority to account if it carries out an unlawful arrest over critical views,” said Bilel Mechri, who serves alongside Saidani, in comments to Reuters.
Saidani won his parliamentary seat in late 2022 during an election marked by extremely poor voter participation. This vote occurred after Saied disbanded the former parliament and removed the government in 2021.
Since that time, Saied has governed through executive orders, actions that opposition groups have characterized as a coup.
Numerous opposition figures, some members of the press, and other Saied critics have been incarcerated since he consolidated most governmental authority.
Human rights organizations claim Saied has established authoritarian control and transformed Tunisia into an “open-air prison” as part of his campaign against political opponents.
The president maintains he is upholding legal standards and working to “cleanse” the nation.
A high-stakes Democratic Senate primary in Texas has intensified following controversy over a canceled television appearance, as two candidates battle for the opportunity to challenge a veteran Republican incumbent.
U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett made her case to voters Thursday by emphasizing her federal legislative experience as she faces off against state Representative James Talarico in the March 3 primary – the country’s earliest major contest leading up to the 2026 midterm elections.
The race gained unexpected national spotlight when The Late Show with Stephen Colbert decided not to broadcast a pre-recorded interview with Talarico, citing legal concerns from network attorneys about potential Trump administration regulatory issues.
“Now, I’m not saying that this moment is easy, but at least ya’ll know exactly how I operate in this moment on the federal level,” Crockett told supporters in Fort Worth. “You know who I am. You know how I get down.”
The interview controversy appears to have provided significant momentum for Talarico’s campaign, which reported collecting $2.5 million in donations within a day of the broadcast being canceled. Crockett acknowledged during a recent MS NOW interview that the incident likely gave her opponent “the boost he was looking for.”
Harris County Democratic Chair Mike Doyle confirmed the impact was substantial, calling the boost for Talarico’s campaign “undeniable,” though he questioned its lasting effects.
Both candidates gained recognition through popular social media content before launching their Senate bids last year. Talarico frequently incorporates his Christian beliefs and biblical references into his political messaging, while Crockett became known for her sharp public criticism of Republican officials.
The winner will face the victor of a competitive Republican primary featuring four-term Senator John Cornyn, who confronts his most challenging election yet against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt.
Texas Democrats haven’t captured a Senate seat since 1988, but party strategists believe this cycle presents their best opportunity in decades to help regain Senate control, particularly if Republicans select Paxton, who appeals to Trump supporters but carries significant legal baggage.
“It was an honor to vote in this election. It was my name on the ballot,” Talarico said after casting his early vote in Austin. “But this is a movement that includes thousands of Texans. We are building a movement to take back our state and our country.”
The television controversy emerged when Colbert announced Monday that CBS legal advisors recommended against airing the Talarico segment due to concerns about violating Trump administration regulatory guidance regarding equal time requirements for political candidates.
While talk shows typically receive exemptions from equal time rules, Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, appointed by Trump, has questioned whether such exemptions should continue. The interview was subsequently released on YouTube, where it accumulated nearly 8 million views by Thursday.
Both Colbert and Talarico characterized CBS’s decision as yielding to Trump administration pressure, while the network maintained its lawyers simply provided standard legal advice. Crockett, who has previously appeared on Colbert’s program, called the YouTube strategy effective for generating publicity.
During her Fort Worth campaign stop Thursday, Crockett urged supporters to maintain their intensity, warning that democracy faces serious threats under Trump’s presidency.
“You cannot let up off the gas” because democracy under Trump is “hanging on by a thread,” Crockett said. “People want to know that it is not business as usual and that you are going to go to the mat because it matters. People are mad.”
Ivon Gonzalez, a 41-year-old registered nurse from Fort Worth who attended Crockett’s event after voting early, acknowledged awareness of the Colbert situation but said she hadn’t viewed the interview.
“I do think that he has a big following and he seemed like a good guy overall,” she said. “I just want somebody with more grit, with more just fearlessness.”
A Texas congressman is fighting back against allegations of an extramarital affair with a former employee who tragically took her own life last year.
Representative Tony Gonzales, a married Republican, declared Thursday that he refuses to be extorted after the San Antonio Express-News published a story about alleged text messages from his former staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles. In those messages, Santos-Aviles reportedly told a coworker about having a romantic relationship with the congressman.
The Associated Press has not verified these text messages independently. However, an attorney representing Santos-Aviles’ widower confirmed Thursday that the husband discovered the alleged affair before his wife’s death.
Gonzales, who represents a sprawling border district from San Antonio to El Paso and is seeking reelection in the March 3 primary, has not responded to requests for comment through his representatives. Instead, he took to social media platform X, sharing part of an email from the widow’s legal counsel and claiming he was being targeted for money.
“I WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED,” Gonzales declared in his Thursday post. “Disgusting to see people profit politically and financially off a tragic death.”
The email excerpt Gonzales shared shows attorney Robert Barrera discussing potential legal action against the lawmaker and mentioning a possible settlement including a confidentiality clause. The correspondence indicates damages could reach up to $300,000.
Barrera strongly rejected accusations of extortion during a phone conversation with The AP Thursday.
“It is a desperate attempt to make him look again like a political victim,” Barrera explained. “There’s no blackmail here. I mean, it’s just ridiculous allegations.”
Santos-Aviles, age 35, died in September 2025 after igniting herself in her backyard in Uvalde. Medical examiners in Bexar County officially determined her death was suicide by self-immolation.
The congressman, who has six children with his spouse, represents a district that spans the entire U.S.-Mexico border region.
Barrera explained that his published email was part of ongoing negotiations with Gonzales’ legal team after his client decided to pursue compensation through litigation under the Congressional Accountability Act, which shields legislative branch workers from workplace harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
The attorney alleges that once the affair came to light, Gonzales punished Santos-Aviles professionally by severely limiting her responsibilities, workplace access, and career opportunities.
President Donald Trump has given his backing to Gonzales, who faces a primary battle against Brandon Herrera. Herrera, who came close to defeating Gonzales in 2024, is now demanding the congressman step down following these revelations.
In a statement to the Texas Tribune earlier this week, Gonzales described Santos-Aviles as “a kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place.” He added that he would not “engage in these personal smears and instead will remain focused on helping President Trump secure the border and improve the lives of all Texans.”
Barrera says his client simply wants the congressman to admit to the alleged relationship.
“There’s nothing political here. There’s no demand for him to resign. That’s up to the voters of that district, whether they want a man like Tony Gonzales to lead them into the future,” Barrera stated.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available by calling or texting 988 for the national suicide and crisis lifeline, or through online chat at 988lifeline.org.
Recovery operations for skiers who perished in the most fatal U.S. avalanche in nearly five decades continues to face delays due to what rescue specialists describe as a fundamental principle: never become a casualty yourself.
Ongoing storms continued to batter California’s isolated Sierra Nevada mountains on Thursday, creating conditions for additional avalanches in the wilderness area where officials confirmed eight fatalities and one person remains unaccounted for following Tuesday’s tragic incident. Six individuals from the group managed to survive.
Search teams confronted identical dangers that claimed the lives of the backcountry enthusiasts and expert guides, who were participating in an activity with natural hazards made worse by multiple feet of fresh snowfall. Recovery operations were scheduled to continue on Friday.
Winter backcountry enthusiasts, including skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and climbers, depend on avalanche predictions to assess potential dangers. However, conditions can change rapidly due to unpredictable mountain weather patterns.
To enhance forecasting information or when predictions aren’t available, seasoned skiers and guides will create snow pits to evaluate stability. They may also seek safer terrain, including gentler slopes or areas protected from known avalanche paths.
While snow accumulated from this week’s storm system affecting the Sierra Mountains, the 15-person skiing party caught in Tuesday’s slide was completing their final day of an extended backcountry expedition and traveling toward the exit point.
“It was, quite likely, very necessary for them to leave the backcountry so their hazard wasn’t increased further,” said Anthony Pavlantos of Utah-based Prival USA, who makes avalanche safety equipment and runs mountain safety programs.
“What’s really hard to say is like ‘why were they moving?’ You can’t ever start placing blame on events like this because we can all be there.”
It’s common for people to enter backcountry areas for skiing or snowboarding during periods of elevated risk: Dangerous weather systems also bring abundant fresh powder that many winter sports enthusiasts seek.
Since fatal incidents occur infrequently, those who take risks usually emerge unharmed, according to Dale Atkins, who has participated in mountain rescues and avalanche prediction and study in Colorado for fifty years.
“It’s not about not going; it’s about where and when you go,” Atkins said.
However, Atkins noted that emerging from backcountry adventures without injury can lead to overconfidence in an activity where chance – or insufficient luck – also influences outcomes.
“It’s really easy to be fooled by the snow and avalanches,” he said. “We keep going out even in the worst of storms because that’s what we did last time, and then our luck runs out.”
Generally, the greatest opportunity for avalanche burial survival involves self-rescue or assistance from fellow travelers. This is because slides frequently happen in isolated locations.
Rescue personnel required six hours to reach Tuesday’s avalanche victims after receiving the initial emergency call. In contrast, survival probability for someone buried for one hour drops to approximately 10 percent, Atkins explained.
The California survivors discovered three victims while waiting for professional rescue teams. Officials have not provided comprehensive details about locating the remaining casualties.
Debris from significant avalanches like California’s fatal slide spreads across vast areas, complicating efforts to determine where someone might end up if caught and pulled underground.
Initial search efforts focus on identifying clues like gloves or ski equipment that might indicate a victim’s position, explained Anthony Stevens, chief adviser for Teton County, Wyoming’s search and rescue unit, which serves Grand Teton National Park.
Guided skiing groups typically carry transceivers, called avalanche beacons, which transmit signals indicating their locations. These devices can also detect other signals, showing direction and estimated distance to victims.
When electronic methods fail, rescue teams form lines and use extended, thin poles to probe snow hoping to locate buried individuals, said Ethan Greene, director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
Speed remains critical throughout rescue operations, and discovered victims must be excavated quickly. Average burial depth measures approximately one meter, or slightly more than three feet, Atkins stated. Because avalanche snow and ice become heavily compressed, extracting someone from that depth requires moving at least one ton of material, he added.
Long-term burial survival remains extremely rare. Atkins recalled two individuals who survived 22 and 24-hour burials respectively after a 1990s Washington state avalanche. A third group member did not survive.
“It’s very unusual for a rescue team to find a buried person alive. But it happens, and that gives us hope,” he said.
BOISE, Idaho — Law enforcement officials in Idaho launched a manhunt Thursday for an individual who hijacked an ambulance from a medical facility and deliberately crashed it into a building containing Department of Homeland Security offices.
The perpetrator covered the stolen emergency vehicle with flammable liquid before ramming it into the structure late Wednesday night, according to Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea. He declined to specify what type of accelerant was used on both the interior and exterior of the ambulance.
“It appears the suspect was unable to ignite the accelerant before being scared off by responding agencies,” Basterrechea stated.
The dramatic incident unfolded around 11:10 p.m. Wednesday in Meridian, a suburb outside Boise, law enforcement reported.
According to Basterrechea, the individual commandeered the ambulance from St. Luke’s hospital property and maneuvered it northward across a parking area. The suspect then obtained gasoline containers that had been hidden in nearby landscaping, the chief explained.
Television footage revealed destroyed glass entrance doors at the office complex.
St. Luke’s Health System owns the targeted structure, which sits within a larger commercial development called The Portico, adjacent to the medical center. Additional businesses operating in Portico North include SelectHealth Inc., St. Luke’s Home Health and Hospice, and Quest Diagnostics.
The medical facility has drawn public backlash for renting office space to the Department of Homeland Security during President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement initiatives.
“There has been a lot of rhetoric” surrounding the leasing arrangement, Basterrechea noted, emphasizing that “comments on social media such as ‘property damage isn’t violence’ is absolutely false.”
The police chief characterized the episode as “a serious criminal act.”
“This was absolutely an act of violence, and if the suspect had not been interrupted, there is no doubt this building would have been burned, putting the lives of first responders and others at risk,” Basterrechea declared.
The Meridian Police Department is spearheading the investigation while collaborating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, and additional agencies.
Listen to the Morning Delmarva Farm Report Update — February 19, 2026
DELMARVA — House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson has introduced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, aiming to provide financial relief for struggling farmers nationwide. Thompson says there’s a lot of pain in American agriculture right now, and producers need a bridge. The comprehensive bill establishes a 5-year support framework through updated assistance programs.
Poultry Production
U.S. poultry production shows modest growth with a 2% increase in broiler-type eggs set for hatching and chick placements rising by the same margin, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. The data reflects continued expansion in America’s chicken farming sector.
Markets
March corn futures closed at $4.47 per bushel, soybeans at $10.68, and wheat at $5.27.
Forecast
Expect patchy fog giving way to light rain likely today with highs near 46°F and east winds 5-10 mph. Tonight brings light rain with lows around 37°F. Friday looks wet with rain and highs near 49°F. Saturday turns mostly sunny with temperatures reaching 48°F before another system brings rain and snow likely Sunday into Monday.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Morning Edition, February 19, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Listen to the Evening Delmarva Farm Report Update — February 19, 2026
DELMARVA — The world’s largest potash producer is forecasting stronger fertilizer demand in 2026, despite tight margins hitting farmers across Delmarva and beyond. Canadian-based Nutrien says the company is expecting increased potash sales this year, driven by strong 2025 harvest yields, limited fall fertilizer applications across the United States, and potash’s competitive pricing advantage over alternative nutrients. The projection comes as many producers are cutting back on input costs.
Regional News
Maryland oyster harvesters received relief as the state’s Department of Natural Resources extended the commercial oyster season by 2 weeks after brutal winter ice locked boats out of the water. The season will now run through April 14 instead of March 31. Watermen lost significant harvesting days when frozen conditions made it impossible to work the Chesapeake Bay during what is normally prime season.
Markets
March corn futures closed at $4.38 per bushel, soybeans at $10.62, and wheat at $5.71. Cash corn on Delmarva is bringing $4.25, soybeans $10.40.
Forecast
Rain is expected to continue through tonight with temperatures around 37°. Friday brings more rain with highs reaching 51° before drying out over the weekend. Partly sunny Saturday with highs near 48°.
This article is based on the Delmarva Farm Report Update Evening Edition, February 19, 2026. Hosted by Tom Bradley.
Nevada County Sheriff’s officials announced Thursday they are examining whether criminal negligence may have contributed to a devastating avalanche that claimed the lives of at least eight people during a guided backcountry skiing expedition in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.
Law enforcement emphasized that the investigation remains in its early phases, with no specific individuals yet targeted for potential charges. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office stated in a written release: “in addition to the coroner’s death investigations, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting a parallel investigation into whether criminal negligence was involved.”
Officials cautioned that determining whether charges are appropriate is premature at this stage. The Nevada County District Attorney’s Office, which would make any charging decisions, has refused to provide comment on the matter.
The deadly slide occurred Tuesday when a massive avalanche, roughly the size of a football field, engulfed a group of skiers during their final day of a three-day wilderness expedition led by Blackbird Mountain Guides. Nine people are believed to have perished in what represents the most fatal U.S. avalanche in nearly half a century.
The skiing party consisted of 15 individuals, including four professional guides from Blackbird. The group was making their way back to a trailhead through heavy snowfall when disaster struck. Three of the company’s guides were among the fatalities.
Rescue teams successfully extracted six survivors from the remote Castle Peak region near Truckee, California, located roughly 10 miles northwest of Lake Tahoe.
Blackbird Mountain Guides, established in 2020 and specializing in guided skiing expeditions, alpine climbing adventures, and avalanche safety training, has not responded to requests for comment.
Company founder Zeb Blais issued a statement late Wednesday expressing grief over the tragedy. He emphasized that all guides participating in the trip possessed extensive backcountry skiing expertise, with each serving as an instructor for the Colorado-based American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education.
“There is still a lot we’re learning about what happened,” Blais stated. “It’s too soon to draw conclusions, but investigations are underway.”
Blais continued: “We ask that people following this tragedy refrain from speculating. We don’t have all the answers yet, and it may be some time before we do.”
Prior to the incident, avalanche warning centers had issued alerts about extremely hazardous conditions following a major winter storm that deposited substantial snowfall on mountains that had experienced minimal snow accumulation in preceding months. Specialists cautioned that the fragile foundation of existing snow would likely fail under the weight of the newly fallen heavy, compact snow layer, creating elevated avalanche danger.
The Blackbird expedition, comprising nine women and six men, had been lodging at the Frog Lake Backcountry Huts near Donner Summit northwest of Truckee, situated at approximately 7,500 feet above sea level. Beyond California operations, Blackbird conducts backcountry tours in Washington state and British Columbia, along with other skiing locations.
Frank Carus, who directs the Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center in Wyoming and formerly worked as a backcountry ski guide, advised against premature conclusions about responsibility until investigation results are available.
“The main thing here is not to rush to judgment,” Carus explained, noting his experience investigating fatal avalanches and describing such inquiries as extremely complex processes requiring several weeks to complete. “The worst thing to do is to blame or shame before the facts are known.”
Carus praised the training credentials of the Blackbird Mountain guides involved in the fatal avalanche, calling their preparation the industry’s highest standard.
“These were people tested on their ability to manage clients in the terrain and manage exposure risk,” Carus noted.
The surviving skiers created an emergency shelter using tarpaulin materials following the avalanche and utilized emergency beacons and text messages to relay their position to rescue personnel.
The Los Angeles Lakers are poised to field their complete roster following the All-Star break, a rarity for the injury-plagued team this season.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick announced Thursday that he anticipates having every player ready for Friday’s matchup against their cross-town rivals, the Clippers, including star player Luka Doncic.
Doncic, who leads the NBA in scoring with 32.8 points per game, has been sidelined for four contests prior to the break because of a minor hamstring injury. Meanwhile, starting center Deandre Ayton was absent from the team’s final two games before the break due to right knee soreness.
According to Redick, Austin Reaves will no longer face playing time limitations. After missing five weeks with a calf injury, Reaves made his comeback on February 3rd and has been restricted to 20-29 minutes in his initial five games since returning.
As of 4 p.m. Pacific Time, the official injury report for the upcoming game had not been released.
The combination of LeBron James, Doncic, and Reaves has only shared the court for 10 games this season for the Lakers, who hold a 33-21 record and sit in fifth place in the Western Conference as they enter the final stretch of the regular season. All three players have battled various injuries throughout the campaign.
Doncic has appeared in 42 games, contributing 8.6 assists and 7.8 rebounds alongside his league-leading scoring average. Reaves has been limited to just 28 games but ranks second on the team with 25.4 points per game while also adding 6.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds.
James, who missed the season’s opening games while recovering from sciatica in his right side, has participated in 36 contests and is averaging 22.0 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.8 rebounds.
In his debut season with Los Angeles, Ayton has contributed 13.2 points and leads the team with 8.5 rebounds per game across 46 appearances.
ESPN announced Thursday that it will launch a new prime-time programming block featuring women’s professional sports after losing its long-running baseball broadcast to a competitor network.
The sports network will debut “Women’s Sports Sundays” this summer, featuring live coverage from the WNBA and National Women’s Soccer League along with studio programming. The new format will include 12 live contests and related segments spanning nine weeks.
NBC secured the rights to Sunday evening baseball coverage, ending ESPN’s 36-year run with the weekly broadcast. The agreement between ESPN and Major League Baseball was terminated three years ahead of its original expiration date. NBC has secured broadcasting rights for Sunday baseball through 2028 at minimum.
ESPN executives believe they’re capitalizing on growing interest in women’s professional athletics.
“Women’s sports are experiencing continued momentum, and ‘Women’s Sports Sundays’ is ESPN’s next step in meeting that demand,” stated Rosalyn Durant, the network’s executive vice president of programming and acquisitions.
“This franchise is about more than showcasing games — it’s about building a consistent, high-profile destination that reflects the passion, excellence and cultural impact of women’s sports today, while giving athletes and leagues the stage they deserve,” Durant added.
The network has not yet revealed which specific games will be featured or who will handle broadcast duties.
According to industry reports, ESPN may expand the Sunday evening lineup to include women’s college basketball and other sports properties in upcoming seasons.
The women’s soccer league kicks off its season March 13 and runs through November. The NWSL has grown to 16 teams with new franchises in Boston and Denver joining this year.
Women’s basketball teams are set to begin training camps April 19, with the season scheduled to start May 8. However, ongoing labor negotiations could potentially delay the season’s launch. The players’ union contract expired in January, and discussions over revenue distribution and pay structures have made little headway.
Computer chip manufacturer Nvidia is reportedly on the verge of completing a $30 billion investment in OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, according to a Financial Times report released Thursday.
The investment would take the place of a larger $100 billion partnership that the two technology companies had previously announced but never completed, sources told the Financial Times.
According to the report, the agreement could be wrapped up as soon as this weekend and would be part of OpenAI’s latest effort to secure additional funding.
When contacted for comment, Nvidia representatives declined to provide a statement about the reported deal.
Earlier reports from January indicated that OpenAI was seeking to raise as much as $100 billion in fresh funding, which would put the artificial intelligence company’s value at approximately $830 billion.
The Financial Times report suggests that while OpenAI plans to use a significant portion of its new funding to purchase Nvidia’s computer hardware, the companies have decided not to move forward with the multi-year $100 billion investment agreement they had announced in September.
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has launched a fierce attack against NBA teams that intentionally lose games to secure better draft positions, describing the practice as disgraceful and comparing it to deliberately throwing contests.
In a social media statement posted Thursday, Ishbia expressed his disgust with the strategy, responding to a Yahoo Sports report about the league’s ongoing tanking issues. The controversy gained renewed attention after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver discussed the problem during All-Star Weekend, following financial penalties levied against two franchises.
“This is ridiculous! Tanking is losing behavior done by losers,” Ishbia declared on his X platform. “Purposely losing is something nobody should want to be associated with. Embarrassing for the league and for the organizations.”
The Suns owner didn’t stop there, escalating his criticism by questioning those who defend the approach as legitimate team-building.
“And the talk about this as a ‘strategy’ is ridiculous,” he added. “If you are a bad team, you get a good pick. That makes sense. But purposely shutting down players and purposely losing games is a disgrace and impacts the integrity of whole league. This is much worse than any prop bet scandal. This is throwing games strategically.”
Ishbia acquired the Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury from Robert Sarver in February 2023, paying $4 billion for both franchises.
Notably, Phoenix lacks control over its first-round draft selection until 2032 due to previous trades since 2023, eliminating any potential advantage from intentional losses.
“Horrible for fans that pay to watch and cheer on their team. And horrible for all the real teams that are competing for playoff spots,” stated Ishbia, who previously played basketball at Michigan State from 1999-2002, including during their 2000 championship campaign.
Commissioner Silver addressed the issue Saturday during All-Star Weekend in Inglewood, California, noting that teams’ obvious tanking efforts have reached unprecedented levels.
“Which was what led to those fines, and not just those fines but to my statement that we’re going to be looking more closely at the totality of all the circumstances this season in terms of teams’ behavior, and very intentionally wanted teams to be on notice,” Silver explained.
The Utah Jazz received a $500,000 penalty for restricting playing time for two key players, while the Indiana Pacers faced a $100,000 fine for roster decisions that sidelined three regular starters.
Silver indicated the league might implement harsher consequences, potentially including the loss of draft selections entirely.
“I think we’re coming at it in two ways,” Silver noted. “One is, again, focusing on the here and now, the behavior we’re seeing from our teams and doing whatever we can to remind them of what their obligation is to the fans and to their partner teams. But No. 2 … the competition committee started earlier this year re-examining the whole approach to how the draft lottery works.”
In his statement, Ishbia expressed confidence that Silver would address the problem through significant reforms.
“Those of us in a position of influence need to speak out,” Ishbia concluded. “… the only ‘strategy’ is doing right by fans, players, and the NBA community.”
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg was absent from Thursday’s spring training practice session, with first-year manager Craig Albernaz providing few details about when the player might return to action.
“He’s unable to participate right now,” Albernaz told reporters on Thursday. “Getting evaluated by our medical team and also outside people. See what’s going on with Jordan and get him ready to go.”
The 27-year-old player experienced tightness in his right oblique muscle during the early stages of spring training. However, Albernaz declined to confirm whether this muscle issue was the current reason for Westburg’s absence and refused to elaborate on any potential different injuries.
According to Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias, who spoke earlier this month, Westburg’s oblique problem has persisted since January.
The Baltimore Banner reported on Thursday that Westburg underwent elbow imaging, adding another layer of uncertainty to his condition.
“Just physically unable to go,” Albernaz explained. “We want to make sure we do our due diligence. Make sure Jordan has the best chance to play this year.”
Physical setbacks have plagued Westburg throughout his three-year tenure with Baltimore, who selected him as the 30th overall pick in the 2020 draft from Mississippi State University.
During the previous season, he appeared in 85 contests but spent time on the injured list for both a left hamstring problem and an ankle sprain. He also sat out portions of 2025 spring training due to back issues. In 2024, despite earning All-Star recognition and playing 107 games, he missed nearly two months after fracturing his hand.
Across 260 major league appearances, Westburg maintains a .264 batting average alongside 38 home runs and 127 runs batted in.
Wednesday’s agricultural commodity trading session concluded with mixed results across grain and livestock markets on February 19, 2026.
In grain markets, March corn contracts finished at $4.25 3/4, declining by 1 1/4 cents from the previous session. Meanwhile, March soybean futures climbed 7 1/2 cents to close at $11.41. Soybean-related products performed strongly, with March soybean meal advancing 90 cents to reach $304.80 per ton, and March soybean oil gaining 109 points to settle at 59.68 cents per pound.
Wheat futures also posted gains, with March Chicago wheat contracts rising 12 1/2 cents to end at $5.59 1/2 per bushel.
Livestock markets showed varied performance as well. April live cattle contracts increased 90 cents to close at $243.42 per hundredweight, while March feeder cattle dropped 30 cents to $370.27. April lean hog futures moved higher, finishing at $93.45 per hundredweight.
Independent oil refineries are mounting opposition to modified legislative proposals that would enable continuous, nationwide distribution of E15 ethanol fuel throughout all seasons. This resistance from smaller industry players, including companies such as Delek US and Monroe Energy owned by Delta Air Lines, creates challenges for congressional representatives from agricultural regions who have been advocating for the expanded ethanol program. The pushback highlights ongoing tensions within the petroleum industry regarding biofuel requirements and market regulations.
A motor vehicle collision has forced authorities to completely shut down eastbound Valley Road at its intersection with Limestone Road (Route 7), according to the Delaware Department of Transportation.
DelDOT officials are urging motorists to find alternative routes while emergency responders work at the crash site. The closure is affecting traffic flow in the area as crews address the incident.
No additional details about the severity of the crash or potential injuries have been released at this time. Drivers should expect delays and plan accordingly until the roadway can be safely reopened.
Shares of Mexican restaurant chain Guzman y Gomez tumbled to their lowest point ever on Friday, falling 16% despite the company posting first-half earnings that exceeded Wall Street expectations.
The fast-casual dining company went public on Australia’s stock exchange in June 2024 in what became the country’s largest public offering in three years. The initial public offering brought in A$335.1 million (equivalent to $236.45 million) and valued the business at A$2.2 billion, making it the third-largest IPO in Australia over a five-year period.
Investors have grown increasingly skeptical of the chain’s aggressive U.S. expansion strategy as American consumers pull back on dining spending due to rising prices and economic uncertainty. The company has become a bellwether for how Australia’s fast-food industry is performing overall.
During early Friday trading, GYG stock dropped as low as A$17.00 per share. This represents a decline of roughly 23% from its original IPO pricing of A$22 and sits 63% below the peak price of A$45.99 it reached twelve months ago.
Analysts at Citi observed that while “the company is executing well,” the pace “is not as fast as the market is expecting.”
They added: “It’s hard to see what’s new in this result that would make investors chase the stock higher, especially given the valuation.”
The company’s American operations saw network sales surge 67% to reach A$8.2 million during the first six months, though this figure fell short of analyst projections of A$9.2 million from Visible Alpha. Bad weather conditions around Chicago during the December quarter also negatively impacted comparable store sales performance.
Looking ahead, GYG anticipates that losses from its U.S. operations will grow modestly through June, building on the A$13.2 million deficit recorded in fiscal 2025. The company also warned of potential near-term sales challenges as it transitions from its DoorDash delivery partnership to working with Uber Eats instead.
In Australia, which remains the company’s primary revenue source, first-half network sales climbed to A$673.6 million ($475.29 million), representing a 17.5% increase from the previous year. Management projects full-year profit margins could reach 6.2%, up from 5.7% in the prior year.
For the six-month period ending December 31, the restaurant operator posted net profit after taxes of A$10.6 million. This beat analyst consensus estimates of A$9.2 million and improved upon last year’s A$7.3 million result.
Overall group network sales rose 18% to A$681.8 million, though this missed the Visible Alpha consensus forecast of A$687.3 million.
The company announced an interim dividend payment of 7.4 Australian cents per share.
Florida’s state legislature has given final approval to a proposal that would rename Palm Beach International Airport in honor of President Donald Trump.
The Florida Senate passed the legislation Thursday with a 25-11 vote, following the state House’s earlier approval by an 81-30 margin just days before.
The voting largely split along party lines, with Republican members backing the proposal while Democratic legislators voiced opposition to changing the airport’s name.
Democratic U.S. Representative Lois Frankel, who serves West Palm Beach, criticized the process, stating: “It’s misguided and unfair that the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature ignored the voices of Palm Beach County by pushing forward a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport without giving County residents a real opportunity for input.”
The legislation now awaits action from Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who has yet to indicate his position on the measure. His office has not responded to requests for comment regarding the bill.
Neither the White House nor representatives from Palm Beach County or the Trump Organization provided immediate responses when asked about the proposed name change.
This latest move follows Florida’s decision last year to designate a downtown Miami location for Trump’s future presidential library.
Originally from New York, Trump relocated to Florida in 2019, leaving his Trump Tower penthouse to establish his primary residence at the Mar-a-Lago resort in West Palm Beach.
Delaware State University’s College of Business recently wrapped up its fourth annual Black Male Initiative Conference, continuing a tradition aimed at supporting and empowering Black male students in their academic and professional journeys.
The conference represents an ongoing effort by the Dover-based university to address educational and career development needs within the Black male student population, particularly in business-related fields.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that DSU’s business college has organized this specialized conference, demonstrating the institution’s sustained commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives.
The Black Male Initiative Conference serves as a platform for networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities specifically tailored to Black male students pursuing business education at the historically black university.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has launched his nation’s most significant political gathering, where he’s anticipated to outline his policy priorities for the coming five years while solidifying his family’s grip on power.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported Friday that the Workers’ Party Congress began Thursday in Pyongyang, with Kim delivering remarks focused on economic development.
According to Kim, the nation has achieved substantial advancement since the previous 2021 gathering, which took place amid the COVID-19 crisis. He pointed to economic improvements and stronger regional positioning that he described as an “irreversible” enhancement of the country’s standing.
“This created favorable conditions and circumstances for giving a greater spur to our socialist construction,” he said. “Our party is faced with heavy and urgent historic tasks of boosting economic construction and the people’s standard of living and transforming all realms of state and social life as early as possible.”
Government media outlets haven’t yet reported whether Kim addressed his ongoing tensions with the United States and South Korea or discussed his nuclear weapons development.
In recent years, Kim has used Russia’s conflict in Ukraine as an opportunity to develop his nuclear and missile programs while building closer ties with Moscow. He has sent thousands of soldiers and significant military supplies to support Russia’s war effort, potentially receiving economic assistance and military technology in return. Kim has also strengthened relationships with China, North Korea’s traditional partner and economic supporter, visiting Beijing last year for a World War II commemoration and holding his first summit in six years.
Although North Korea’s tight control over information makes it difficult to assess the country’s actual economic condition, international analysts believe there has been steady improvement, likely helped by increased trade with China after the pandemic and weapons sales to Russia.
The multi-day congress follows weeks of preparation during which Kim showcased his military strength and visited defense facilities and major construction projects to highlight his claimed accomplishments over the past five years. Kim stated that approximately 5,000 representatives are attending the gathering, including 224 central party leadership members.
Analysts predict Kim will use this opportunity to outline future economic objectives and additional plans to expand his nuclear-equipped military, which already possesses various weapons systems aimed at U.S. partners in Asia and long-range missiles that could potentially reach American territory.
South Korea’s intelligence service informed legislators last week that they’re monitoring whether Kim might use the congress to elevate his teenage daughter — reportedly named Kim Ju Ae and approximately 13 years old — as a possible heir, establishing the regime’s fourth-generation leadership transition.
Diplomatic discussions between Pyongyang and Washington have stalled since 2019, after talks between Kim and President Donald Trump broke down over disputes regarding U.S. sanctions related to North Korea’s nuclear activities. Kim’s administration has rejected American overtures for renewed dialogue since Trump returned to office, insisting that Washington must first drop its demands for North Korea’s nuclear disarmament before any negotiations can proceed.
North Korea has also halted virtually all communication and cooperation with South Korea following Kim’s disagreement with Trump. Tensions between the neighboring countries have intensified in recent years as Kim abandoned North Korea’s historical objective of peaceful reunification and established a confrontational “two-state” framework for the Korean Peninsula, a position he may further embed in the Workers’ Party’s founding document during this congress, according to experts.
CHICAGO — Plans to honor the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. have grown to encompass multiple cities, with memorial events now scheduled for Washington D.C. and South Carolina in addition to his longtime home base of Chicago, his Rainbow PUSH Coalition revealed Thursday.
The renowned civil rights activist and former presidential hopeful passed away earlier this week at 84 following a prolonged struggle with an uncommon neurological condition that impaired his mobility and speech capabilities.
While Jackson’s body will remain on display at his Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s Chicago offices next week, followed by public memorial and funeral ceremonies, the timing for the Chicago events has been adjusted. Additional formal services have been added to take place between March 1st and 4th in both the nation’s capital and South Carolina, Jackson’s birthplace.
The Rainbow PUSH Coalition has not yet released additional specifics about these expanded arrangements.
On Wednesday, Jackson’s grown children assembled outside their family residence in Chicago, explaining that the funeral proceedings would welcome large crowds and be open to all. They pledged to carry forward his lifelong commitment to social justice.
“Although his body is absent from us, his spirit suffuses and infuses us, and it charges us to continue with the work,” said Santita Jackson, his eldest child.
Chicago will host a public memorial celebration at House of Hope, a venue accommodating 10,000 attendees, on March 6th. A private funeral service will follow the subsequent day at Rainbow PUSH headquarters, with live streaming available to the public.
Jackson gained national recognition six decades ago as a mentee of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., participating in the historic voting rights demonstration from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Dr. King later assigned Jackson to establish Operation Breadbasket in Chicago, a Southern Christian Leadership Conference initiative designed to encourage businesses to employ Black workers. Jackson stood alongside King during the civil rights leader’s assassination on April 4, 1968.
NEW YORK — A federal court has thrown out a racketeering case brought by a former interim New York City police commissioner who claimed the department operated like a “criminal enterprise” under then-Mayor Eric Adams.
Thomas Donlon, a veteran FBI official who Adams brought in during July to help steady the troubled police force, filed the original legal action alleging he discovered widespread corruption and illegal behavior.
According to Donlon’s claims, Adams and his inner circle regularly allowed inflated overtime payments, shut down internal probes, and retaliated against officers who spoke out about wrongdoing.
Federal Judge Denise Cote ruled Wednesday that the accusations failed to satisfy racketeering requirements since the lawsuit didn’t demonstrate defendants were working toward “a common purpose.”
City Law Department representatives expressed satisfaction that “the court agreed there was no legal basis for this case to continue.” Adams’ spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.
Donlon’s legal representative, John Scola, confirmed an appeal has been filed.
“Mr. Donlon confronted corruption within the NYPD’s highest ranks and was forced out for refusing to engage in illegal conduct,” Scola said. “We are confident the Second Circuit will allow his claims to proceed.”
Adams had selected Donlon after Edward Caban stepped down as police commissioner when federal agents confiscated his phone during an extensive investigation into the administration.
Donlon held the temporary position for roughly two months before Jessica Tisch took over permanent leadership of the department.
This legal challenge represented one of multiple cases brought by experienced police leadership describing widespread corruption and favoritism within the force during Adams’ tenure.
Federal prosecutors have recently filed several bribery charges against former police department officials who worked under Adams’ administration.
A legendary Philadelphia mosaic artist who transformed the city’s landscape with glittering mirror installations has passed away at age 86.
Isaiah Zagar died Thursday at his residence due to heart failure and Parkinson’s disease complications, according to an announcement from Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, the nonprofit organization he established.
The Philadelphia native had returned to his hometown alongside his wife Julia in 1968 following their service with the Peace Corps in Peru. Throughout the following decades, Zagar produced hundreds of public mosaic installations, with many concentrated along Philadelphia’s vibrant South Street area where the couple made their home.
“He loved South Street, the city of Philadelphia, and the community fostered here with all of his heart,” stated Emily Smith, the nonprofit’s executive director.
Zagar’s artistic technique involved incorporating shattered glass, ceramic tiles, mirrors, and various salvaged materials to decorate building facades, walls, and narrow passages throughout the city. The foundation described his work as leaving “an everlasting mark on our city.” His signature installation, the immersive Magic Gardens located on South Street, attracts thousands of annual visitors.
Urban development posed challenges to preserving some of his creations, notably a massive mosaic covering The Painted Bride Art Center building in the Old City district, which Zagar developed during the 1990s. Following extensive legal battles, demolition commenced in December, though preservation efforts are underway to save portions of Zagar’s artwork.
“While Isaiah lived with ups and downs of mental health struggles, and later with Parkinson’s Disease, he endlessly turned to his art-making to not only express himself, but as a tool to survive,” Smith explained.
Zagar leaves behind his wife, whom he regarded as his creative inspiration and collaborator, along with two sons. One son, Jeremiah Zagar, is a filmmaker who created the 2008 documentary “In A Dream” chronicling his father’s artistic journey.
A federal judge has mandated an independent authority take control of healthcare services within Arizona’s prison system following more than a decade of legal battles over substandard medical treatment.
U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver issued the ruling Thursday, establishing what’s known as a receivership after determining that Arizona failed to address constitutional violations in prisoner healthcare that resulted in avoidable deaths and unnecessary suffering.
In her decision, Silver stated that Arizona has failed to achieve meaningful compliance with court-mandated reforms and constitutional requirements throughout nearly 14 years of legal proceedings. She wrote that continuing the current approach “would be nothing short of judicial indulgence of deeply entrenched unconstitutional conduct.”
The judge emphasized that inmates continue to face “an intolerable grave and immediate threat of continuing harm and suffering because the systemic deficiencies pervade the administration of health care.”
Both the state and prisoner advocacy attorneys now have 60 days to present potential candidates who could oversee medical and mental health services across the prison system. The corrections department has not yet responded to requests for comment following the order.
David Fathi, an attorney representing the inmates, praised the decision’s potential impact. “This decision means that an independent authority will be able to implement the systemic changes necessary to ensure that medical and mental health care meets constitutional standards,” Fathi said. “This is a life-saving intervention, and it brings hope that the preventable suffering and deaths that have haunted Arizona’s prison system for over a decade can finally end.”
Prisoner advocates argued for this more aggressive intervention, claiming Arizona has shown minimal progress since Silver’s 2022 ruling and that the healthcare system remains fundamentally flawed, putting inmates requiring medical attention at continued risk.
Arizona’s prison healthcare system, serving approximately 25,000 inmates across state-operated facilities, has faced sustained criticism for more than ten years regarding inadequate and negligent care practices.
The state committed to reforming medical and mental health services through a 2014 settlement agreement but was subsequently accused of breaking numerous commitments. This resulted in $2.5 million in contempt penalties and Silver’s eventual cancellation of the settlement after determining that prison officials demonstrated minimal commitment to implementing required changes.
Following the failed settlement, Silver ruled against Arizona in a 2022 trial and issued an injunction demanding corrections officials remedy the constitutional violations.
While prisoner attorneys contend the state lacks proper leadership to achieve compliance within a reasonable timeframe, corrections officials maintain they have significantly reformed the prison healthcare system over the past two years through expanded treatment access, increased staffing levels, and new medical housing facilities.
Prison officials argue that opposing attorneys refuse to recognize their achievements and “focus on the reputation and circumstances of the past rather than recognizing or even supporting the good work of the present.” Department lawyers insist agency leadership has operated in good faith regarding court directives.
Prisoner attorneys previously requested a similar takeover in September 2019, but Silver declined at that time, stating she would reconsider if the state demonstrated bad faith or failed to comply with court-ordered reforms. Federal judges have implemented comparable receiverships in other states, including California in 2005, where a judge assumed control of the prison medical system after finding that approximately one inmate died weekly from medical negligence or malpractice.
This legal action does not encompass the nearly 10,000 individuals housed in private prisons under state contracts.
NEW ORLEANS — Hollywood actor Shia LaBeouf is facing battery charges following a violent altercation at a New Orleans establishment during Fat Tuesday celebrations, where authorities say he attacked several patrons while shouting anti-gay slurs.
According to a police incident report obtained through public records, the 39-year-old actor grew increasingly hostile throughout the evening at the Royal Street Inn & R Bar, located near the famous French Quarter, where he punched several individuals.
Local performer Jeffrey Damnit, identified in official documents as Jeffrey Klein, confirmed he was among those targeted in LaBeouf’s alleged rampage.
“He hit me, he connected a few times with punches, he pushed me a few times,” Damnit told reporters.
The entertainer described how LaBeouf “just got nuts” while attempting to provoke confrontations and threatening to physically harm him and other patrons. Damnit explained that earlier in the evening, LaBeouf had shoved him from behind while screaming homophobic epithets and making death threats.
Wearing cosmetics and lipstick at the time, Damnit believes his appearance triggered LaBeouf’s violent behavior.
“That’s just somehow something that set him off, angered him and gave him a direction for his anger,” Damnit explained. “This guy wants me to be dead because I wear makeup. It’s a screwed up thing.”
Surveillance footage captured a bare-chested LaBeouf pushing one victim to the floor and punching another person in the face, “causing his nose to possibly dislocate,” the police documentation reveals.
Despite attempts by Damnit and other bar patrons to restrain LaBeouf and convince him to depart, he refused to leave and escalated his aggressive behavior, according to witness accounts and official reports.
Officers responded to the scene at approximately 12:45 a.m. during the height of the city’s renowned Fat Tuesday festivities.
Additional footage captured by Damnit and provided to news outlets shows LaBeouf appearing to mouth homophobic slurs while being taken into custody. The police report confirms he continued using such language throughout his arrest.
“These f–––––s put me in jail,” LaBeouf stated, before informing officers of his Catholic faith, according to the documentation.
“I didn’t shove nobody, I never touched nobody,” LaBeouf can be heard telling New Orleans officers in Damnit’s recorded video.
LaBeouf’s representatives have not responded to requests for comment. In the early morning hours of February 18, LaBeouf posted “Free me” on his social media account.
A New Orleans magistrate released LaBeouf from jail on Tuesday without requiring bail, confirmed Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Gary Scheets. The actor is charged with two counts of simple battery.
Subsequent video footage shows LaBeouf celebrating in the French Quarter, apparently displaying his jail release documentation while dancing.
Damnit, who belongs to the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, expressed concern that pursuing charges against LaBeouf might negatively impact his entertainment career.
This incident adds to LaBeouf’s growing list of legal issues. Following a 2017 New York arrest for public intoxication and disorderly behavior that was broadcast live online, he was mandated to complete rehabilitation treatment.
Later in 2017, while filming “The Peanut Butter Falcon” in Georgia, he faced another arrest for public drunkenness and accusations of disorderly conduct and obstruction, resulting in probation.
Los Angeles authorities charged him with misdemeanor battery and petty theft in 2020.
That same year, British singer and actress FKA Twigs, legally named Tahliah Barnett, filed a lawsuit claiming LaBeouf subjected her to physical and emotional abuse during their romantic relationship. The case was resolved through settlement in July.
Barnett alleged that LaBeouf maintained a pattern of intimidation and degradation, including slamming her against a vehicle, attempting to choke her, and deliberately transmitting a sexually transmitted infection.
Following the lawsuit’s filing, LaBeouf issued a public apology. However, in a 2021 legal response, he disputed the allegations and denied responsibility for any harm or damages Barnett claimed to have suffered.
The performer initially rose to prominence as a young actor on Disney Channel’s “Even Stevens” before transitioning to adult roles. His most recognizable performances include starring in 2007’s “Transformers” and 2008’s “Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull.”
LaBeouf and actress Mia Goth welcomed a daughter in 2022.
The University of Delaware Blue Hens football program announced Thursday that they’ve brought back one of their own to join the coaching staff. Paul Worrilow, who graduated from UD in 2013 and went on to captain an NFL team, has been named as a new assistant coach.
Head coach Ryan Carty revealed that Worrilow will be responsible for coaching the bandit linebackers. This marks the former Blue Hen’s second time working with the Newark-based program in a coaching capacity.
The addition brings professional football experience to the Blue Hens’ coaching roster, as Worrilow brings his background as both a UD graduate and former NFL team captain to help develop the next generation of Delaware football players.
Canadian women’s hockey captain Marie-Philip Poulin is departing Milan with a knee injury but her head held high, commending her squad for their hard-fought overtime battle that ended in a 2-1 defeat to Team USA in the Olympic championship game.
Holding a 1-0 advantage with just over two minutes remaining in regular play, the Canadians appeared destined for gold until Hilary Knight tied the score for the Americans. The defending Olympic champions ultimately settled for silver following Megan Keller’s game-winning goal in overtime.
“We came out, we wanted to play, we wanted to make it difficult for them and we did. Honestly, we knew it was going to be a battle, it was going to be up and down, and it was,” Poulin explained. The team captain had been sidelined for the tournament’s final two group matches due to her knee problem before making her return during the quarterfinal round.
“Overtime against the US? I don’t think it’s a surprise for anybody,” she added.
The 34-year-old player, nicknamed “Captain Clutch,” has orchestrated many of Canada’s most memorable Olympic achievements since making her international debut in 2010. She scored her first of three Olympic goals at age 18 on Canadian ice, establishing herself as a cornerstone of the national program.
During this Milan tournament, Poulin added another chapter to her storied career by setting a new Olympic record for career goals scored during the semifinal match. For Canadian hockey, imagining a future without her leadership seems nearly impossible, as she has achieved national icon status.
However, the veteran center who has delivered powerful performances across her 16-year Olympic journey skillfully avoided giving a direct answer when pressed about whether this fifth Olympic appearance would mark her final Games, stating her uncertainty about retirement plans.
Rather than focusing on her own future, she chose to highlight her teammates’ accomplishments and encouraged them to value their silver medal achievement.
“Just letting them know that that (loss) does not define them, that I’m proud of them, that they showed up,” she stated. “They can keep their head high because it’s truly an honour to be along their side.”
New Mexico’s top prosecutor has launched a fresh criminal investigation into activities at Jeffrey Epstein’s former ranch, citing newly released federal documents that contain previously undisclosed information about the late financier’s alleged crimes.
Attorney General Raul Torrez announced Thursday that his office would reopen the state’s criminal probe into Epstein’s Zorro Ranch, located approximately 30 miles south of Santa Fe. The decision comes after the U.S. Justice Department released millions of Epstein-related documents on January 30, revealing new details about three decades of alleged criminal activity in New Mexico.
The previous attorney general, Democrat Hector Balderas, had shuttered the state investigation in 2019 to prevent interference with ongoing federal cases. The renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s activities has created political challenges for President Donald Trump, a Republican.
“Revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination,” stated Lauren Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the New Mexico Department of Justice.
This criminal investigation runs parallel to a separate legislative inquiry that began just two days earlier. New Mexico’s Democratic-controlled legislature established what lawmakers describe as the first thorough investigation into alleged crimes at the ranch, creating a committee to hear testimony at the statehouse.
Rodriguez explained that state prosecutors and special agents will request complete, unredacted access to the Justice Department’s Epstein case files and will coordinate with the legislative committee’s investigation.
The criminal probe will focus on “collection and preservation of any relevant evidence that remains available,” Rodriguez added.
Neither the U.S. Justice Department nor the FBI provided immediate responses to requests for comment.
Epstein died by suicide in a New York detention facility in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
The Zorro Ranch property was purchased in 2023 by Texas businessman and politician Don Huffines from Epstein’s estate. A representative for Huffines confirmed that law enforcement has not yet contacted the current owners about accessing the property, but pledged “full and complete cooperation” if such requests are made.
Huffines announced on social media Monday his intention to convert the ranch into a Christian retreat center.
The New Mexico Department of Justice revealed Wednesday that investigators are examining a particularly disturbing claim from the newly released federal documents: allegations that Epstein directed the burial of two foreign girls’ bodies in hills surrounding the Zorro Ranch property.
MILAN – In a storybook finish to an illustrious Olympic career, Team USA women’s hockey captain Hilary Knight delivered when it mattered most, netting a critical late-game goal that pushed Thursday’s championship contest into overtime before her squad defeated Canada to claim the gold medal.
The 36-year-old Knight made history as the first American ice hockey athlete to participate in five Olympic Games, and she now adds a second gold medal to her collection alongside three previous silvers. Her clutch scoring performance also established a new record, making her the top goal scorer among U.S. women at Winter Olympic competitions with 15 career tallies.
“Legends do legendary things, and she deserves every little bit of that,” said teammate Abbey Murphy about Knight’s performance.
“She shines in big moments, and what she’s done for this team, however many years ago she joined the USA Women’s Hockey programme, which is insane,” Murphy continued. “The leader she is on and off the ice, and her actions, she’s the best. You guys have no idea what she does for us.”
Despite the Americans’ earlier 5-0 domination of Canada during group play in Milan, they found themselves behind as the final minutes ticked away. That’s when Knight positioned herself perfectly at the goal mouth to deflect a shot from rookie teammate Leila Edwards, creating a beautiful combination between the experienced veteran and newcomer.
“We had a lot of traffic there, so I just moved to the net, and Hilary’s there, and she’ll take care of it,” Edwards explained. “I’m so honoured, and to learn from her every day. It’s just been a blessing.”
Even in those pressure-packed final moments, Knight maintained complete confidence in her team’s ability to create an opportunity.
“There was no way we were losing this game, simple as that,” Knight declared. “We had some awesome heavy hitters on the ice. I knew we were going to get possession, so I just had to find a place in front of the net.”
Teammate Hayley Scamurra, who experienced the disappointment of losing to Canada in the 2022 championship game alongside Knight, felt this victory seemed destined to happen.
“I think you could have called that from the start, for sure,” Scamurra remarked. “I knew she was going to have a big game today, and she was absolutely incredible. I think having her score that goal really motivated our team to kind of keep going.”
The championship victory capped off an extraordinary few days for Knight personally. Just before the final game, she revealed her engagement to American speedskater Brittany Bowe, who is also competing in her final Olympic Games.
Following the medal presentation ceremony, Knight remained on the ice longer than most of her teammates, gliding slowly around the rink with the American flag across her shoulders, clearly savoring every moment of her Olympic farewell.
“I’ve said this is my last Games and I’ve had a heck of a week personally. So it’s been an incredible ride,” Knight reflected. “I love this group. It’s so special to be able to play at this level. I feel a lot of gratitude. It’s such a magical moment and I’m just trying to soak it all in.”
Citigroup announced Thursday that it has named Chad Reddy to serve as market executive for the western region of its Private Bank North America division.
Reddy brings extensive experience in wealth management, having spent a quarter-century in the industry. His most recent position was as managing director and market leader at Bank of America Private Bank, where he worked for over 15 years.
Prior to his tenure at Bank of America, Reddy held executive positions at Wells Fargo Private Bank.
In his new role, Reddy will work under Chris Biotti, who leads Citi Private Bank North America.
The appointment represents part of Citigroup’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its private banking presence across North America.
International banking giant HSBC has eliminated jobs within its United States debt capital markets division, according to a Bloomberg News report published Thursday.
The layoffs affected roughly one-tenth of the team’s workforce, with a minimum of six employees losing their positions at the New York office on Thursday, sources with knowledge of the situation told Bloomberg.
These job cuts represent part of HSBC’s broader effort to reduce expenses following the bank’s announcement last October that it would restructure this particular business unit.
When contacted for verification, Reuters was unable to independently confirm the Bloomberg report’s details.
HSBC has not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding the reported layoffs.
Team USA celebrated a golden night at the Milan Cortina Olympics, claiming championship titles in both women’s hockey and figure skating on Thursday.
In a dramatic overtime battle, the American women’s hockey squad captured their third Olympic gold medal by defeating Canada 2-1. Megan Keller delivered the winning strike with a backhand shot 4 minutes and 7 seconds into the extra period, capping off another intense showdown between these longtime rivals.
Team captain Hilary Knight sent the game into overtime by deflecting Laila Edwards’ shot from the blue line with just 2:04 left on the clock. That goal marked Knight’s 15th Olympic career goal and 33rd career point, establishing new U.S. records in both statistical categories. The Americans previously claimed Olympic gold in women’s hockey during the inaugural 1998 Nagano Games and again in 2018 at Pyeongchang.
Meanwhile, Alysa Liu brought home Olympic gold in women’s figure skating, breaking a 24-year championship dry spell for American women in the sport. Liu executed an almost perfect free skate performance, earning a personal-best score of 226.79 points to edge out Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai for the title.
Liu had returned to competitive skating after taking time away following the Beijing Olympics. Both Japanese competitors made costly errors during their routines, with Sakamoto earning silver and Nakai taking bronze despite their mistakes. American teammate Amber Glenn joined Liu in celebration and finished fifth overall after recovering from a disappointing short program earlier in the week.
In other Olympic news, the sport of curling continued its marathon run through the Games, with athletes expressing exhaustion from the demanding schedule. A total of 147 curling matches are being packed into 18 days of competition, beginning two days before the Opening Ceremonies and running through the final day of events.
Back in the United States, the Chicago Bears’ potential relocation to Indiana gained momentum as a key legislative committee approved plans for a stadium authority. The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee unanimously passed legislation creating the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, which would finance and construct a new venue. The Bears are eyeing property near Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana, calling the legislative action “the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date.”
In college sports developments, South Carolina lawmakers approved legislation to keep athlete compensation deals confidential under Name, Image and Likeness rules. The state joins Arkansas, Utah, Colorado and Kentucky in shielding these financial arrangements from public view, despite criticism from transparency advocates.
NCAA officials announced that any discussions about expanding the March Madness basketball tournaments will wait until after this year’s competitions conclude. Senior vice president Dan Gavitt confirmed the organization won’t consider proposals to grow the field to 72 or 76 teams until the current tournaments wrap up.
In NASCAR news, Joe Gibbs Racing filed a federal lawsuit against former competition director Chris Gabehart, alleging he stole confidential information worth more than $8 million to benefit rival Spire Motorsports. The team claims laptop searches revealed Gabehart accessed sensitive setup data and misled them about his plans to join the competing organization.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is expected to play against the Houston Rockets despite being involved in a two-vehicle collision Wednesday in Charlotte. Ball was reportedly driving his custom camouflage Hummer through an intersection when the crash occurred, but he was not listed on the team’s injury report.
Finally, the University of Georgia football program faces renewed scrutiny over player driving violations after linebackers Chris Cole and Darren Ikinnagbon were arrested on reckless driving and speeding charges. Coach Kirby Smart had previously expressed frustration about ongoing driving offenses, with three players leaving the program last season following similar arrests.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk issued an emergency directive Thursday, calling on all Polish nationals currently in Iran to depart the country without delay as deteriorating security conditions threaten to close evacuation pathways.
“In a few hours, there may be no more possibility to evacuate Poles from Iran,” Tusk declared, emphasizing the urgent need for “all Poles in Iran” to leave immediately.
The Polish government has conducted similar rescue operations in the past during escalating tensions across the Middle East, with previous missions involving Polish nationals traveling through adjacent nations before being transported back to Poland, as reported by Polish government media and diplomatic officials.
The United States issued its second evacuation advisory in early February, with the State Department strongly recommending that American citizens depart Iran immediately. The Virtual U.S. Embassy warned Americans to make departure plans independently without counting on U.S. government support, pointing to escalating security threats, communication limitations, and volatile travel circumstances. The initial American warning was released in January following widespread demonstrations and violent government responses.
According to Israel’s national broadcaster Kan, Israeli officials have elevated their military alert status Thursday and believe a potential conflict with Iran may commence “within days,” possibly extending into a multi-week military operation.
These evacuation warnings align with reports of substantial American military reinforcement throughout the Middle East. Axios reported, referencing flight tracking information and a U.S. official, that the Trump administration deployed a second naval carrier battle group to the area last week. The report indicates over 50 combat aircraft, including F-35, F-22, and F-16 fighters, have been repositioned to Middle Eastern bases in the past day.
The Wall Street Journal characterized the current American air force deployment as the most extensive regional presence since the 2003 Iraq invasion. The publication noted this military buildup would enable extended operations beyond the scope of last June’s U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear installations during the Israel-Iran conflict, which utilized B-2 strategic bombers.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared his isolated nation has defeated economic hardship and reached significant milestones during the launch of the country’s most significant political gathering, according to state-run media reports released Friday.
The Ninth Party Congress began Thursday, marking the nation’s most important political assembly that occurs every half-decade to assess progress, establish fresh policy directions, and potentially shuffle leadership positions under supreme leader Kim.
During his opening remarks, Kim stated North Korea had achieved “significant accomplishments” during the previous five-year period across political, economic, defense, cultural and diplomatic areas, strengthening the country’s independence.
Regarding international relations, North Korea has created a “big change” in its connections with other nations and influenced worldwide political dynamics, Kim declared.
Notably absent from Kim’s address were any references to ties with the United States or neighboring South Korea, and he made no mention of his nation’s nuclear weapons development program.
The gathering, drawing 5,000 members of the ruling Workers’ Party, received presentations outlining fresh objectives and strategies across multiple areas for the upcoming five-year period, state media KCNA announced.
Observers expect North Korea to display military strength through parades and announce weapons development targets during the conference.
Political experts are watching closely to see if Kim receives the “president” designation and whether his teenage daughter, Ju Ae, appears publicly or gains an official position.
Growing speculation among researchers and South Korean intelligence suggests Kim may be preparing Ju Ae as his eventual successor.
Kim described conditions during the previous Eighth Congress as “extremely challenging,” pointing to natural catastrophes and a global health emergency, clearly referencing the COVID-19 pandemic. The nation’s economic systems and industries were operating under outdated methods, Kim acknowledged.
North Korea’s economic performance hit its worst decline in over two decades during 2020, hammered by ongoing United Nations sanctions, coronavirus restrictions, and severe weather conditions, according to South Korea’s central banking authority.
However, recent indicators suggest improvement, with the economy expanding 3.7% in 2024, marking the strongest yearly growth in eight years, supported by strengthened economic partnerships with Russia, based on Bank of Korea calculations.
“Everything has changed fundamentally for the past five years,” Kim stated.
He urged party officials to work toward transforming the nation across all areas to boost economic development and enhance citizens’ living standards “as soon as possible.”
This week, Kim celebrated finishing 10,000 new residential units in Pyongyang, fulfilling the 50,000-home construction target established during the Eighth Congress.
The duration of this gathering remains uncertain, though the Seventh Congress lasted four days while the Eighth Congress extended to eight days.
A community south of Tel Aviv continues to process the aftermath of a devastating attack that claimed nine lives and shattered their sense of security.
In Bat Yam, residents are opening up about their experiences following last June’s Iranian missile attack that struck a residential building in their neighborhood. The deadly incident has left survivors grappling with a complex mix of emotions as they try to move forward.
According to reporting by The Media Line, those who lived through the attack describe feelings that range from determination and strength to weariness and doubt about what lies ahead. The community finds itself caught between trying to rebuild normalcy while remaining on edge about potential future conflicts.
The video interviews were conducted close to where the missile struck, serving as a stark reminder of the violence that disrupted their daily lives. As diplomatic tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, these residents face the challenging reality of living with both the memory of past trauma and anxiety about what tomorrow might bring.
Their stories highlight the human cost of regional conflicts and the lasting impact such events have on ordinary people trying to live their lives in areas affected by geopolitical tensions.
MILAN – Team USA’s women’s hockey squad claimed Olympic gold Thursday evening in dramatic fashion, overcoming Canada 2-1 in an overtime battle that delivered payback against their northern rivals at the Milano Cortina Olympics.
Megan Keller delivered the championship-clinching goal in sudden death, toppling the defending titleholders in a heart-stopping contest that sent American supporters into celebration mode at Santagiulia Arena.
The Americans appeared destined for another heartbreak against their longtime adversaries after falling behind late in the final period, reminiscent of their defeat to Canada four years earlier.
However, team captain Hilary Knight stepped up when it mattered most in her fifth Olympic appearance, evening the score to force the championship match into three-on-three overtime play. Keller then maneuvered past defender Claire Thompson and tucked the puck beyond Canada’s netminder to secure America’s third Olympic women’s hockey championship.
The matchup delivered another memorable installment in hockey’s most intense rivalry, with capacity crowds alternating between “Canada!” and “USA!” chants from the opening faceoff.
Despite entering as favorites after blanking Canada 5-0 during preliminary play, the Americans faced early resistance as Canadian goalkeeper Ann-Renee Desbiens delivered an outstanding first-period performance.
Team USA had an excellent opportunity to break through with an early second-period power play advantage. However, Canada capitalized on their defensive stand when Laura Stacey intercepted the puck at center ice, advanced forward and fed Kristin O’Neill, who executed a skillful backhand maneuver for a short-handed score.
Trailing for the first time during the tournament, the United States struggled to solve Desbiens until pulling their goaltender for an additional attacker with roughly two minutes remaining in regulation time.
Knight deflected a shot from Olympic newcomer Laila Edwards to net their crucial equalizer, simultaneously establishing a new U.S. women’s Olympic Winter Games scoring record.
“She’s been a part of every historic moment since she’s been a part of this team. For her to get that goal was obviously most important for our team but also just a huge honour for her to break that record,” said Kelly Pannek, Knight’s teammate on their 2018 gold medal-winning group.
“It’s something we all want for her.”
This marked the third occasion in four recent Olympics where these nations required overtime to decide their championship meeting, with spectators holding their breath until Keller concluded the contest just over four minutes into the extra session.
“Everything happened fast,” Desbiens said of the score that just squeaked over the line. “I’ll see that one for a long time.”
American goaltender Aerin Frankel rose to the occasion as well, ultimately stopping 30 of 31 Canadian attempts.
With coach John Wroblewski shedding tears of happiness on the sideline, the American squad celebrated wildly while their Canadian counterparts watched solemnly before the medal presentation, as supporters danced to Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA.”
The result extended Canada’s losing streak against the Americans to eight consecutive games.
Canada previously held dominance over the United States with five Olympic championships. However, warning signs emerged before they took the ice in Milan.
Team USA captured last year’s world championship before sweeping Canada in their four-game November and December rivalry series, creating unease among Canadian supporters heading into the Olympics.
As American youth prevailed over Canadian veteran experience Thursday, U.S. supporters can anticipate future success, given several college players on the roster have yet to enter professional competition.
The Americans competed in their seventh Olympic championship contest, missing only one title game since women’s hockey joined the Olympic program in 1998. Switzerland earned bronze earlier Thursday with a 2-1 overtime victory against Sweden.
Washington Wizards point guard Trae Young is taking steps toward his first appearance in a Wizards uniform, with the team reporting Thursday that he’s intensifying his basketball workouts on the court.
The star player has been sidelined with injuries to his right knee and quadriceps muscle. Team officials plan to reassess his condition in seven days.
The organization also provided an injury report on forward Anthony Davis, who similarly has not yet played his inaugural game for Washington. Davis is recovering from ligament injuries in his left hand and continues to show improvement. However, he remains restricted from full basketball participation and will undergo another medical evaluation in two weeks.
Washington obtained Young through a January 7th trade with the Atlanta Hawks, sending veteran guard CJ McCollum and forward Corey Kispert to Atlanta in return.
The 27-year-old Young, who has earned four All-Star selections, participated in only 10 contests this season while with Atlanta. During that limited action, he posted averages of 19.3 points and 8.9 assists per game, connecting on 41.5% of his field goal attempts and 30.5% from beyond the three-point arc.
Last season, Young topped the NBA with 11.6 assists per contest. Throughout his eight-year professional career spanning 493 games, all as a starter, he has compiled averages of 25.2 points, 9.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.
Washington acquired Davis on February 4th in a deal with the Dallas Mavericks. Many observers believe Davis may not return to action this season.
Davis, who will celebrate his 33rd birthday in March, saw action in 20 games for Dallas this season, averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks. His career statistics include 24.0 points and 10.7 rebounds across 807 games over 14 seasons with New Orleans (2012-19), the Los Angeles Lakers (2019-25), and Dallas.
The 10-time All-Star was the primary asset in last February’s blockbuster deal that brought Dallas superstar Luka Doncic to Los Angeles. Following his move to Dallas, Davis managed just nine appearances due to various injuries.
The globe’s biggest gold mining corporation exceeded financial analysts’ expectations for fourth-quarter earnings on Thursday, as historic gold price surges compensated for decreased output levels. The company also announced a $1.4 billion investment plan for developing properties obtained from its Newcrest acquisition.
Following the earnings announcement, Newmont’s stock price climbed 2% to $127.96 during after-hours trading sessions.
The precious metal has reached numerous all-time highs in recent months, fueled by anticipated Federal Reserve interest rate reductions, increased global political tensions, and widespread economic instability.
During the final quarter of 2025, gold averaged $4,135 per ounce, representing a 56% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
The mining company reported an average selling price of $4,216 per ounce, marking nearly a 60% year-over-year improvement, though production decreased by almost 24% to 1.45 million ounces.
According to Newmont, output declined due to scheduled mining operations at several locations including Peñasquito, Ahafo South, Yanacocha, Brucejack and Cadia facilities.
The mining giant will allocate $1.4 billion toward advancing immediate development initiatives, encompassing the Cadia Panel Caves project, Tanami Expansion 2, and feasibility research for Red Chris.
These Australian projects and the Canadian Red Chris operation became part of Newmont’s portfolio through its $17 billion Newcrest purchase completed in 2023.
Additionally, the company intends to invest approximately $1.95 billion in maintenance capital expenditures, including essential tailings infrastructure improvements at Cadia and Boddington sites to prolong operational lifespans across its mining portfolio.
When asked about operational improvements, CEO Natascha Viljoen stated: “The focus on operational improvement is high on our agenda and we have teams on the ground continuously supporting at Nevada Gold Mines.”
The mining company also projected reduced 2026 gold output at 5.3 million ounces, down from the previous year’s production of 5.89 million ounces.
Newmont delivered adjusted earnings of $2.52 per share, significantly outperforming the $2.00 average analyst projection compiled by LSEG data.
The National Basketball Association is pushing ahead with plans to implement fresh regulations next season designed to eliminate teams’ motivation to deliberately lose games, according to two sources familiar with the discussions who spoke Thursday.
During a conference call with team general managers Thursday, Commissioner Adam Silver outlined multiple potential solutions to address the tanking problem, the sources told The Associated Press anonymously since no official announcements have been made. Silver had previously stated during last weekend’s All-Star festivities that “every possible remedy … to stop this behavior” was being considered.
ESPN initially broke the news about Silver’s conversation with the general managers regarding the league’s anti-tanking strategy.
While no final decisions have been reached, one source indicated numerous concepts are under review. One proposal involves establishing fixed lottery odds by a specific calendar date, which would remove any advantage for teams to lose games during the season’s final stretch.
The matter is expected to receive additional attention during next month’s Board of Governors gathering.
The tanking controversy has dominated NBA discussions recently, highlighted by the Utah Jazz receiving a $500,000 penalty for “conduct detrimental to the league.” The fine specifically targeted their decision to bench Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. during fourth quarters of two contests, despite both players being healthy and the games’ outcomes still uncertain.
Additionally, the Indiana Pacers faced a $100,000 fine for breaking the Player Participation Policy by resting key players, including Pascal Siakam, who qualifies as a “star” under league guidelines, during their matchup with Utah this month.
This ongoing issue has prompted repeated league intervention over the years, including modifications to the lottery system, implementation of the Player Participation Policy, and substantial financial penalties. The Dallas Mavericks received a $750,000 fine in 2023 for sitting most starters in a late-season contest while still competing for playoff positioning.
“I think we’re coming at it in two ways. One is, again, focusing on the here and now, the behavior we’re seeing from our teams and doing whatever we can to remind them of what their obligation is to the fans and to their partner teams,” Silver explained during All-Star weekend. “But number two … the competition committee started earlier this year reexamining the whole approach to how the draft lottery works.”
“We want to have fair competition, we want to have fair systems and to keep an eye on the fans, most importantly, and their expectation that we’re going to be putting the best product forward,” he added.
