SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Two key Sacramento Kings players will be absent from the court for the remainder of the current season following surgical procedures performed on Wednesday.
Center Domantas Sabonis, who has earned All-Star recognition three times, and guard Zach LaVine both went under the knife to address separate injury concerns that will keep them out of action through the end of the campaign.
The 29-year-old Sabonis had been dealing with a torn meniscus sustained in November, which significantly limited his playing time in recent months. Despite the injury, he managed to contribute 15.8 points per game and led the team with 11.4 rebounds per contest across 19 appearances this season. His participation became increasingly sporadic, featuring in just seven of Sacramento’s final eight January contests and making only a single February appearance.
Sabonis underwent his procedure in Los Angeles and is expected to start his recovery process shortly. Team officials indicated he will undergo medical assessment before training camp begins.
LaVine’s surgical intervention addressed a damaged tendon in his right pinky finger. The 30-year-old shooting guard, whose name circulated frequently in trade discussions at the deadline, is completing his second campaign with Sacramento. Over 39 games, he posted averages of 19.2 points and 2.3 assists per outing.
Additionally, the Kings announced that reserve center Dylan Caldwell received an MRI examination on his left ankle, which revealed a sprain. Medical staff will reassess his condition in one month.
KABUL, Afghanistan — A small child struggles as medical staff place an oxygen mask over his face, the green strap wrapping around his hollow cheeks. The 2½-year-old boy has been battling for survival in a Kabul hospital for weeks.
At just 13 pounds — roughly half his healthy weight — severely undernourished Abu Bakar represents one of the fortunate few: his family managed to bring him to Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul for critical medical intervention.
However, countless other starving children cannot access such care.
“We have a catastrophic nutritional crisis on our hands with two-thirds of the country in a very serious or crisis level for acute malnutrition,” said John Aylieff, Afghanistan Country Director for the United Nations’ World Food Program. “This is the highest surge in malnutrition ever recorded in the country. And the lives of 4 million children are hanging in the balance.”
Following decades of warfare, Afghanistan has depended heavily on international assistance. However, when the Taliban seized control in 2021, direct foreign support ceased almost immediately, plunging millions deeper into destitution and starvation. The crisis has worsened due to economic collapse, prolonged drought, two major earthquakes in late 2025, and the deportation of 5.3 million Afghans primarily from Pakistan and Iran.
Currently, reduced funding to relief organizations, including suspended U.S. support for programs like the WFP’s food assistance, has eliminated crucial support for countless people.
“The aid cuts have been devastating,” Aylieff told The Associated Press. Regarding the 4 million severely malnourished children, “we are forced now to turn away three out of four of them because we simply don’t have the money.”
He described this situation as “unprecedented and I’ve never seen this in my more than 30-year-old career as a humanitarian.”
Among 17.4 million people experiencing severe hunger, the organization can currently assist only 2 million. Even those receiving help get reduced food portions.
International donors are stretching limited resources across multiple global emergencies, including Sudan’s famine and conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The WFP’s Afghanistan budget reached $600 million in 2024 following “very generous” donor contributions, Aylieff noted.
That amount dropped by half last year, with expectations of receiving even less — approximately $200 million — this year. This funding proves insufficient to address hunger that “is spiraling out of control,” he explained.
Abu Bakar’s family experienced this aid reduction firsthand.
“We once received assistance from an organization that helped us a lot with food,” said his mother, Latifa, 36, who, like many Afghans, goes by one name. However, that support ended three years ago, leaving them with nothing since.
Her construction worker husband has remained jobless for a year. Sometimes, she has absolutely nothing to feed her five sons.
“I am trying to provide food for my kids,” Latifa said, cradling her emaciated toddler in her arms. She doesn’t care if she doesn’t eat, she says. “I can control my hunger. I will handle it. But my child can’t.”
Rising hunger correlates with increased child deaths, Aylieff reported, with the WFP documenting over 500 child fatalities in recent months. He emphasized this figure represents “the tip of the iceberg” since many winter deaths occur in snow-blocked villages and go unreported.
“How many more Afghan children will die here before the world wakes up and realizes that that’s enough? Aylieff asked. “Before the world says, ‘OK, we’ve crossed a threshold, we are not willing to stand by anymore, and we’re coming now to help.’ How many? What is the number? I really don’t know.”
Sharara, 21, struggles to save her 6-month-old son Samir from joining those statistics.
Traveling from remote Badakhshan province, the mother of two moved between hospitals there and in Kunduz as medical staff worked to treat her critically ill infant, who suffers from cardiac issues and severe pneumonia worsened by malnutrition.
Finally reaching Kabul’s Ataturk Hospital malnutrition ward, Sharara, who also uses one name, remains deeply concerned.
“Doctors say his condition is currently critical,” she explained. During Samir’s 13-day hospitalization, he hasn’t gained any weight.
Afghanistan’s leadership acknowledges the nation’s hunger emergency and has increased malnutrition treatment centers from 800 to approximately 3,200, Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman informed the AP. During 2025, about 3 million malnourished children and mothers received treatment, he reported.
“Malnutrition is not a one-day problem. Malnutrition has been a problem in Afghanistan for decades due to poverty, war and other problems,” said Zaman, who is also a medical doctor.
Government officials have engaged with aid organizations, he noted, including those reducing funding or halting operations.
“Health is separate from politics. Providing health services is an inalienable right for all people,” Zaman said.
Women face particularly severe hunger impacts. Prohibited from most employment by the Taliban government’s strict women’s restrictions, widowed mothers are extremely vulnerable.
Many express such desperation they wish for death.
“As WFP, we’re getting more and more suicide calls from women because they just don’t know how to feed their children and they don’t know where to turn,” the WFP country director said.
WFP nutrition programs report a 30% surge in severely malnourished pregnant and nursing mothers, an increase Aylieff said nutrition experts had never witnessed before.
“These are the women to whom the world pledged unwavering solidarity in the aftermath of the takeover of the country in 2021. … Those same women are asking us, where is the solidarity of the international community?” Aylieff said.
“If I had one plea, it’s to not walk away from Afghan women who are now facing abject misery, hunger, malnutrition and watching their children die.”
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un showcased 50 new missile launch vehicles during a military ceremony this week, displaying his country’s growing nuclear threat against South Korea just before a significant ruling party gathering.
Kim’s sister, a senior foreign policy adviser, issued a separate statement acknowledging South Korea’s apology for alleged civilian drone flights over North Korean territory, while warning that the North will strengthen border defenses against what she called the “enemy” South.
Diplomatic ties between the two Koreas have remained frozen since 2019, following the collapse of nuclear negotiations between Kim and then-U.S. President Donald Trump over sanctions disputes. Tensions have escalated further as Kim abandoned North Korea’s historic commitment to peaceful reunification, instead promoting a hostile “two-state” approach that may be formally adopted during the upcoming Workers’ Party congress.
Official photographs revealed multiple launcher vehicles positioned outside the April 25th House of Culture, the same location where party congresses took place in 2016 and 2021.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, these vehicles operate 600-millimeter rocket launcher systems. Military analysts note that North Korea’s heavy artillery rockets function similarly to short-range ballistic missiles due to their self-propelled guidance systems. These weapons form part of Kim’s expanding arsenal of nuclear-capable short-range arms intended to overwhelm South Korean missile defense networks.
During his address, Kim described the “wonderful” rocket launchers as featuring artificial intelligence and sophisticated guidance systems designed for “strategic mission” purposes — language typically indicating nuclear capabilities. He announced that the forthcoming congress would outline new strategies to enhance his nuclear-armed forces, which already possess various weapons targeting U.S. regional allies and intercontinental missiles potentially capable of striking American territory.
Kim Yo Jong stated she “highly assesses” South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young’s apology concerning the alleged drone incidents, but warned of forceful retaliation if similar flights occur again. She confirmed plans to enhance military surveillance along the inter-Korean border.
“The border with an enemy state should naturally be firm,” she said.
Minister Chung announced Wednesday that Seoul was exploring the restoration of a suspended 2018 inter-Korean military agreement aimed at reducing border tensions, including establishment of a no-fly zone, as measures to prevent future drone incidents.
Last month, North Korea issued retaliation threats after claiming South Korea conducted surveillance drone operations in September and January. While Seoul’s government has denied official drone activities during those periods, law enforcement officials are investigating three civilians suspected of operating drones over North Korean territory from border regions.
President Donald Trump announced Wednesday his selection of Justin Smith, an attorney who defended him in several major legal battles, to serve as a federal judge on the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals based in St. Louis.
Smith previously represented the president in the presidential immunity case that went before the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as in the E. Jean Carroll litigation where a jury determined Trump was responsible for sexual abuse and defamation.
According to Smith’s professional profile, he has held multiple legal positions throughout Missouri, including deputy counsel to the governor and deputy attorney general handling special litigation matters.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated: “Justin also played a BIG role in securing a Supreme Court Landmark Victory on Presidential Immunity. He is a true America First Fighter, who will continue to deliver strong results for the American People.”
The Supreme Court decision in 2024 determined that Trump could not face prosecution for actions taken within his presidential authority during his initial term in office, despite facing criminal charges related to his first presidency.
Trump simultaneously announced three additional judicial nominations for Kansas federal district court positions on Wednesday: Kansas Solicitor General Anthony Powell, Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Tony Mattivi, and Jeffrey Kuhlman.
The president commended these nominees for their dedication to upholding the U.S. Constitution.
Requests for comment from Smith, Kuhlman, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the Kansas attorney general’s office went unanswered.
Since beginning his second presidential term, Trump has put forward more than 40 individuals for federal district and appeals court positions nationwide.
DHAKA, Bangladesh – The newly installed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, has committed to keeping food costs under control during Ramadan while working to restore order and rebuild the country’s economy after his party’s overwhelming election win.
The 60-year-old Rahman, whose father was the late President Ziaur Rahman and whose mother is former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, took the oath of office on Tuesday. He inherits a nation facing significant hurdles, including the need to restore political calm, regain investor trust, and revitalize crucial sectors like textile manufacturing following the 2024 unrest that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s administration.
During a broadcast to the nation on Wednesday evening, Rahman offered greetings for the beginning of Ramadan and cautioned merchants against taking advantage of consumers. Food staples including rice, cooking oil, sugar and lentils often see price spikes during the holy month as demand increases.
“Ramadan is a month of self-purification. This period should not increase public hardship,” Rahman said. “Do not treat Ramadan as a month for profit. Ensure essential goods remain affordable.”
The new leader’s comments address ongoing concerns about rising costs. The country’s yearly inflation rate reached 8.58% in January 2026, marking the highest level since May 2025, as food expenses continue pressuring family finances.
Rahman announced his administration would break up market cartels that take advantage of consumers and strengthen protections for both purchasers and vendors.
Establishing better law enforcement and implementing tough anti-corruption policies will top his government’s agenda, he stated. “The rule of law will be the final word in governing the state — not party influence, political power or coercion.”
The prime minister additionally revealed intentions to modernize and expand the country’s railroad system and enhance cooperation between transportation departments to build a unified transit network designed to reduce urban congestion and improve connections throughout the nation.
Investment giant Apollo Global Management issued a statement Wednesday denying that Chief Executive Marc Rowan maintained any ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as newly released documents continue creating controversy throughout corporate America.
In a communication to clients and partners, Apollo stated: “Neither Marc Rowan nor anyone else at Apollo (excluding Leon Black) had either a business or personal relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.”
The recently disclosed Epstein files do not suggest Apollo or its leadership participated in or knew about Epstein’s criminal conduct.
Apollo’s clarification follows a request by two teachers’ unions on Tuesday asking federal securities regulators to examine what they consider “misleading” communications Apollo made to investors. These unions maintain financial stakes in Apollo via their retirement funds.
Company co-founder Leon Black, a billionaire, departed Apollo in early 2021 following corporate governance reforms sparked by scrutiny of his connections to the disgraced financier. Rowan assumed the CEO position after Black’s exit.
An investigation conducted by law firm Dechert LLP, which Apollo previously disclosed, found no evidence of wrongdoing by Black. The review determined that although Black attempted to connect Epstein with his co-founders Rowan and Josh Harris, no Apollo staff member besides Black “ever seriously considered hiring Epstein.”
Recently released Epstein documents show communications between Rowan’s and Epstein’s offices regarding at least five planned meetings between the two men. Reuters was unable to confirm whether these scheduled meetings actually occurred.
“From an Apollo perspective, there’s nothing new in these documents,” the company stated. “In select instances, Mr. Rowan and other Apollo employees provided information to Epstein in connection with his tax work for Mr. Black.”
The document release also reveals that Brad Wechsler, who managed Black’s family office, requested in emails that Apollo personnel include Epstein on materials concerning tax issues for the three Apollo founders’ family offices, including Rowan’s, citing his “substantive expertise.”
Apollo emphasized: “While Mr. Epstein sought to do work with the Apollo co-founders other than Mr. Black, it was declined at every turn.”
The latest document disclosures have intensified examination of Apollo executives following Epstein’s 2008 conviction on prostitution charges, including one case involving a minor. Epstein died in a Manhattan detention facility in 2019 in what authorities determined was suicide.
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and American Association of University Professors President Todd Wolfson wrote to the SEC: “As the Epstein files make clear, Apollo partners Rowan and Harris appear to have consulted with Epstein on numerous personal and professional matters.”
Following congressional directives, the Justice Department has made public numerous documents connecting Epstein to influential figures across politics, finance, academia and business, spanning both before and after his 2008 guilty plea to prostitution charges.
These revelations have also impacted major financial institutions including UBS and Morgan Stanley, which established accounts for Epstein’s trusts from 2015 to 2019, well after his conviction and registration as a sex offender.
The controversy continues to create political challenges for former President Donald Trump, who previously socialized with Epstein during the 1990s and 2000s. Trump has denied knowledge of the financier’s crimes and claims he severed ties in the early 2000s, prior to Epstein’s plea agreement.
A Vietnamese airline has made headlines with one of the largest aircraft purchases in recent memory, announcing Thursday it will acquire 40 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets in a deal valued at $22.5 billion.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways revealed the massive Boeing order from its headquarters in Hanoi, marking a significant expansion for the carrier. The company stated the new wide-body aircraft will enable it to launch long-distance international operations.
According to the airline’s announcement, the fleet of Dreamliners will position Sun PhuQuoc Airways to offer direct service across continents, with plans to eventually connect Vietnam and the United States through non-stop flights.
HANOI – Three Vietnamese air carriers have committed to purchasing 90 Boeing aircraft in agreements totaling $30 billion, announced Thursday as Vietnam and the United States work toward a new trade arrangement.
The agreements were finalized while Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary To Lam visited the United States to participate in the first Board of Peace meeting, an initiative created by President Donald Trump to tackle international conflicts.
Vietnam Airlines entered into an $8.1 billion contract with Boeing for 50 narrow-body 737-8 aircraft, according to the airline’s announcement.
The carrier expects to receive these planes from 2030 through 2032, which will expand its total fleet to roughly 151 aircraft by 2030, the statement indicated.
The national airline is additionally discussing with Boeing the potential acquisition of 30 wide-body aircraft valued at as much as $12 billion.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways, a recently established Vietnamese carrier, also finalized a $22.5 billion agreement with Boeing on Thursday for 40 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Additionally, Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet obtained a $965 million financing arrangement through Griffin Global Asset Management to purchase 6 Boeing 737-8 planes.
Earlier this month, Vietnam expressed readiness to increase purchases of American products following the White House’s October announcement that U.S. tariffs would remain at 20% on most Vietnamese imports while eliminating duties on select items.
GENEVA — Diplomatic representatives from Russia and Ukraine wrapped up their latest round of American-facilitated negotiations Wednesday without achieving a major breakthrough, with both delegations characterizing the discussions as challenging as the war nears its fourth anniversary.
The Swiss meetings marked the third series of direct discussions coordinated by the United States, following earlier sessions this year in Abu Dhabi that officials called productive despite yielding limited concrete results. Going into the Geneva talks, anticipation for substantial advancement remained modest.
“The negotiations were not easy,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated following the conclusion of talks, speaking by telephone from Kyiv with his diplomatic team.
Zelenskyy previously charged Russia with “trying to drag out negotiations” while continuing its military campaign — a claim he and European officials have consistently voiced before.
Nevertheless, Zelenskyy indicated some advancement occurred regarding military matters, though significant political gaps persist, particularly concerning the fate of eastern Ukrainian territory currently under Russian military control that President Vladimir Putin seeks to retain.
Vladimir Medinsky, who leads Russia’s delegation and serves as a Putin advisor, informed journalists that the two-day Geneva discussions “were difficult but businesslike.”
Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov advised reporters it remains “too early” to assess the talks’ results. Putin has been receiving updates about the Geneva proceedings, Peskov noted.
Representatives from both nations confirmed plans for additional negotiating sessions.
Regarding military aspects, Zelenskyy characterized those conversations as “constructive,” noting that both countries’ armed forces examined potential monitoring mechanisms for any future ceasefire agreement.
“Monitoring will definitely be carried out with participation of the American side,” he stated in an audio message distributed through a WhatsApp media group.
Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, posted on social media that Washington’s diplomatic efforts toward Ukrainian peace over recent months have “brought about meaningful progress,” though he provided no additional details.
Military forces from both nations continue engaging along the approximately 1,250-kilometer (750-mile) battle zone, while Russia maintains daily bombardments of Ukrainian civilian locations.
Following Tuesday’s initial negotiating session, Russian drone attacks killed one woman and wounded both a 6-year-old girl and an 18-month-old child in Zaporizhzhia, a southern Ukrainian city, according to local authorities.
During the night, Russia deployed one ballistic missile and 126 extended-range drones against Ukraine, Ukrainian air force officials reported.
Zelenskyy revealed that Ukrainian and American negotiators in Geneva conducted meetings with officials from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.
European involvement in diplomatic efforts remains “indispensable,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
European officials, recognizing Putin’s broader territorial ambitions, maintain their security depends on Ukraine’s outcome and have demanded inclusion in peace initiatives.
Russia and Ukraine continue displaying substantial disagreement over settlement conditions.
While Zelenskyy has proposed a ceasefire arrangement and direct discussions with Putin, Moscow demands a complete agreement prior to any truce commitment.
Putin maintains the objectives he announced when Russia began its invasion on Feb. 24, 2022: Ukraine must abandon NATO membership aspirations, significantly reduce military forces, and safeguard Russian language and cultural interests to maintain the country within Moscow’s sphere of influence.
Putin also demands Ukrainian military withdrawal from four eastern regions Moscow occupies but doesn’t completely control.
Zelenskyy maintains Ukraine will not cede territory to Russia.
Technology stocks provided a boost to Asian markets Thursday, though geopolitical tensions with Iran and uncertainty about Federal Reserve interest rate policy continued to create market volatility.
Markets across Asia posted gains despite several major exchanges being closed for Lunar New Year celebrations. The MSCI Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan climbed 0.5%, while Japan’s Nikkei index advanced 0.85%, driven primarily by technology sector performance. South Korea’s Kospi index surged approximately 3% to reach a new record high.
The rally followed strong performance by major technology companies on Wall Street, sparked by Tuesday’s announcement that Nvidia secured a multi-year agreement to supply Meta Platforms with millions of artificial intelligence chips, both current and future models.
“We needed some good news. I think there has been a general feeling of malaise in the tech sector,” commented Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG, referencing the significant decline that occurred earlier this month.
“Nvidia has been very much the front and centre of the rally which we saw up into the end of 2025, and potentially it’s now coming to the rescue a little bit… some badly needed good news there that can potentially set tech stocks for a better run into Nvidia’s earnings next week,” Sycamore added.
U.S. market futures showed modest gains, with Nasdaq futures up 0.05% and S&P 500 futures rising 0.03%. European EUROSTOXX 50 futures declined 0.15%.
Geopolitical concerns remained a significant factor influencing market movements. Oil prices maintained their elevated levels after Wednesday’s sharp increase, as traders factored in possible supply chain disruptions amid growing tensions between the United States and Iran.
Brent crude futures traded slightly lower at $70.31 per barrel after Wednesday’s 4.35% jump, while U.S. crude held at $65.10, retaining most of the previous session’s 4.6% increase.
“There’s been a very intensive buildup of military assets over the past 24 hours … but I think this is all part of this diplomatic cat and mouse, and I don’t think we’re going to see an imminent attack. I think this is just designed to put more pressure on Iran to come back with more reasonable objectives from these talks,” Sycamore explained.
Gold prices remained stable at $4,963.99 per ounce as investors continued seeking safe-haven assets.
The U.S. dollar strengthened Thursday following better-than-expected economic data and Federal Reserve meeting minutes from January that revealed several policymakers would consider raising rates if inflation continues at current levels.
The British pound dropped near a one-month low of $1.3488 against the dollar, while the Japanese yen remained weak near 155 per dollar, last trading at 154.80.
“From our perspective, the (Fed) minutes support our view that rate cuts are off the table for the foreseeable future,” said Charlie Ripley, senior investment strategist at Allianz Investment Management.
“While some market participants are looking at inflation in the rear view mirror, the Fed is still signaling the safety warning that ‘objects in the mirror are closer than they appear’. Policymakers specifically noted disinflation could be on a slower path,” Ripley continued.
The euro struggled below $1.18, last trading at $1.1791, weighed down by reports that European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde intends to step down from her position ahead of schedule.
New Zealand’s dollar gained 0.11% to $0.5972, recovering partially from Wednesday’s 1.4% decline that followed the country’s central bank tempering market expectations for more aggressive policy changes at its recent meeting.
Crude oil markets pulled back during early Thursday trading in Asia after Wednesday’s dramatic 4% rally, as market participants evaluated diplomatic developments between Washington and Tehran while both countries continue military maneuvers in the strategically important oil-producing region.
Brent crude dropped 12 cents to $70.23 per barrel, representing a 0.2% decline by 0110 GMT, while West Texas Intermediate crude decreased 8 cents to $65.11 per barrel, down 0.1%.
Wednesday’s trading session saw both oil benchmarks close over 4% higher, marking their strongest finishes since January 30th as market participants factored in possible supply interruptions due to escalating US-Iran tensions.
“Tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high, but the prevailing view is that full-scale armed conflict is unlikely, prompting a wait-and-see approach,” said Hiroyuki Kikukawa, chief strategist of Nissan Securities Investment, a unit of Nissan Securities.
Kikukawa further explained, “U.S. President Donald Trump does not want a sharp rise in crude prices, and even if military action occurs, it would likely be limited to short-term air strikes.”
The White House reported Wednesday that modest advancement occurred during Iranian negotiations in Geneva this week, though significant gaps persist on certain matters. Officials indicated Tehran is anticipated to provide additional details within the coming weeks.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s website, Iran has issued a notice to airmen announcing planned rocket launches across its southern territories on Thursday between 0330 GMT and 1330 GMT.
Simultaneously, American naval vessels have been positioned near Iranian waters, with Vice President JD Vance stating that the administration is evaluating whether to maintain diplomatic discussions with Tehran or consider “another option.”
Intelligence experts report that satellite imagery reveals Iran has recently constructed a concrete barrier over a new installation at a sensitive military location, subsequently covering it with earth. This development advances construction at a site that Israel reportedly targeted in 2024.
In related developments, two days of peace negotiations in Geneva between Ukrainian and Russian representatives concluded Wednesday without significant progress, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticizing Moscow for hindering US-facilitated attempts to resolve the four-year conflict.
Market sources indicated that American crude oil, gasoline, and distillate stockpiles declined last week, referencing American Petroleum Institute data released Wednesday. This contradicted Reuters poll expectations that crude inventories would increase by 2.1 million barrels during the week ending February 13.
The Energy Information Administration is scheduled to release official US oil inventory data on Thursday.
Delaware drivers should expect delays on a busy stretch of State Route 1 southbound due to ongoing lane restrictions in the Willow Grove Road area.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that the right lane is currently blocked along SR-1 southbound starting at Willow Grove Road and continuing through the end of the Exit 93 off-ramp.
Transportation officials indicate the lane closure will remain active until 3 a.m., affecting the morning commute for drivers in the area.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when approaching the work zone.
American skiing sensation Mikaela Shiffrin has finally broken through her Olympic medal drought, capturing her third gold medal with a commanding slalom victory in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The 30-year-old athlete delivered two spectacular runs in pristine weather conditions surrounded by the stunning Dolomite mountains, demonstrating why many consider her the finest Alpine skier ever to compete.
Shiffrin’s triumph marked the third-largest winning margin in Olympic women’s slalom history, bringing her back to the top of the podium in the same event where she first claimed gold as an 18-year-old newcomer in Sochi 2014. After 12 years, she once again proved her mastery in her signature race, earning redemption following her disappointing performance in Beijing where she left empty-handed.
In hockey action, both the United States and Canada advanced to the Olympic semifinals after thrilling quarterfinal victories that required overtime. Quinn Hughes netted the game-winner for Team USA in their 2-1 triumph over Sweden, after Mika Zibanejad had tied the contest with just 91 seconds remaining in regulation. Dylan Larkin had scored the Americans’ only regulation goal off a deflection from Jack Hughes’ shot.
Meanwhile, Canada avoided a shocking elimination by defeating Czechia 4-3 in overtime. Nick Suzuki forced the extra period with a late equalizer, before Mitch Marner sealed the victory to keep Canadian hopes alive.
Major changes are coming to the NFL as the Seattle Seahawks have officially been put up for sale by Paul Allen’s estate. The announcement came Wednesday, less than two weeks after the franchise captured its second Super Bowl championship. Allen, who purchased the team in 1997 for $194 million from Ken Behring, was instrumental in ensuring the Seahawks remained in Seattle. The organization is expected to stay in the Pacific Northwest, with a stadium lease at Lumen Field running through 2032 plus three additional 10-year renewal options.
College basketball has seen several coaches take public criticism of their teams to new levels recently. Among those speaking out was Texas women’s coach Vic Schaefer, whose fourth-ranked team was described by him as having “no heart” following a defeat to fifth-ranked Vanderbilt. However, Schaefer later commended his players’ improved effort in a subsequent victory over Tennessee. Former Kansas State men’s coach Jerome Tang also made headlines before his recent dismissal. Florida State’s Luke Loucks explained that coaches must “find ways to squeeze the orange” when balancing tough motivation with supportive encouragement.
Baseball’s players union has promoted Bruce Meyer to serve as interim executive director following Tony Clark’s forced departure. The 64-year-old labor attorney, who joined the organization in 2018, received unanimous approval from the executive board during a virtual meeting. Matt Nussbaum was simultaneously elevated from general counsel to interim deputy executive director. Meyer previously guided negotiations through the 99-day work stoppage that resulted in the current five-year collective bargaining agreement in March 2022.
The Genesis Invitational returns to historic Riviera Country Club after last year’s relocation due to devastating Pacific Palisades wildfires. The century-old venue now features a dramatically extended fourth hole, with a new tee box stretching the par-3 to 273 yards – making it the longest regular par-3 on the PGA Tour. Rory McIlroy has called the modification “a horrible change,” though he remains eager to add Riviera to his list of tournament victories given the course’s prestigious reputation.
Green Bay basketball coach Doug Gottlieb received a one-game suspension from the Horizon League after his heated criticism of game officials following a 75-72 loss to Milwaukee. Gottlieb’s passionate postgame press conference, during which he slammed his hands on the table while questioning officiating consistency, went viral on social media platforms. He will miss Friday’s road game against Oakland and has since issued a public apology for his remarks.
Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice faces serious legal allegations as his former girlfriend has filed a lawsuit claiming he physically assaulted her repeatedly over 18 months. Dacoda Jones, who previously made accusations on social media, is seeking more than $1 million in damages through the Dallas County lawsuit filed Monday. The complaint details multiple incidents of violence at residences in both Dallas and the Kansas City suburbs, including an alleged strangulation in December 2023, with the abuse reportedly continuing through July 2025.
Shiffrin’s Olympic triumph came after she shifted her focus to rediscovering the pure enjoyment of skiing rather than dwelling on external pressures. The veteran athlete explained that learning to ignore outside noise and criticism allowed her to perform at her peak when it mattered most. Despite knowing that another failure would have invited more scrutiny, Shiffrin embraced the challenge and found the risk worthwhile in her pursuit of excellence.
Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball escaped injury Wednesday evening after his custom camouflage Hummer collided with another vehicle at a downtown Charlotte intersection. The accident occurred around 5 p.m., with television footage showing Ball, dressed in an aqua Hornets sweatshirt, exiting his damaged truck and departing in a different vehicle. A source familiar with the situation confirmed to the Associated Press that the point guard suffered no injuries, though official police reports were not immediately available.
Sources close to the matter reveal that Germany is exploring the acquisition of additional U.S.-manufactured F-35 fighter aircraft, a decision that would strengthen Berlin’s military ties with America while its collaborative European fighter initiative with France struggles to move forward.
According to two informed sources, German officials are engaged in discussions that could result in purchasing more than 35 extra jets. This would supplement the 35 aircraft Berlin ordered in 2022, with deliveries scheduled to commence later this year.
The possible procurement of additional Lockheed Martin stealth aircraft, each carrying a price tag exceeding $80 million, comes amid Washington’s push for European NATO members to boost their defense expenditures.
Should Germany proceed with all potential F-35 acquisitions alongside existing contracts, the nation’s fleet could reach approximately 85 aircraft. However, sources emphasize that the final decision remains undetermined.
Germany’s Defense Ministry has not provided immediate response to inquiries, while Pentagon officials directed questions back to German authorities. A Lockheed Martin representative stated the company remains focused on fulfilling Germany’s current F-35 orders.
Parliamentary sources indicated in October that Germany’s defense minister planned to order 15 additional F-35s, with an announcement expected in the near future, according to one source.
Growing Germany’s F-35 inventory would represent a notable strategic pivot toward enhanced military cooperation with the United States, moving away from European defense independence that France, a fellow EU member, strongly advocates.
Berlin and Paris find themselves at an impasse regarding their Future Combat Air System (FCAS) initiative, a troubled 100-billion-euro undertaking launched in 2017 to develop next-generation aircraft replacing French, German, and Spanish jets beginning in 2040. The emerging situation suggests both nations may ultimately abandon the FCAS effort.
Germany’s commitment to expanding its F-35 capabilities would carry significant implications for NATO, as the aircraft serves a crucial function in the alliance’s nuclear deterrent strategy.
Additional F-35 purchases would provide Germany breathing room to determine its approach to developing or partnering on future aircraft programs.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz raised questions Wednesday about whether his nation’s air force still requires a piloted sixth-generation fighter jet, as FCAS has attempted to create.
“Will we still need a manned fighter jet in 20 years’ time? Do we still need it, given that we will have to develop it at great expense?” Merz stated during Wednesday’s Machtwechsel podcast.
Germany’s 2022 F-35 purchase decision stemmed from NATO requirements to deploy U.S. nuclear weapons housed in Germany when necessary. The F-35 remains the sole Western fighter aircraft authorized to carry the latest B61 nuclear weapons and is essential for replacing Germany’s outdated Tornado jets currently performing this mission.
While defense insiders anticipate Germany and France will discontinue their joint fighter project, they expect continued collaboration on unmanned systems and digital warfare capabilities.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius indicated last week that FCAS’s future would be determined within days.
Motorists traveling along Route 202 will need to find alternate routes for left turns at Fairfax Boulevard as Delaware Department of Transportation crews conduct signal maintenance work.
The left turn lanes in both the northbound and southbound directions at the Route 202 and Fairfax Boulevard intersection have been temporarily closed while workers repair traffic signal equipment.
DelDOT officials say the lane closures will remain in effect until 6 AM as crews complete the necessary signal work. Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays and consider alternative routes if they need to make left turns at this intersection.
The maintenance work is part of ongoing efforts to keep Delaware’s traffic infrastructure functioning properly and safely for all motorists.
WASHINGTON — A Tuesday evening political rally in Houston featured the usual lineup of Democratic lawmakers and candidates, but the biggest draw wasn’t running for any office.
Carlos Eduardo Espina, a progressive social media personality with over 14 million TikTok followers, worked the crowd at the Mexican restaurant venue, posing for photos that supporters quickly shared across their social networks.
The Houston event served a dual purpose beyond energizing voters ahead of Texas’ March 3 primary election. It also marked the debut of a new Democratic approach aimed at recapturing Latino support that shifted toward the GOP in recent cycles.
Espina joined nine other Houston-area online personalities as part of this fresh strategy, which centers on building partnerships with digital content creators to better connect with Hispanic communities.
The TikTok star, who has previously endorsed Democratic causes and candidates, believes party leaders are finally recognizing they must modernize their outreach beyond conventional campaign methods.
“I do think there’s a lot of failures in the past Democratic Party, but I think initiatives like this one are pretty cool,” Espina shared during an interview.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ political division developed this approach, launching it as Texas early voting commenced. Officials want to harness the appeal of local digital stars like Espina to more effectively deliver Democratic messages to Latino audiences.
Party strategists plan to expand this program, dubbed “RUIDO” — meaning noise in Spanish — to additional competitive races where Hispanic candidates and communities could determine outcomes. Hispanic Caucus PAC leadership hasn’t yet selected future investment locations.
“The Trump campaign reached out to those nontraditional voices to amplify their message,” explained Rep. Linda Sanchez of California, who chairs the caucus’ political action committee, referencing Republican success with influencers and podcast hosts in previous elections. “We didn’t anticipate that was going to be a way by which politics was disseminated. We’ve seen the contrary, that we do need to be in those spaces, as well.”
This program launches while Democrats wrestle with widespread party dissatisfaction and questions about effectively engaging key voter groups — particularly young people, communities of color, and non-college graduates who moved away from the party during the 2024 presidential race.
Former President Donald Trump gained significant Latino voter support that year through heavy investment in streamers, podcasters, and other digital content producers.
The Hispanic Caucus initiative provides financial support to accepted content creators, with funds designated for travel costs when collaborating with political campaigns, according to program documentation.
Previous election cycles saw both parties purchase sponsored posts from influencers, who must legally reveal these paid partnerships. Espina noted the compensation offered represents a small portion of his typical video earnings, which regularly attract hundreds of thousands of views, though smaller creators might find the support more meaningful.
The Spanish-language political content creator, whose videos consistently receive hundreds of thousands of likes, emphasized that elected officials must ultimately make their own case to voters. However, he stressed that genuine communication and meaningful messages are essential for online political success.
According to Espina, the party moved away from addressing “working class people” concerns and began discussing economic and cultural topics in ways that felt disconnected from voters’ actual experiences.
“I think a lot of that messaging a few years back kind of got lost. But now I think, especially after the wake-up call from the 2024 election, things have definitely gotten better,” he observed.
The caucus recruited nine Houston-area digital creators spanning various content types — from political commentary to food, travel, sports, and local interest topics. Their follower counts range from several thousand to approximately 100,000.
“People are going to act more when they hear from a family member, when they hear from a friend,” explained Carlos Castillo, another network participant. “Just talking to people in an organic way, whether it’s through get-ready-with-me videos and just slightly mentioning, ‘Oh, also, by the way, the primaries are coming up in our state.’”
Castillo compared the program’s financial support to commission offers he receives from corporations like Comcast, United Airlines, and FIFA Houston.
Whether this local influencer recruitment strategy will prove successful for Democrats in competitive districts remains uncertain. Both major parties have recognized across recent election cycles that traditional campaigning alone cannot reach politically disengaged voters.
This trend will likely increase the influence of content creators like Espina.
“Honestly, that I have more influence, at least right now, as a social media content creator, than I would in any kind of elected office, at least any that I can run for,” Espina said when asked about potential candidacy plans.
“Who knows, maybe I’ll run against Ted Cruz in a few years,” he joked, referencing Texas’ Republican senator. “That would be pretty fun.”
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Marco Rubio will journey to Israel next week for discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, according to two Trump administration officials.
The meeting between Rubio and Netanyahu is scheduled for Feb. 28, the officials revealed Wednesday while requesting anonymity since the travel arrangements haven’t been formally announced.
The United States and Iran have conducted two rounds of indirect negotiations concerning the Islamic Republic’s nuclear activities. Representatives from both nations have expressed cautious hope about potential progress this week, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that “a new window has opened” for achieving an agreement.
“In some ways, it went well,” U.S. Vice President JD Vance commented about the discussions during a Tuesday Fox News Channel interview. “But in other ways, it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through.”
Netanyahu traveled to the White House last week to press President Donald Trump to guarantee that any nuclear agreement with Iran would also address Tehran’s ballistic missile capabilities and halt its support for proxy organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Trump is considering military strikes against Tehran while the administration increases military presence in the region, sparking worries that any assault could escalate into broader Middle Eastern warfare.
During a Friday press briefing, Trump told journalists that regime change in Iran “seems like that would be the best thing that could happen.” He continued, “For 47 years, they’ve been talking and talking and talking.”
The Trump administration has sent the USS Gerald R. Ford, the globe’s largest aircraft carrier, from Caribbean waters to the Middle East to accompany a second carrier along with additional warships and military equipment already positioned in the area.
Numerous U.S. fighter aircraft, including F-35s, F-22s and F-16s, have departed American and European installations in recent days bound for the Middle East, the Military Air Tracking Alliance reports. This organization consists of approximately 30 open-source intelligence specialists who regularly monitor military and government aviation movements.
The group indicates it has also documented more than 85 refueling tankers and over 170 transport aircraft moving toward the region.
Steffan Watkins, a Canada-based researcher and MATA member, reported observing support aircraft including six military early-warning E-3 planes heading to a Saudi Arabian installation.
These aircraft serve crucial roles in coordinating large-scale aviation operations. According to Watkins, they were relocated from installations in Japan, Germany and Hawaii.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s volleyball squad delivered a commanding performance Tuesday evening, sweeping Roberts Wesleyan in three consecutive sets at the Hytche Athletic Center.
The Hawks demonstrated complete control throughout the match against the visiting Redhawks, never allowing their opponents to claim a single set in the decisive victory.
The straight-set triumph showcased UMES’s dominance on their home court, as they efficiently dispatched Roberts Wesleyan without dropping a game during the entire contest.
An Australian financial technology company experienced a devastating stock market collapse on Thursday after delivering disappointing earnings results that failed to meet Wall Street expectations.
Zip Co, which provides buy-now-pay-later payment services, watched its share price tumble nearly 40% following the release of its six-month financial performance through December 31. The company generated cash operating earnings of A$124.3 million (equivalent to $87.61 million), which came in below analyst forecasts of A$128.4 million according to Visible Alpha consensus data.
The dramatic sell-off sent Zip’s stock price plummeting as low as A$1.743 during trading, representing the company’s worst performance since early May 2025. This marked the steepest single-day percentage decline the company has experienced since mid-November 2014.
Adding to investor concerns, Zip Co indicated that its second-half performance would likely mirror the results from the first six months of the fiscal year. According to analysis from Citi, this guidance suggests full-year cash operating earnings of approximately A$248 million, which would fall short of the A$260.6 million that analysts had been anticipating.
In other corporate developments, the company announced it would continue evaluating market conditions before making any decisions about potentially listing its shares on a United States stock exchange, stating such a move would only occur when it serves shareholders’ best interests.
A California federal judge has overturned a decision by an immigration appeals board that had backed the Trump administration’s controversial detention practices on Thursday.
District Judge Sunshine Sykes, presiding in Riverside, California, nullified the Board of Immigration Appeals’ ruling that had supported holding thousands of individuals in mandatory custody without the possibility of bond release during the former administration’s immigration enforcement efforts.
The judge’s action came after she determined that the Trump administration had not followed through with compliance requirements from her previous court order, which had declared the detention policy to be unlawful.
The original policy had resulted in thousands of people being held in immigration detention facilities without the opportunity to seek release through posting bond while their cases moved through the immigration court system.
The Anaheim Ducks announced Wednesday that goaltender Petr Mrazek will be sidelined for the rest of the season following hip surgery.
The 34-year-old netminder has been out of action since the beginning of January. During his debut season with Anaheim, Mrazek struggled significantly, posting a 3-5-0 record across 10 appearances with a 4.07 goals-against average. His .858 save percentage marked a career low and placed him among the worst-performing qualified goaltenders in the NHL this season.
Mrazek’s contract status shows he will become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end.
The Ducks brought Mrazek to Anaheim through a trade with Detroit last June, sending John Gibson to the Red Wings in exchange. The move was designed to have Mrazek serve as backup to fellow Czech Republic native Lukas Dostal, who is expected to be the country’s top goaltender for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics.
Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL Draft, Mrazek has appeared in 438 career games with 405 starts across six different franchises, maintaining a .905 career save percentage throughout his NHL tenure.
Currently, Anaheim holds the Western Conference’s second wild-card playoff position. The team will resume play following the Olympic break with a nine-game home stretch, beginning next Wednesday when they host the Edmonton Oilers.
A Vietnamese budget airline has completed a major financing agreement worth nearly $1 billion to expand its fleet with new Boeing aircraft.
Vietjet announced Thursday that it has finalized the $965 million deal with Griffin Global Asset Management to acquire six Boeing 737-8 planes. According to the airline’s statement, this arrangement represents an important milestone in the company’s efforts to expand its international financing partnerships.
The financing agreement was completed while Vietnam’s Communist Party leader To Lam was visiting the United States for the first meeting of the Board of Peace, an initiative established by President Donald Trump aimed at resolving international conflicts.
In additional news from the carrier, Vietjet disclosed Thursday that a previously announced contract with Pratt & Whitney, which is owned by RTX, carries a total value of $5.4 billion. This comprehensive agreement covers both the supply and ongoing maintenance of 44 engines designed for A321neo and A321XLR aircraft models.
The engine contract was initially revealed during last month’s Singapore Airshow but the financial details had not been previously disclosed.
Russia’s top diplomat issued a stern warning Wednesday against potential American military action targeting Iran, cautioning that such strikes could trigger severe repercussions across the region.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made his remarks during a televised interview with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Arabiya network, which aired one day following indirect negotiations between American and Iranian representatives in Geneva aimed at preventing further escalation between Washington and Tehran.
“The consequences are not good. There have already been strikes on Iran on nuclear sites under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency. From what we can judge there were real risks of a nuclear incident,” Lavrov stated during the interview, which appeared on his ministry’s official website.
“I am carefully watching reactions in the region from Arab countries, Gulf monarchies. No one wants an increase in tension. Everyone understands this is playing with fire.”
The Russian minister emphasized that escalating hostilities could reverse recent diplomatic progress, particularly the improved relationship between Iran and regional neighbors like Saudi Arabia.
According to a high-ranking American official who spoke with Reuters Wednesday, Iran is anticipated to provide a written response outlining potential solutions to end the diplomatic impasse with the United States following the Geneva discussions.
The same official revealed that White House national security advisers convened Wednesday and received briefings indicating all American military assets sent to the region should be positioned by mid-March.
Washington continues demanding Iran abandon its nuclear activities, while Tehran has consistently rejected these demands and maintains it is not pursuing atomic weapons development.
Lavrov noted that Middle Eastern nations are communicating with Washington “clearly calling for restraint and a search for an agreement that will not infringe on Iran’s lawful rights and … guarantee that Iran has a purely peaceful nuclear enrichment programme.”
The foreign minister added that Moscow maintains consistent communication with Iranian leadership “and we have no reason to doubt that Iran sincerely wants to resolve this problem on the basis of observing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.”
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Salisbury University’s men’s basketball squad encountered a challenging road test on Wednesday evening, dropping an 88-72 decision to the nationally-ranked Mary Washington Eagles at the William M. Anderson Center.
The Sea Gulls faced off against the eighth-ranked Eagles in what proved to be a difficult contest for the visiting team. Mary Washington controlled the game throughout, ultimately securing a 16-point victory over Salisbury.
The loss came during Wednesday night’s action in Fredericksburg, Virginia, as the Sea Gulls continued their season against tough competition.
Delaware motorists are facing significant traffic delays this morning following a vehicle collision on Route 1 southbound near Fast Landing Road.
The accident has forced authorities to shut down several travel lanes in the area, creating a bottleneck for commuters and travelers heading south on the major Delaware highway.
DelDOT officials are monitoring the situation as emergency responders work to clear the crash site and restore normal traffic flow. Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes or allow extra travel time if they must use this corridor.
The incident location is approximately at milepost 42 on the southbound side of Route 1, a heavily traveled stretch of roadway that serves as a main artery for Delaware traffic.
American alpine skiing champion Mikaela Shiffrin has finally ended her lengthy Olympic medal drought, capturing gold in the women’s slalom competition with a commanding performance.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — After eight years without an Olympic medal, Shiffrin delivered two exceptional runs that secured her victory by a margin of 1.50 seconds. While dozens of additional competitors still need to complete their runs, Shiffrin holds the top position among the 30 fastest skiers from the opening round. Switzerland’s world champion Camille Rast currently sits in second place, with Sweden’s Anna Swenn Larsson holding third.
TESERO, Italy (AP) — Norwegian cross-country skiing legend Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo has added another chapter to his record-breaking Olympic career, claiming his 10th gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The 29-year-old athlete, competing alongside Einar Hedegart, dominated the men’s team sprint competition to earn his fifth gold medal at these 2026 Games. Klaebo initially shattered the Winter Olympics record during Sunday’s 4 x 7.5-kilometer relay event. Swedish competitors Jonna Sundling and Maja Dahlqvist maintained their nation’s successful streak in the women’s division.
MILAN (AP) — American figure skater Alysa Liu has emerged as the United States’ primary medal contender heading into the women’s free skate program at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The current world champion executed an impressive short program highlighted by a triple lutz-triple loop combination, the most challenging jump sequence attempted by any competitor Tuesday evening. Liu trails Japan’s Ami Nakai by just two points and sits directly behind Kaori Sakamoto in the standings. Her American teammates struggled significantly in the individual competition, with Isabeau Levito placing eighth and U.S. national champion Amber Glenn dropping to 13th position despite successfully completing a triple axel.
MADRID (AP) — Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni has firmly rejected accusations of making racist comments toward Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior during their Champions League encounter, when he was seen covering his mouth with his jersey. The 20-year-old Argentine forward stated, “I have never been racist with anyone.” If UEFA’s disciplinary proceedings find Prestianni guilty of racial abuse, he could face a 10-match suspension. The European soccer organization has assigned a special investigator to collect evidence regarding the incident. Tuesday’s match was suspended for almost 10 minutes after officials implemented the anti-racism protocol. Benfica supporters responded to Vinícius’s 50th-minute goal celebration near the corner flag by hurling bottles and debris at the Madrid players, leading to Prestianni’s confrontation with Vinícius.
The expansion of women’s athletics has coincided with remarkable growth in specialized media coverage, as outlets including TOGETHXR, The GIST, Just Women’s Sports, The IX Sports, GOALS and Good Game with Sarah Spain continue broadening their influence and transforming the industry landscape. Olympic competition has demonstrated that dedicated media attention for women’s sports generates passionate viewership, according to industry analysts. While traditional sports media organizations are enhancing their women’s sports coverage in both scope and quality, University of Michigan sport management professor Ketra Armstrong describes the emergence of women-led media companies as uniquely “liberating” because female athletes are “owning their stories and not waiting for it to be filtered through any traditional lens.”
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Major League Baseball Players Association leader Tony Clark has stepped down from his position, the union confirmed, as potential salary cap negotiations approach amid a federal financial investigation. According to a source familiar with union discussions, Clark was requested to resign by the eight-member executive subcommittee following an internal investigation by outside legal counsel that uncovered evidence of an inappropriate relationship between Clark and his sister-in-law, who has worked for the union since 2023. The individual requested anonymity since this information was not publicly disclosed.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Golf legend Tiger Woods remains focused on boardroom responsibilities rather than tournament competition, though he hasn’t completely dismissed a potential Masters Tournament appearance. Woods maintains that participating in golf’s first major championship of the year remains a possibility. However, he’s coming off an unprecedented year without competing in any tournaments, following disk replacement surgery in October. His current priorities center on PGA Tour boardroom duties as chairman of the committee restructuring the tournament schedule. His potential role as Ryder Cup captain also remains undetermined.
NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA Players’ Association submitted a revised collective bargaining agreement proposal to the league Tuesday, featuring modified demands regarding revenue sharing and housing arrangements, according to a source close to the negotiations who requested anonymity due to the delicate nature of discussions. The union has adjusted its request to an average of 27.5% of gross revenue throughout the agreement’s duration, including only 25% during the initial year. Their previous proposal had sought an average exceeding 30%.
ISLAMABAD (AP) — More than a dozen former international cricket team captains have appealed to Pakistan’s government for improved prison conditions and medical treatment for former cricket star and politician Imran Khan. The captains, including India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, expressed concerns about Khan’s vision problems while incarcerated. Khan’s political party and supporters renewed their Wednesday demands for his transfer from prison to a hospital facility. In their letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, 14 former captains requested that Khan receive treatment with “dignity and basic human consideration,” highlighting worries about reported deterioration in his right eye vision during detention.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Lindsey Vonn’s recent Olympic accident has intensified calls for ski binding technology improvements, targeting one of skiing’s most established equipment components. Officials from FIS and U.S. Ski and Snowboard indicate that “smart binding” technology remains in preliminary development stages. Industry specialists suggest new algorithmic systems could detect control loss and activate quicker release mechanisms, similar to mandatory airbag systems in high-speed competitions. Technology developers caution that precise timing presents challenges, while funding sources remain uncertain.
GENEVA — Wednesday marked the end of another round of American-facilitated peace negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian representatives, with both nations characterizing the discussions as challenging and yielding no major breakthroughs as the conflict approaches its fourth anniversary next week.
The Switzerland meetings represented the third series of direct negotiations organized by the United States, following earlier sessions in Abu Dhabi this year that officials called productive despite limited concrete results. Going into the Geneva talks, expectations for substantial progress remained modest.
“The negotiations were not easy,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated following the conclusion of talks, speaking by telephone from Kyiv with his negotiating representatives.
Zelenskyy previously criticized Russia for “trying to drag out negotiations” while continuing its military campaign — a charge he and European officials have made repeatedly throughout the conflict.
However, Zelenskyy acknowledged that some advancement occurred on military matters, though significant political divisions persist, particularly regarding the fate of eastern Ukrainian territories currently under Russian military control that Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks to retain.
Vladimir Medinsky, who leads Russia’s delegation and serves as a Putin advisor, informed journalists that the two-day Geneva discussions “were difficult but businesslike.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated to reporters that discussing the talks’ outcomes remains “too early.” He noted that Putin has been receiving updates about the Geneva proceedings.
Both delegations confirmed plans for additional negotiation rounds.
Regarding military discussions, Zelenskyy characterized them as “constructive,” noting that both countries’ armed forces examined potential ceasefire monitoring mechanisms.
“Monitoring will definitely be carried out with participation of the American side,” he stated in a voice message distributed through a media WhatsApp group.
Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, posted on social media that Washington’s year-long peace efforts in Ukraine have “brought about meaningful progress,” though he provided no specific details.
The opposing forces continue fighting along an approximately 1,250-kilometer (750-mile) battle line, while Russia maintains daily bombardments of Ukrainian civilian areas.
Following Tuesday’s initial day of talks, Russian drone attacks killed one woman and wounded a 6-year-old girl and 18-month-old child in Zaporizhzhia, a southern Ukrainian city, according to local officials.
During the overnight hours, Russia deployed one ballistic missile and 126 long-range drones against Ukraine, Ukrainian air force reports indicated.
Zelenskyy revealed that Ukrainian and American negotiators in Geneva conducted meetings with officials from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.
European involvement in the negotiation process remains “indispensable,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
European officials, concerned about Putin’s broader territorial ambitions, maintain that their own security depends on Ukraine’s outcome and have demanded inclusion in peace discussions.
Russia and Ukraine continue to maintain significantly different positions regarding settlement terms.
While Zelenskyy has proposed a ceasefire and direct meeting with Putin, Moscow demands a comprehensive agreement prior to any truce commitment.
Putin’s primary objectives remain unchanged from Russia’s February 24, 2022 invasion: Ukraine must abandon NATO membership aspirations, drastically reduce military forces, and safeguard Russian language and cultural interests to maintain the country within Moscow’s sphere of influence.
Putin also demands Ukrainian military withdrawal from four eastern regions that Moscow occupies but doesn’t completely control.
Zelenskyy maintains that Ukraine will not cede territory to Russia.
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump celebrated the centennial of Black History Month at the White House on Wednesday, showcasing prominent Black administration members while pushing back against allegations of racial bias.
During the invitation-only gathering of approximately 100 attendees, Trump promised “a century more” of African American achievement. However, the celebration unfolded against a backdrop of recent controversy and ongoing criticism of his administration’s efforts to eliminate diversity and inclusion programs.
The event took place roughly two weeks following significant backlash over a social media post from the president’s account that contained racist imagery depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.
South Carolina Republican Senator Tim Scott had condemned the video, calling it “the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House.” The administration initially stood by the post and criticized what they termed “fake outrage” before eventually removing it.
Trump stated he hadn’t viewed the controversial clip, attributed responsibility to a staff member, refused to offer an apology, and indicated no disciplinary action was taken.
The president, now serving his second term, has previously shared racially charged rhetoric, including his long-standing promotion of the debunked theory questioning Obama’s U.S. birthplace during Obama’s 2009-2017 presidency. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Wednesday that media outlets have unfairly “smeared” the president as racist.
Throughout Wednesday’s ceremony, Trump offered praise for several notable African Americans. He complimented Senator Scott on multiple occasions and invited various Black administration officials to speak, including Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, whom he described as “exceptional.”
The president also welcomed former presidential candidate and previous Cabinet member Dr. Ben Carson, announcing Carson would soon receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, along with White House pardons coordinator Alice Johnson, whom Trump pardoned in 2020.
“When I met her, I fell in love,” Trump remarked about his initial encounter with Johnson.
The audience applauded as Trump discussed his first-term criminal justice reforms and recent strict immigration enforcement measures. “It’s no wonder that in 2024 we won more African American voters than any Republican presidential candidate in history,” he declared.
Trump has faced criticism over the past year for language targeting immigrant populations, including Somali Americans and Latin American immigrants, frequently connecting these groups to crime discussions. He continued this approach Wednesday by bringing a Washington D.C.-area grandmother on stage whose grandson was murdered in 2017.
Civil rights organizations and specialists have warned that Trump’s moves to eliminate diversity initiatives could reverse decades of advancement.
“He keeps it real, just like grandma,” Forlesia Cook stated from the podium, expressing gratitude to Trump for requesting National Guard patrols in the capital as part of his tough crime stance.
“I love him,” Cook continued as the president patted her back, “I don’t want to hear nothing you got to say about that ‘racist’ stuff…get off the man’s back. Let him do his job, he’s doing the right thing, back up off him!”
For the second consecutive day, Trump highlighted his long-standing relationships with prominent African Americans to counter racism allegations. At the celebration, he praised boxer Mike Tyson’s loyalty in defending him.
Following civil rights leader Jesse Jackson’s death on Tuesday, Trump shared 11 photographs online showing himself alongside Jackson and other Black celebrities, writing that “despite the fact that I am falsely and consistently called a Racist by the Scoundrels and Lunatics on the Radical Left, Democrats ALL, it was always my pleasure to help Jesse along the way.”
After attendees chanted “four more years,” the president concluded Wednesday’s gathering with forward-looking remarks.
“This is a very special group of people,” Trump said, “So happy Black History Month, happy Black History Year, and happy Black History Century.”
Faithful Christians across the globe observed Ash Wednesday today, launching the sacred Lenten period with solemn ceremonies and traditional rituals. The holy day serves as the gateway to a 40-day spiritual journey of prayer, fasting and deep contemplation that will culminate with Good Friday and the celebration of Easter.
Churches throughout communities welcomed congregants seeking to receive the traditional ash cross marking on their foreheads, symbolizing repentance and mortality as believers prepare their hearts for the Easter season.
The observance represents one of Christianity’s most significant periods of spiritual discipline and renewal, drawing millions of participants worldwide into this ancient practice of Lenten preparation.
A bizarre legal case involving one of Manhattan’s most recognizable hotels has concluded with a fraud conviction after a man’s elaborate scheme to claim ownership of the entire building.
Mickey Barreto admitted guilt to fraud charges this Wednesday, bringing closure to an unusual case that began when he exploited little-known tenant protections to secure free housing at the New Yorker Hotel for several years.
According to Barreto’s account, he and his partner paid $200 for a single night’s stay at the famous Art Deco hotel in 2018. The building houses over 1,000 rooms and stands as one of Manhattan’s most photographed landmarks. Following his overnight stay, Barreto demanded a formal lease agreement, arguing that city housing regulations for single-room occupancy buildings constructed prior to 1969 entitled him to tenant rights.
When hotel management rejected his lease request, Barreto pursued the matter through housing court proceedings. The hotel’s failure to send legal representation to a crucial court hearing resulted in Barreto being granted “possession” of his room.
However, prosecutors from Manhattan revealed that Barreto’s actions escalated significantly beyond securing his room. They alleged he committed fraud against the state by creating and uploading falsified ownership documents to an official city website, purporting to transfer the entire hotel property to himself.
The New Yorker Hotel is currently under the ownership of the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity, an organization established in South Korea by the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon, who declared himself a messiah. The religious organization did not provide a response to media inquiries.
Following his fraudulent ownership claim, Barreto allegedly attempted to collect rental payments from hotel guests and instructed the hotel’s financial institution to transfer all accounts under his control, according to prosecution statements.
Barreto’s occupancy ended in 2024 when he was removed from the property and subsequently faced multiple felony fraud charges. Court proceedings were delayed after he was determined mentally unfit for trial and required psychiatric care.
The resolution of his case includes a six-month jail term, which Barreto has already completed, plus five years of supervised probation, as confirmed by a representative from the Manhattan district attorney’s office.
Brian Hutchinson, representing Barreto in the case, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
In previous statements to the Associated Press, Barreto defended his actions, claiming the judge’s decision to grant him room “possession” effectively transferred the entire building since it had never been legally subdivided into separate units.
“I never intended to commit any fraud. I don’t believe I ever committed any fraud,” Barreto stated previously. “And I never made a penny out of this.”
CARACAS, Venezuela — A top U.S. military commander traveled to Venezuela’s capital this week for extensive discussions with the country’s acting leadership, marking another significant diplomatic development following the recent capture of former President Nicolás Maduro.
Marine General Francis Donovan, who leads U.S. Southern Command overseeing military operations across Latin America, spent several hours Wednesday in meetings with acting President Delcy Rodríguez and key cabinet officials. The Venezuelan government and American military command each confirmed the high-level visit through their respective social media channels.
According to Venezuelan officials, Donovan held talks with Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello during his time in Caracas.
The diplomatic engagement follows just weeks after U.S. military forces conducted a dramatic operation that resulted in Maduro’s capture and subsequent transport to America, where he now faces charges related to drug trafficking.
“During this meeting, both countries agreed to work on developing a bilateral cooperation agenda to combat illicit drug trafficking in our region, terrorism, and migration,” Rodríguez’s press office stated in a social media post. “The meeting reaffirms that diplomacy should be the mechanism for resolving differences and addressing issues of binational and regional interest, of interest to all parties.”
The U.S. delegation included Laura Dogu, America’s senior diplomatic representative in Venezuela, along with Joseph Humire, who serves as acting assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and Americas affairs.
American military officials described the talks as centering on regional security matters affecting Venezuela and the broader Western Hemisphere, plus discussions about implementing President Donald Trump’s gradual approach toward the South American nation.
This represents the most recent in a series of high-profile American visits to Venezuela. CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to meet with Rodríguez just two weeks following Maduro’s removal from power, while Energy Secretary Chris Wright conducted meetings with Venezuelan leadership last week as part of an evaluation of the nation’s petroleum sector.
eBay is making a major move to attract younger customers by acquiring a popular resale fashion platform.
The California-based online marketplace announced Wednesday it will purchase Depop from Etsy in an all-cash transaction worth approximately $1.2 billion. The acquisition represents eBay’s strategy to expand its reach among Generation Z consumers.
This transaction occurs during a surge in secondhand clothing popularity, as consumers increasingly seek distinctive items at lower prices while supporting environmental sustainability by keeping garments out of landfills.
eBay CEO Jamie Ianonne explained in a company statement that acquiring Depop presents a chance to engage a younger customer base.
“We are confident that as part of eBay, Depop will be even more well-positioned for long-term growth, benefiting from our scale, complementary offerings, and operational capabilities,” Ianonne said.
According to the joint announcement, Depop’s platform boasted 7 million active purchasers as of December 31, 2025, with almost 90% being younger than 34 years old, plus over 3 million active vendors.
This acquisition comes five years following Etsy’s purchase of Depop for $1.6 billion. The mobile application launched in 2011.
The San Jose-based eBay confirmed it will finance the deal entirely with cash. Brooklyn-headquartered Etsy stated it will use the money for general business operations, ongoing stock buybacks, and investments in its primary marketplace.
Both companies’ boards have given unanimous approval for the deal, which is anticipated to finalize during the second quarter.
Company officials confirmed that Depop will maintain its current name, branding, platform structure, and corporate culture following the acquisition.
Wall Street responded positively to the announcement, with eBay stock climbing over 7% and Etsy shares jumping nearly 15% in after-hours trading.
Stock prices for Wesfarmers, Australia’s largest non-food retail company, tumbled Thursday following disappointing early second-half performance results that reflected ongoing financial pressures on consumers.
The retail conglomerate’s shares dropped as much as 6.1% to A$83.85 during early trading hours, representing the company’s steepest single-day decline since late October 2025, according to data as of 2353 GMT.
Rising inflation and increased operational expenses continue to squeeze both household and business budgets across Australia, forcing consumers to reduce spending even as foot traffic remains steady at major retail locations.
During the initial six weeks of the second half, Wesfarmers’ leading division Bunnings maintained sales growth matching its first-half performance of approximately 4%, while Kmart exceeded its previous 3.2% growth rate from the six-month period ending in December.
However, both divisions failed to meet market projections for second-half expansion.
“Australian consumer demand remains solid, but cost-of-living pressures are being felt unevenly across the economy and impacting many households,” Wesfarmers stated.
“The recent interest rate rise and uncertainty regarding the outlook for inflation and interest rates are affecting consumer sentiment, while higher operating expenses are weighing on business confidence and spending.”
For the six-month period concluding December 31, hardware chain Bunnings achieved earnings growth of 5% reaching A$1.39 billion ($978.42 million), while discount retailer Kmart posted growth exceeding 6% to A$683 million.
The company’s WesCEF division, encompassing chemicals, energy, fertilizer and Covalent Lithium operations, also delivered 18% earnings growth during the first half.
Company officials indicated they anticipate sequential earnings increases from their lithium operations in the second half.
“While earnings are ahead, the strength in lithium had been well understood by the market,” noted Citi analysts in their research commentary.
Robust earnings performance across multiple divisions enabled the conglomerate to achieve first-half net profit after tax of A$1.60 billion, surpassing both the Visible Alpha consensus projection of A$1.56 billion and the previous year’s result of A$1.47 billion.
The Perth-headquartered company, which jointly operates the Covalent lithium project in Western Australia alongside Chile’s SQM, announced an interim dividend of 102 Australian cents per share, up from 95 Australian cents per share in the prior year.
Canada announced significant changes to its immigration framework on Wednesday, establishing new priority pathways for skilled professionals in crucial sectors including healthcare, research, aviation, and military service.
The revamped system supports Prime Minister Mark Carney’s strategy to decrease overall permanent residency numbers while strategically recruiting qualified workers and academics, along with strengthening defense capabilities to reduce reliance on the United States.
Officials stated the modifications aim to return immigration levels to manageable numbers while addressing workforce gaps in essential industries. The Canadian government has been working in recent years to lower immigrant numbers to alleviate pressure on housing markets and public services.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab explained that the 2026 modifications to the Express Entry program will help draw talent capable of making immediate contributions as Canada confronts worker shortages in vital areas.
The updated priority categories encompass researchers, executive-level managers, transportation industry professionals including pilots and aircraft technicians, and foreign physicians with Canadian work experience. The system will also welcome skilled international military candidates recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces, such as military medical professionals, nurses, and aviators.
“Canada’s future depends on a workforce ready for a changing economy,” Diab stated.
In an effort to decrease dependence on the United States, Carney unveiled a comprehensive defense plan on Tuesday targeting the next ten years. The strategy seeks to increase government defense research and development investment by 85%, expand defense industry revenue by over 240%, grow defense exports by 50%, and generate as many as 125,000 high-quality employment opportunities.
Following other NATO alliance members, Canada has committed to increasing defense expenditure to 5% of gross domestic product by 2035.
Current Express Entry invitation rounds for existing categories — covering French-speaking applicants, healthcare professionals, and skilled trade workers — will remain active alongside these new focused programs.
WASHINGTON – Business leaders from Indonesia and the United States completed trade and investment agreements totaling more than $7 billion on Wednesday, according to the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council. The signing ceremony took place during a dinner event honoring Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, just one day before his scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to finalize a comprehensive trade agreement.
The business agreements feature significant agricultural purchases by Indonesian companies, including commitments to buy 1 million metric tons of American soybeans, 1.6 million tons of corn, and 93,000 tons of cotton over timeframes that were not specified, according to documentation from the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council.
Indonesian buyers also committed to purchasing 1 million tons of American wheat during 2025, with potential purchases expanding to as much as 5 million tons by the year 2030.
Beyond agricultural products, the agreements encompass industrial cooperation as well. Mining company Freeport McMoRan entered into a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia’s Ministry of Investment focused on critical minerals collaboration. Additionally, Indonesia’s state-owned oil company Pertamina reached an agreement with energy services firm Halliburton Co to work together on oilfield recovery projects, the business council reported.
A critical verdict awaits former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday as the Seoul Central District Court prepares to determine whether he orchestrated an insurrection through his failed martial law declaration in December 2024.
The ruling represents the most significant legal challenge yet for the deposed leader, whose emergency rule attempt sparked a nationwide political upheaval and put the nation’s democratic foundations to the test.
In January, prosecutors demanded the ultimate punishment, stating “his unconstitutional and illegal emergency martial law undermined the function of the National Assembly and the Election Commission… actually destroying the liberal democratic constitutional order.”
Under South Korean legal statutes, orchestrating an insurrection can result in either capital punishment or life behind bars. The country’s last death sentence was issued in 2016, though no executions have occurred since 1997.
Heavy security surrounded the Seoul Central District Court Thursday, with law enforcement vehicles creating a protective barrier around the courthouse.
Beyond the insurrection allegations, the court will address accusations that Yoon overstepped his authority by commanding military forces to invade parliament and arrest political rivals, while also deploying personnel to restrict access to opposition party headquarters.
The 65-year-old defendant has rejected all accusations. The former prosecutor with conservative leanings maintained he possessed presidential powers to enact martial law, claiming his actions were meant to highlight how opposition groups were blocking governmental functions.
Currently held at Seoul Detention Centre, the former president will likely stay incarcerated whatever Thursday’s outcome brings. A guilty verdict would prompt an expected appeal, while acquittal wouldn’t end his extensive legal troubles.
Yoon confronts eight different court cases and already received a five-year prison term in January for charges including interfering with arrest efforts following his martial law announcement. He has challenged that conviction.
Though Yoon’s emergency rule lasted merely six hours before massive public demonstrations and parliamentary rejection ended it, the incident shocked South Korea – Asia’s fourth-largest economic power, a crucial American security partner, and a nation long viewed as having one of the world’s strongest democracies.
Current President Lee Jae Myung, who assumed office through a special election in June after Yoon’s removal, praised Korean citizens on social media platform X Thursday for stopping the martial law implementation.
“It was possible because it was the Republic of Korea,” Lee stated, referencing the country’s formal name and adding that the Korean people would stand as an inspiration throughout human history.
His message accompanied a news report discussing academic proposals to nominate the Korean public for a Nobel Peace Prize for their peaceful resistance against military and police forces during the martial law crisis.
The US dollar recovered from recent declines on Thursday following the release of Federal Reserve meeting minutes that indicated central bank officials are taking a measured approach to interest rate reductions, with some even considering increases if inflation remains problematic.
American bond yields climbed higher while the dollar maintained its overnight strength against major currencies including the euro and Japanese yen during early Asian trading sessions, keeping the euro trading beneath $1.18.
Australia’s currency was positioned at $0.7045 as investors awaited employment statistics that could potentially boost expectations for future rate increases if the data proves robust.
New Zealand’s dollar experienced significant weakness, recording its largest single-day percentage decline since April’s trade policy turmoil, following the nation’s central bank adopting a more conservative stance on upcoming rate hikes that fell short of market predictions.
The New Zealand currency plummeted nearly 1.4% during overnight trading and remained just below $0.60 in morning sessions. Meanwhile, the euro stayed around $1.1788 after taking a hit from reports suggesting European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde may depart before her October 2025 term conclusion. The British pound held steady at $1.3497.
Federal Reserve meeting records revealed disagreement among policymakers regarding the future direction of US interest rates, indicating the incoming chairman scheduled to begin duties in May will face challenges implementing rate reductions.
Multiple officials anticipate that productivity improvements could help control inflation, according to the minutes, though “most participants” warned that advancement might be gradual and inconsistent. Some even suggested rate increases remain possible if inflation continues exceeding targets.
“This suggests there isn’t a great deal of urgency to cut rates again, at least not until after current chair (Jerome) Powell’s term ends in May,” said Peter Dragicevich, Asia-Pacific currency strategist at Corpay.
Financial markets are now focusing on upcoming global purchasing managers’ index data and US gross domestic product figures scheduled for Friday release.
The Japanese yen weakened against the strengthening dollar overnight, coinciding with Trump administration announcements of $36 billion in initial projects under Japan’s committed $550 billion US investment program.
Japan’s currency declined 1% overnight and remained stable at 154.78 against the dollar Thursday, retreating from the 152 level it had approached last week following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s decisive electoral win.
The yen has experienced years of decline due to Japan’s low domestic interest rates and concerns about the nation’s fiscal situation, though recent economic growth optimism has provided some stability.
“Direct Japanese investment into the U.S. will be a key watch factor this year, and one which adds to the very mixed picture on USD/JPY,” said Chris Turner, global head of research at ING.
“The question for FX markets this year is whether this investment proves a supportive dollar flow or something like Japan’s FX reserves are used to guarantee new USD loans and avoid pressure on the yen. The latter seems to be the preferred outcome for Tokyo.”
Trading activity remained light across Asia due to holidays in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan, while the Chinese yuan held steady at 6.89 against the dollar in offshore markets.
European security officials are raising alarms about Moscow’s increasing use of unconventional warfare tactics targeting NATO member countries, with Poland at the center of growing concerns about covert Russian operations.
The Kremlin has been escalating secretive attacks throughout the continent, employing tactics that include destroying critical infrastructure like railways, deploying unmanned aircraft, and launching digital warfare campaigns against European targets.
These shadow operations represent a significant test for the NATO alliance as member nations grapple with how to respond to attacks that fall below the threshold of traditional military conflict.
According to Polish security experts, Russia is deploying what they describe as “disposable agents” – operatives designed to carry out destabilizing missions with the goal of creating widespread anxiety among European populations and eroding public backing for Ukraine’s defense against Russian invasion.
The strategy appears designed to weaken Western resolve without triggering the kind of direct military response that would come from conventional attacks on NATO territory.
Intelligence officials across Europe are working to counter these hybrid threats, which blend traditional espionage with modern cyber capabilities and infrastructure sabotage to maximum destabilizing effect.
BORMIO, Italy – An Italian husband and wife team believes their unique bond will serve as a competitive advantage when ski mountaineering makes its historic Olympic debut this week.
Michele Boscacci and Alba de Silvestro will represent Italy in Thursday’s sprint competitions and Saturday’s mixed relay event. The married athletes say their shared living, training, and travel experiences have created a pathway to the Olympics while helping manage the intense pressure of elite competition.
“You’re maybe in a single room and you might have a moment to think,” Boscacci explained when describing how their situation differs from other Olympic competitors.
“Instead, this way, we’re together. The tension eases a little, we talk, we try to maintain a bit of a daily routine that we have at home, even though we’re in a hotel and we’re here for the Olympic competitions,” the 36-year-old athlete continued while seated alongside his spouse.
For the couple – Boscacci, 36, and de Silvestro, 30 – ski mountaineering represents far more than athletic competition. The sport forms the cornerstone of their everyday existence. Their relationship began through ski mountaineering, and now they share everything from pre-dawn training routines to competition travel.
During the Olympics, both will participate in individual sprint races and the mixed relay competition, which has been their primary seasonal focus.
De Silvestro recognizes that marriage to a teammate creates both advantages and complications.
“In many ways it’s better, in many ways it complicates things,” she acknowledged. The pair often attempts to avoid discussing racing, only to find themselves returning to the topic before day’s end.
“Ski mountaineering is first and foremost our hobby, which has become our job and is now our life, so it all becomes a bit heavy,” Boscacci noted.
“Many times we say, ‘Come on, enough, let’s not talk about it anymore,’ but it doesn’t last, let’s say, weeks – maybe until the end of the day,” he added.
The Italian team will benefit from substantial family and friend support during the Winter Games. Beyond living just one hour from Bormio, the ski mountaineering venue, Boscacci’s father – who captured gold at the inaugural SkiMo World Championship in 2002 – is assisting with course preparation.
“If we were, say, in China, maybe there you’re a little more isolated from an emotional point of view, and maybe, I’m not saying it’s easier, but maybe you have a little less pressure,” Boscacci reflected on competing in their first Olympics near home.
Despite approaching Olympic pressure, the couple expresses gratitude for experiencing this journey together.
“It’s nice to share these moments, so I’m happy,” de Silvestro concluded.
Microsoft announced Wednesday it will continue purchasing renewable energy equivalent to all its power consumption after successfully achieving this milestone in 2023, three years ahead of its original 2025 target.
The technology company accomplished this environmental goal by securing contracts for 40 gigawatts of clean energy capacity, primarily through long-term power purchase agreements that help utilities develop new renewable projects.
According to Microsoft, 19 gigawatts of this contracted renewable energy is already feeding into electrical grids, with the remaining capacity expected to come online over the next five years across 26 nations worldwide.
“As we continue to grow we want to maintain that 100%,” said Noelle Walsh, Microsoft’s cloud operations chief, speaking from the company’s West Dublin facility where it established its first international data center in 2009.
Melanie Nakagawa, Microsoft’s Chief Sustainability Officer, explained to Reuters that carbon-free power sources will become increasingly important for maintaining the complete renewable energy match through 2030. She pointed to Microsoft’s 2024 agreement with Constellation Energy to revive a Pennsylvania nuclear facility as an example of this strategy, which supports the company’s goal of becoming carbon negative by decade’s end.
The software giant simultaneously revealed plans for a massive $50 billion investment by 2030 to bring artificial intelligence capabilities to developing nations, with most funding directed toward building cloud computing and AI data centers.
Walsh noted that Ireland’s recent decision to end restrictions on new data center grid connections will help Microsoft address significant unmet demand in the technology-focused nation.
Microsoft anticipates moving forward with previously delayed data center development plans near Dublin once new regulations take effect next month requiring facilities to source at least 80% of their annual power needs from additional renewable sources, according to Eoin Doherty, the company’s EMEA cloud operations director.
Data centers consumed 22% of Ireland’s total electricity in 2024.
The parent company of Snapchat announced Wednesday that its subscription-based business has achieved a $1 billion annual revenue rate, marking a significant milestone as the platform competes with social media giants like TikTok and Instagram.
Snap Inc. reported that more than 25 million users now pay for various premium services, including Snapchat+ subscriptions, the Memories storage feature, and additional in-app purchases.
Facing intense competition from larger platforms owned by TikTok and Meta’s Instagram, the company has been working to diversify its income sources beyond traditional advertising revenue, which still makes up the majority of its earnings.
Last year, CEO Evan Spiegel described the company as being in a “crucible moment” due to slowing quarterly revenue growth, and expressed his goal to transform direct revenue into “a durable multi-billion-dollar growth driver for Snap.”
The company announced Tuesday plans to introduce a new subscription option that will allow content creators to earn steady income directly from their most dedicated followers. This feature will begin testing on February 23 with a select group of U.S.-based Snapchat creators.
Snapchat+, which debuted in 2022, provides users with exclusive customization options such as the ability to pin their closest friends, personalized chat backgrounds, and AI-generated pet avatars called Bitmoji Pets designed to increase user involvement and keep people on the platform longer.
The platform saw its total number of active advertisers increase by 28% during the fourth quarter of last year.
While Snapchat’s daily active user base grew 5% to reach 474 million users in the most recent quarter, the company noted a decline of 3 million users compared to the previous three-month period.
In January, Snap introduced Specs, a separate division focused on developing augmented reality smart glasses, as the company attempts to compete with Meta in the expanding wearable technology sector.
Work will begin again next week on the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project after the Trump administration unfroze $127 million in federal funding, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday.
The states of New York and New Jersey filed a lawsuit following the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to hold back $205 million in project funding beginning October 1. This funding stoppage forced construction to stop, leaving 1,000 workers without jobs. The Hudson Tunnel Project is designed to create a new commuter rail tunnel linking Manhattan with New Jersey while also fixing an existing tunnel that’s more than 100 years old and serves over 200,000 passengers and 425 trains each day.
Heat treatment of colostrum has emerged as a widespread practice among dairy operations caring for newborn calves, according to an industry expert. Cora Okkema, who serves as Great Lakes Territory Manager for Dairy Tech and specializes in colostrum management, reports that this process has become standard protocol on numerous farming operations.
Speaking with Brownfield, Okkema explained that the heat treatment process significantly reduces dangerous bacterial levels that could harm vulnerable newborn calves. She emphasized the importance of protecting young animals during their most critical developmental phase, noting that introducing harmful pathogens is the last thing farmers want to do when calves are at their most susceptible stage.
Through traffic will be blocked on a stretch of Beaver Dam Drive this Thursday afternoon as city crews continue work on a major water system upgrade.
The roadway will be shut down at North Park Drive between East Main Street and Hillside Drive from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. on February 19th. People who live on North Park Drive, East Main Street, Hillside Drive and Beaver Dam Drive can still get to their homes with help from traffic control personnel, but everyone else will need to find different routes.
Both Ben’s Red Swings and the Salisbury Zoo will stay open during the work. While the zoo entrance near Ben’s Red Swings at the intersection with South Park Drive will have some blockages through Friday, visitors can still find parking spots. The main zoo entrance at South Park Drive with the traffic circle leading to Memorial Plaza should remain clear.
This temporary shutdown is connected to a large-scale infrastructure upgrade by Salisbury’s Department of Water Works to install a new raw water pipeline that moves water from the city’s well system to its treatment facility.
The massive undertaking spans roughly 3,300 feet and involves installing pipes of various sizes from 24 inches down to 8 inches in diameter. Some sections will require special drilling techniques, including boring underneath the river. The current raw water pipeline system has components dating back nearly 100 years to 1925 and needs replacement to maintain dependable water service. City officials previously had to replace a section near the treatment plant in 2006 when it failed. This current effort will swap out the rest of the main pipeline, connecting pipes and valves linked to operating wells.
Work crews are designing the construction to avoid disrupting the current raw water system, well connections or active wells. The replacement main will connect to existing infrastructure, but control valves will stay shut until the changeover is finished. New well connections will be built individually to coordinate well shutdowns when making the final hookups.
City park users should expect some disruption to walking trails that go through City Park and by the Salisbury Zoo during construction periods. The work started near the Dog Park and Tennis Courts area and will move along the East Branch waterway past Memorial Plaza.
Officials expect the entire infrastructure project to wrap up by autumn 2026. City leaders are asking for public patience while this critical infrastructure work moves forward.
Three western states filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday demanding the Trump administration distribute congressionally approved grants for renewable energy initiatives that have been frozen by the new administration.
California, Colorado and Washington launched the legal challenge after the Trump administration halted funding previously allocated through environmental legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act, according to California’s attorney general’s office. The funding freeze represents part of a wider administration strategy to reduce support for renewable energy sources like wind and solar power while focusing on boosting domestic oil production.
California stands to lose $1.2 billion in federal support for its Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) program, which was designed to transition utilities, public transportation, trucking operations and ports away from fossil fuel dependency, according to Attorney General Rob Bonta.
The states argue that federal agencies are legally obligated to implement congressional legislation. “Congress has the power of the purse, not the executive branch, and Congress already appropriated this funding,” Bonta explained during a Tuesday interview before the lawsuit announcement. “It’s as simple as” federal agencies must follow the law, he added.
This legal action represents the latest in an ongoing series of court challenges California and other states have mounted against Trump administration policies across multiple policy areas.
The pork industry is experiencing a welcome turnaround after several challenging years, according to a farm manager in western Iowa who oversees extensive swine operations.
Aaron Juergens, who supervises more than 100,000 nursery and finishing pig spaces at Sunburst Valley Farms located near Carroll, reports that improved financial returns are lifting spirits throughout the sector.
“It was a better year for pork producers. There was money being made and that was due to the fact that we’ve been working really hard,” Juergens explained.
The positive developments come as increased market demand has helped the industry recover from previous difficulties that had impacted producer profits and overall industry confidence.
Agricultural commodity markets experienced mixed trading results during Tuesday’s session, with grain futures showing divergent movements across different crops.
Corn futures for March delivery advanced by three-quarters of a cent, settling at $4.27 per bushel. Meanwhile, March soybean contracts declined by half a cent to finish at $11.33 and a half per bushel.
Soybean-related products moved in opposite directions, as March soybean meal futures dropped $1.90 to close at $303.90, while soybean oil contracts for March gained 130 points to reach 58.59.
Wheat markets showed strength, with March Chicago wheat futures climbing 9 and a quarter cents to end at $5.47 per bushel.
Livestock futures predominantly trended lower during the session. April live cattle contracts fell 27 cents to $242.52, while March feeder cattle dropped 40 cents to $370.57. However, April lean hog futures bucked the downward trend, rising 25 cents to close at $92.55.
The trading data reflects ongoing market volatility as agricultural commodities respond to various supply and demand factors affecting both domestic and international markets.
The United States men’s hockey team has earned a chance to compete for an Olympic medal after defeating Sweden in a nail-biting quarterfinal match that required overtime to decide the winner.
Defenseman Quinn Hughes delivered the decisive goal in the extra period, sending Team USA into the semifinals where they will face Slovakia. The dramatic victory keeps American medal hopes alive at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
Meanwhile, Canada also survived a tight contest in their quarterfinal matchup, advancing to take on Finland in the other semifinal game. Both North American teams now find themselves just two wins away from Olympic gold.
The semifinal round will determine which four nations will compete for medals, with the winners advancing to the gold medal game and the losers meeting for bronze.
Operations at Newark Liberty International Airport faced delays Wednesday evening when a JetBlue aircraft experienced mechanical problems during departure and had to make an emergency return.
JetBlue Flight 543, an Airbus A320 destined for West Palm Beach, Florida, encountered engine trouble shortly after takeoff around 5:55 p.m. Eastern Time. The flight crew detected smoke in the cockpit and made the decision to head back to Newark immediately.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, all passengers and crew members safely exited the aircraft on a taxiway using emergency evacuation slides. Airport officials confirmed that no one sustained injuries during the incident.
The emergency situation prompted the FAA to temporarily halt some incoming flights to Newark while crews responded to the scene. Federal investigators will now examine what caused the engine malfunction on the Florida-bound flight.
MILAN, Feb 18 – Wednesday’s Olympic men’s hockey quarter-finals delivered heart-stopping overtime action, setting up compelling semifinal matchups as Canada prepares to face defending champion Finland and the United States gets ready to take on Slovakia.
The return of NHL stars to Olympic competition for the first time in a decade has kept hopes alive for a highly anticipated final showdown between longtime rivals Canada and the United States, while Finland continues defending their title and Slovakia pursues their first-ever gold medal game appearance.
Both semifinal contests are set for Friday at Milan’s Santagiulia Arena.
Canada entered as tournament favorites and reinforced that status during group play, scoring five goals against both Czech Republic and Switzerland while allowing just one, then demolishing France 10-2.
Despite topping their group, Canada faced the Czech Republic again in quarter-final action, where they trailed 3-2 late in regulation before tying the game and getting Mitch Marner’s overtime winner just 82 seconds into the extra period.
The close call may serve as a crucial reality check for Canada heading into their clash with Finland, whose resilient spirit powered a remarkable comeback victory over Switzerland.
Finland’s roster includes only one player from their 2022 championship team – Mikko Lehtonen, their lone non-NHL representative – yet they’ve demonstrated Olympic excellence by earning medals in four of the past five Games.
The defending champions started poorly, falling 4-1 to Slovakia before rebounding with a 4-1 victory over Sweden and an 11-0 rout of host Italy.
Those victories secured automatic advancement to the quarterfinals as the top second-place finisher, but Finland faced elimination when Switzerland built a two-goal advantage with under seven minutes remaining.
Two late equalizers and Artturi Lehkonen’s breakaway overtime goal in extra time preserved Finland’s tournament hopes, showcasing the determination they’ll need against Canada.
SLOVAKIAN SURPRISE
Slovakia entered with modest expectations despite their 2022 bronze medal but announced their presence with that early upset of Finland.
After defeating Italy and falling 5-3 to Sweden, a late goal against the Swedes gave Slovakia the group lead on goal differential, bypassing the playoff round and earning a favorable quarterfinal draw.
Slovakia handled Germany easily in a 6-2 quarterfinal victory.
Standing in their path is a United States team hungry for their first gold since 1980, after nearly squandering their opportunity against Sweden.
The Americans cruised through group stage with victories over Latvia 5-1, Denmark 6-3, and Germany, despite allowing Denmark to score first.
Wednesday’s Swedish quarterfinal proved far more challenging. The U.S. grabbed a second-period lead but couldn’t create separation, keeping Sweden within striking distance throughout.
A Swedish equalizer in the final minute forced three-on-three overtime, but Quinn Hughes scored the decisive goal to send the Americans through.
Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball escaped injury Wednesday afternoon following a two-vehicle collision in downtown Charlotte, a source with knowledge of the incident confirmed.
The source provided information to The Associated Press under anonymity as they lacked authorization to publicly discuss accident specifics.
Officials had not yet released a police report regarding the incident.
Television footage from WSOC-TV captured Ball’s custom camouflage Hummer striking another vehicle as he traveled through an intersection just before 5 p.m. Additional video showed the NBA player, dressed in a teal Hornets sweatshirt, exiting his damaged vehicle and departing in a different car while officers remained at the scene.
Details about the second driver remained unavailable, though footage revealed that person calmly stepped out and approached Ball’s truck after the impact. The collision left Ball’s Hummer with a completely detached front left wheel.
The team had completed practice sessions earlier Wednesday.
The Hornets, riding high with victories in 10 of their previous 11 contests, are set to face the Houston Rockets Thursday evening in their first game following the All-Star break.
This incident adds Ball’s name to a growing list of Charlotte-area professional athletes involved in traffic accidents.
Panthers former quarterback Cam Newton suffered spinal fractures in a 2014 rollover crash that flipped his dark pickup truck close to Bank of America Stadium — occurring within a mile of Ball’s Wednesday accident location.
Additionally, current Panthers backup quarterback Andy Dalton sustained a thumb injury during a Charlotte two-car accident in 2024.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. military confirmed Thursday that future presidential aircraft will sport a patriotic red, white, gold and dark blue paint design, fulfilling President Donald Trump’s vision for a new look.
Air Force officials announced the updated color scheme will be applied to the new aircraft being prepared to serve as Air Force One, along with smaller jets used to transport senior government officials.
Military officials unveiled a design rendering that mirrors an aircraft model previously displayed in the Oval Office during meetings with international dignitaries.
Boeing is currently working to modify two 747-800 aircraft intended to replace the current pair of older Boeing 747-200 planes that transport the president and carry the Air Force One designation when he’s on board.
Back in 2018, Trump had ordered the replacement of the famous Kennedy-era blue and white livery with a different white and navy design. His original plan called for a white upper section and dark blue lower portion, including the aircraft’s belly, with a dark red stripe extending from nose to tail. The proposed design closely resembled Trump’s private aircraft.
However, Air Force analysts determined the darker paint colors would drive up expenses and push back delivery schedules for the new presidential jets. President Joe Biden subsequently canceled the redesign in March 2023.
Speaking to media last month, Trump expressed his preference, saying “we want power blue, not baby blue,” in reference to the current aircraft’s appearance.
“Everything has its time and place. We’ll be changing the colors,” Trump stated.
The Air Force announcement indicates a third Boeing 747-8i aircraft will receive the same patriotic paint treatment.
Last May, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth officially received a luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar for presidential use, though the acceptance of this costly gift from a foreign government raised ethical and legal concerns.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink informed Congress in June that security upgrades for the aircraft would cost under $400 million, though he didn’t provide specific details about the modifications.
Federal investigators are conducting private meetings with leading cinema chains across the nation to discuss concerns about Warner Bros Discovery’s proposed sale, according to a Wednesday report from Bloomberg News.
TV Delmarva was unable to confirm the report independently. Neither Warner Bros Discovery nor the Justice Department provided immediate responses when asked for comment.
According to the Bloomberg report, federal attorneys are gathering details about how such a transaction might affect movie audiences and whether it could lead to fewer theatrical releases, based on information from sources with knowledge of the discussions.
This development follows Warner Bros’ Tuesday decision to turn down Paramount Skydance’s recent hostile takeover attempt valued at $30 per share, while allowing the competing Hollywood company one week to present a “best and final” proposal that would exceed their current Netflix agreement.
Paramount confirmed receiving the seven-day deadline but described Warner Bros’ board decisions as “unusual.”
The parent company of CBS stated it would proceed with its tender offer, challenge what it calls the “inferior” Netflix deal, and maintain plans to propose directors for Warner Bros’ upcoming shareholder meeting.
Warner Bros plans to hold a shareholder vote on Netflix’s proposal for its streaming and film studio divisions on March 20.
Should shareholders approve the transaction, it would occur following Warner Bros’ separation of its Discovery Global cable networks, including CNN, TLC, Food Network and HGTV, into an independent publicly-traded entity.
The Bloomberg article noted that director James Cameron, who helmed Paramount’s “Titanic,” publicly supported the company’s Warner Bros acquisition attempt last November, stating that a Netflix purchase would represent “a disaster” for movie theaters.
Food delivery giant DoorDash sent its stock soaring nearly 14% in after-hours trading Wednesday after the company projected first-quarter order volumes that exceeded Wall Street expectations.
The California-based delivery service anticipates its marketplace gross order value — the total dollar amount of orders processed through its platform — will reach between $31 billion and $31.8 billion during the current quarter. This projection surpasses analyst predictions of $29.61 billion, according to LSEG data.
DoorDash continues to capitalize on Americans’ growing preference for convenience, with order volume climbing 32% compared to the same period last year. This mirrors similar growth patterns seen at competitor Uber, which reported strong delivery booking increases earlier this month.
“DoorDash’s ability to continue drawing in new customers and encourage existing customers to order more frequently shows that the platform’s convenience proposition is resonating strongly with consumers, even with growing cost-of-living pressures,” said eMarketer analyst Rachel Wolff.
The company is currently investing heavily in a comprehensive technology overhaul designed to merge its various brands — including DoorDash, Wolt and Deliveroo — into one unified platform. Company leadership announced in November plans to spend several hundred million dollars by 2026 on new products and technological improvements.
These substantial investments are impacting the company’s bottom line, with DoorDash projecting first-quarter adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization between $675 million and $775 million. This falls short of the $798.22 million average analyst forecast.
The online food delivery sector remains fiercely competitive, with companies like Instacart and Uber Eats continuously launching new partnerships and promotional campaigns to capture market share.
For the quarter ending December 31, DoorDash’s marketplace gross order value increased 39% to $29.68 billion year-over-year, beating analyst estimates of $27.65 billion. However, the company reported earnings of 48 cents per share, falling below the expected 59 cents.
The Edmonton Oilers announced Wednesday that Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey will return to his role as an assistant coach after serving as a special advisor to hockey operations and team ownership.
The 64-year-old hockey legend previously worked as a defensive assistant under head coach Kris Knoblauch from November 2023 until the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.
Under Coffey’s guidance of the defensive unit, Edmonton made back-to-back appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals while posting the NHL’s fifth-best defensive record, surrendering just 2.78 goals per contest.
“I have been in regular contact with Paul since (he became an advisor) last summer and I believe we will benefit both as a team and as a staff from his return at this time,” Knoblauch said.
The Oilers have been on hiatus since February 4th due to the Winter Olympics break, but will return to action next week with consecutive away games – facing the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday followed by the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday.
Currently, Edmonton sits four points behind the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights in the standings.
“I’m excited to return and work alongside Kris and the entire staff,” Coffey said. “With 24 games left in the season, there is ample time to build on the many positives and build momentum for another long playoff run.”
As Wayne Gretzky’s defensive partner during Edmonton’s dynasty years, Coffey captured three Stanley Cup championships with the Oilers during the 1980s before adding a fourth title with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991.
The accomplished defenseman earned three Norris Trophy awards and holds the second-highest scoring record among NHL defensemen, behind only Ray Bourque, accumulating 1,531 points through 396 goals and 1,135 assists across 1,409 career games. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004.
Federal civil rights officials have taken legal action against a Coca-Cola bottling company, claiming the business violated discrimination laws by organizing a workplace networking event that barred male employees from participating.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed the federal lawsuit on Tuesday against Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, marking the agency’s first legal challenge to workplace diversity initiatives since President Donald Trump returned to office.
According to the legal filing, the company organized the gathering for approximately 250 female staff members at a Connecticut casino facility in September 2024, which federal officials say violated employment discrimination statutes.
The bottling company, which operates under the ownership of Japan-based Kirin Holdings, has not yet provided a public response to requests for comment. The Coca-Cola Company itself is not named as a defendant in the legal proceedings.
This New Hampshire federal court case represents an initial challenge to widespread corporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that Trump administration leaders, including EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, argue constitute illegal reverse discrimination practices.
The Republican president has launched extensive efforts to eliminate DEI programs across federal agencies, private companies, and educational institutions, arguing these initiatives undermine merit-based systems and create discriminatory practices.
Diversity, equity and inclusion programs encompass various workplace policies and initiatives that advocates say ensure fair treatment and meaningful participation for historically marginalized or underrepresented groups.
Federal investigators are currently examining Nike and Northwestern Mutual Insurance for alleged discrimination against white employees, while demanding detailed information about DEI policies from 20 prominent law firms last year.
However, this legal action against the Coca-Cola distributor represents the EEOC’s inaugural lawsuit specifically challenging a diversity-oriented workplace program as unlawful.
Acting General Counsel Catherine Eschbach stated that barring any protected group of employees, including men, from employer-sponsored activities violates federal law.
“The EEOC remains committed to ensuring that all employees – men and women alike – enjoy equal access to all aspects of their employment,” Eschbach declared in an official statement.
The federal complaint describes the two-day networking gathering as including social receptions, team-building activities, recreational programs, and presentations from high-ranking Coca-Cola executives.
According to lawsuit details, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast allowed participating female employees to attend without using vacation time or personal days, while also covering all hotel accommodation expenses for attendees.
Facebook’s parent company Meta Platforms is moving forward with plans to launch its debut smartwatch later this year, according to a Wednesday report from the Information that cited two sources with knowledge of the project.
The social media giant has brought back its previously shelved “Malibu 2” smartwatch initiative, sources told the publication. The upcoming wearable device is expected to include health monitoring capabilities along with an integrated Meta AI assistant.
According to the Information, Meta had previously pursued smartwatch development approximately five years ago, with some concepts including models equipped with three cameras. However, the company abandoned those plans in 2022 as part of broader cost-cutting measures within its Reality Labs division.
When contacted for comment, Meta chose not to respond to the report.
This development represents a significant resurgence in the wearable technology market, fueled by advances in artificial intelligence as manufacturers introduce AI-powered devices focused particularly on health and fitness applications.
Smart glasses with AI capabilities have emerged as a standout success, with Meta’s technology integrated into eyewear produced by Ray-Ban’s parent company EssilorLuxottica. Shipments of these products reached nearly 6 million units in the previous year, based on Smart Analytics Global data.
The report indicates Meta currently has approximately four augmented reality and mixed-reality glasses projects under development. The company is reportedly reviewing launch schedules to address worries that releasing multiple products too quickly might create consumer confusion. According to the report, Reality Labs staff learned in December that the company had pushed back its Phoenix mixed-reality glasses until 2027.
In January, Meta announced it would temporarily halt the international rollout of its Ray-Ban Display glasses, citing limited supply and high demand within the United States.
A congressional representative from Iowa believes legislation permitting year-round E15 ethanol fuel sales could advance quickly through Congress. Representative Randy Feenstra, who serves on the House Rural Domestic Energy Council, reported that his committee held productive discussions on Wednesday regarding the biofuel initiative.
“This is full on, year round E15 and we worked with the small, midsized and large refiners,” Feenstra stated following the meeting. The congressman indicated that negotiations involved petroleum refiners across the industry spectrum as lawmakers work to build consensus on the ethanol legislation.
Agricultural producers across the Midwest are receiving encouraging news about upcoming weather patterns, according to Iowa’s leading climate expert. The forecast through early March shows promise for farming communities that have been dealing with challenging dry conditions.
State climatologist Justin Glisan shared the positive outlook with Brownfield, explaining the benefits for agricultural regions. “For much of the Upper Midwest and ag belt, there’s a significant signal for warmer and wetter conditions. This would be a great signal to see given how dry we’ve been over” recent months, Glisan stated.
The weather pattern represents a potential shift from the drought-like conditions and lack of snowfall that have characterized recent weather across farming regions. The combination of increased temperatures and precipitation could provide much-needed relief for agricultural operations preparing for the growing season.
A section of Wesline Road remains impassable this evening after a utility pole came down, prompting officials to block traffic in both directions.
Delaware Department of Transportation reports the roadway is shut down between Providence Church Road and Old Racetrack Road while crews work to address the situation.
Motorists should expect the closure to continue until approximately 9 PM tonight and are advised to seek alternate routes when traveling through the area.
Private investment company Blue Owl Capital announced Wednesday it’s offloading $1.4 billion worth of assets from three credit funds to major pension and insurance buyers, as the firm grapples with mounting market pressures and declining stock values.
The transaction allows Blue Owl to return money to investors and reduce debt obligations during a challenging period for direct lending firms and software-related investments. The company’s stock price has dropped by half over the past 12 months.
Blue Owl is receiving 99.7% of the loans’ original value, matching how the company values these assets internally. This pricing has drawn increased scrutiny as investors demand greater transparency from firms managing alternative investments beyond traditional stocks and bonds.
“This is an extremely strong statement,” Blue Owl co-President Craig Packer told Reuters, particularly when “investors are asking questions about marks and quality of portfolio, risk about software, all the questions are being asked.”
The asset sale occurs as software companies face significant market declines, creating ripple effects for private credit firms like Blue Owl that have heavily financed the sector’s expansion. While artificial intelligence spending surges, sectors vulnerable to AI disruption are experiencing selloffs, affecting private credit, real estate, data analytics, legal services and insurance industries.
The debt being sold spans 128 different companies across 27 industries, with software and services representing the largest portion at 13%. The S&P 500 Software & Services index has shed approximately $2 trillion in value since its October peak, with roughly half those losses occurring this month alone.
Market response to the sale will indicate how concerned wealthy private credit investors have become given recent software stock declines and ongoing credit worries.
Blue Owl’s shares gained 1.9% during regular trading Wednesday, closing at $12.31, but dropped about 1.6% in after-hours trading following the announcement.
The assets come from three credit funds: $600 million from Blue Owl Capital Corp II, $400 million from Blue Owl Technology Income Corp, and $400 million from Blue Owl Capital Corp. Proceeds will partially fund investor payouts for Blue Owl Capital Corp II, which the company failed to merge with its publicly traded fund last year, and reduce debt across all three funds.
The publicly traded fund’s shares jumped approximately 4% in after-hours trading.
Blue Owl abandoned its previous merger proposal after investor backlash that hammered the company’s share price.
Packer explained that executives began seeking potential buyers after the merger fell through, looking for ways to return capital to shareholders. He noted this type of transaction aligned with the fund’s original vision when it launched eight years ago.
The company declined to identify the buyers, describing them only as “leading North American public pension and insurance investors” purchasing equal stakes.
The transaction enables Blue Owl Capital Corp II to return up to 30% of its current net asset value to investors, equivalent to $2.35 per share. Based on the most recent share count, the total distribution could reach approximately $268 million.
Citizens analyst Brian McKenna wrote that the deal validated the firm’s valuations as “marked-to-market,” calling Blue Owl “prudent” for addressing the smaller retail fund since “the investor experience, specifically in private wealth, is by far the biggest driver of success in the channel longer-term.”
Moving forward, Blue Owl Capital Corp II will implement quarterly shareholder payouts instead of tender offers.
Blue Owl co-CEO Marc Lipschultz disclosed last week that software represents 8% of the firm’s total assets.
Investors pulled 15.4% of assets from Blue Owl Technology Income Corp in January after the company increased the redemption limit from 5%. Software companies comprise 46% of that fund’s holdings, according to Packer.
“We like running that fund with a lot of liquidity,” Packer stated.
“People have pressed us on this and we have acknowledged a sector like health care, information technology is mostly software,” Packer added.
Meta’s chief executive Mark Zuckerberg faced intense courtroom questioning Wednesday regarding his company’s approach to marketing toward young users in what legal experts are calling a pivotal social media addiction lawsuit.
The Facebook founder’s court appearance took place in Los Angeles as part of groundbreaking litigation examining whether major social media corporations intentionally engineered their platforms to create addictive behaviors in minors.
Legal observers say the jury’s decision in this case will likely have far-reaching consequences, potentially determining the direction of roughly 1,600 additional lawsuits currently pending across the nation. These cases have been filed by families and educational institutions seeking accountability from social media companies.
The trial represents a significant moment in the ongoing national debate over social media’s impact on young people’s mental health and well-being. Zuckerberg’s testimony is expected to be closely scrutinized as courts grapple with questions about corporate responsibility in the digital age.
Climate advocacy organization Extinction Rebellion disclosed Wednesday that federal authorities have been conducting an investigation into the group, with FBI personnel making contact with several members during the past year.
The bureau declined to provide details when contacted for a response, stating it cannot verify or deny ongoing investigations per Department of Justice protocols.
According to the activist organization’s public statement, federal agents from the Joint Terrorism Task Force approached a former participant at their home on February 6, 2026. The residence was located approximately 200 miles from New York City, where the person had been involved with the group’s local chapter.
During that encounter, the agents questioned the individual about their participation in Extinction Rebellion’s New York City operations, the organization reported. The former member directed all inquiries to their legal counsel.
The group revealed additional contact occurred in March 2025, when six activists connected to Extinction Rebellion’s Boston branch were approached by individuals claiming FBI affiliation. No subsequent communications followed those initial contacts.
The activist organization provided limited additional information, and federal authorities offered no details regarding the investigation’s scope or objectives.
Civil liberties organizations have expressed concerns about free speech protections during President Donald Trump’s current term, pointing to his administration’s response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza, along with his public statements targeting liberal organizations and groups challenging his policy positions on immigration and environmental issues.
Trump’s administration has made allegations against various organizations, frequently without supporting evidence, claiming they provide financial support and coordination for political violence. Environmental advocates have criticized the president’s rollback of climate regulations and America’s exit from international environmental agreements.
According to its international website, the environmental organization describes itself as a “decentralised, international and politically non-partisan movement using non-violent direct action and civil disobedience to persuade governments to act justly” regarding climate issues. Notable activist Greta Thunberg has participated in events coordinated by the organization.
Team USA’s men’s hockey squad has punched their ticket to the Olympic semifinals following a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against Sweden in Milan on Wednesday.
Defenseman Quinn Hughes netted the game-winner with a thunderous shot from the slot, propelling the Americans into Friday’s semifinal matchup. The dramatic finish capped off an intense quarter-final battle between two hockey powerhouses.
Sweden entered the tournament as one of the medal favorites alongside the United States and Canada, but found themselves in a challenging quarter-final position after an unexpected third-place finish in group play. Their Olympic journey has now come to an end without reaching the podium.
Wednesday’s contest concluded an exciting day of men’s Olympic hockey quarter-finals in Milan, featuring multiple overtime thrillers. Finland defeated Switzerland in extra time, while Canada edged out the Czech Republic, also requiring overtime to settle the outcome.
The semifinal matchups are now set for Friday, with Finland taking on Canada in one contest. Team USA will face Slovakia, who advanced by defeating Germany in the only quarter-final that concluded in regulation time.
Enterprise software company Atlassian announced Wednesday that it has selected James Chuong to serve as its next chief financial officer, with the appointment taking effect March 30.
The 46-year-old executive brings extensive financial leadership experience from his current role as finance chief at LinkedIn, which operates as a Microsoft subsidiary.
Before joining LinkedIn, Chuong built his career in investment banking, holding positions at major Wall Street institutions such as J.P. Morgan, Citigroup, and Bank of America Securities.
The leadership transition comes after Atlassian announced last October that current CFO Joe Binz planned to step down from his position, with his retirement scheduled for June 30.
Federal immigration officials are investigating the death of a 59-year-old Cambodian man who died while in custody at an Indiana detention facility this week.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Wednesday that Lorth Sim was discovered unresponsive in his cell at Miami Correctional Facility on Monday. The cause of his death remains under investigation, and this marks the seventh fatality this year within the federal immigration detention system.
According to ICE records, Sim arrived in the United States as a refugee in 1983 and obtained permanent resident status three years later in 1986. He was taken into custody in Boston this past December.
Immigration court records show that a judge had previously ordered Sim’s deportation to Cambodia back in 2006. Federal authorities noted that Sim had prior arrests on charges including disorderly conduct, indecent exposure, and larceny, resulting in a suspended sentence and probation.
The death occurs amid a significant expansion of immigration enforcement under President Trump’s administration. Current detention numbers have swelled to approximately 68,000 individuals in early February, representing a dramatic increase from the 40,000 people held when Trump assumed office. This surge has coincided with immigration custody deaths reaching their highest point in twenty years.
Civil rights organizations and Democratic lawmakers have raised serious concerns about the treatment and conditions within ICE detention centers, describing them as inhumane.
Recent incidents have intensified this scrutiny. Earlier this month, Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman whose mother holds U.S. citizenship, required three days of hospitalization after suffering a seizure while in immigration detention. Kordia reported being restrained with chains during her medical treatment.
Federal immigration authorities maintain they provide appropriate medical care to all detainees, and government officials reject claims of inhumane treatment.
Particular attention has focused on ICE following the January 3rd death of Cuban immigrant Geraldo Lunas Campos at a Texas detention facility. The El Paso County medical examiner ruled that death a homicide caused by asphyxia from compression to the neck and torso. A Washington Post investigation included witness accounts alleging guards choked Lunas.
The Department of Homeland Security has provided inconsistent explanations regarding that incident and has not acknowledged the choking allegations or homicide determination.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are frequently informing community members who monitor their enforcement activities that such observation constitutes a violation of federal law, according to legal experts who dispute these claims.
Constitutional law specialists assert that the majority of individuals who track and document ICE operations are exercising their First Amendment rights and acting within legal boundaries.
The tension has escalated as more community groups organize to observe immigration enforcement activities in neighborhoods across the country. Federal agents have been warning these observers that their presence interferes with law enforcement operations.
However, civil rights attorneys emphasize that citizens generally have the constitutional right to observe and record government activities in public spaces, as long as they maintain appropriate distance and do not physically obstruct officers.
The dispute highlights growing friction between federal immigration enforcement and community advocacy groups who seek to document these operations for accountability purposes.
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will sit out Thursday night’s matchup against Atlanta after developing right shin soreness during the All-Star break.
According to the team, Embiid felt the discomfort while taking part in a rehabilitation program designed to manage his ongoing right knee issues. After meeting with medical staff, the center has been receiving daily treatment while continuing court activities and fitness training.
Team officials plan to reassess Embiid’s condition before the 76ers’ upcoming road trip, which includes games Saturday in New Orleans and Sunday in Minnesota.
This season, Embiid has posted 26.6 points per game across 31 contests and had been playing without the minute limitations that restricted him in recent years. However, he missed three of Philadelphia’s final five games before the All-Star break due to right knee discomfort.
Philadelphia has struggled significantly without their star player, dropping six of their last seven contests when Embiid doesn’t suit up.
The towering 7-foot center appeared in just 19 games during the previous season and 39 the year before that. He delivered an impressive 40-point, 11-rebound performance in a victory over New Orleans last month, coinciding with Paul George’s 25-game suspension for violating the league’s anti-drug policy.
Injury troubles have followed Embiid throughout his career, beginning before he even joined the NBA. A stress fracture in his right foot prior to being selected from Kansas sidelined him for two seasons. Since then, he’s battled bone bruises, meniscus damage, a fractured orbital bone, shoulder sprains, tendinitis, torn ligaments, and even Bell’s palsy.
Despite his extensive injury history, Philadelphia committed to Embiid in 2024 with a three-year, $193 million contract extension featuring a player option for the 2028-29 season, which takes effect next year.
A former girlfriend of Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice has filed a million-dollar lawsuit claiming the NFL player repeatedly physically abused her during their relationship spanning a year and a half.
Dacoda Jones filed the legal action Monday in Dallas County court, seeking more than $1 million in damages. The lawsuit follows domestic violence accusations Jones made on social media last month. According to court documents, the alleged attacks occurred at residences in both Dallas and the Kansas City suburbs.
The legal filing claims Rice strangled Jones in December 2023 following what the lawsuit describes as an “escalation in violent behavior.” Jones alleges the abuse continued throughout their relationship until July 2025. It remains unclear whether law enforcement was ever contacted regarding these alleged incidents, as Jones’ legal representative has not responded to media inquiries.
According to the court documents, Rice allegedly “grabbed, choked, strangled, pushed, thrown, scratched, hit, and headbutted” Jones, while also striking her with various objects. The lawsuit further alleges Rice damaged property by throwing items, punching walls and destroying furniture. Many of these incidents allegedly occurred while Jones was expecting, as she has two children with Rice.
The lawsuit states Jones suffered “bleeding, swelling, bruising and other pain and physical injury” as a result of the alleged assaults.
Representatives for Rice have not returned requests for comment, and his legal counsel has also remained silent on the matter.
The Chiefs organization acknowledged awareness of the lawsuit and confirmed ongoing communication with the NFL regarding the situation. League officials stated the matter is currently under investigation.
This legal trouble adds to Rice’s recent issues with the law. He sat out the season’s first six games due to an NFL suspension related to his involvement in a high-speed Dallas freeway collision that injured multiple people during the 2024 offseason. Rice received a 30-day jail sentence and five years of probation after entering guilty pleas to felony charges including collision causing serious bodily injury and highway racing resulting in bodily harm.
Despite missing nearly half the season, Rice managed 53 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns. However, Kansas City struggled to a disappointing 6-11 record, marking their first playoff absence in ten years.
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip — The memories of better times weigh heavily on Waleed al Zamli’s mind as he reflects on what Ramadan used to mean for his family. Traditional lanterns brightening his children’s faces. Sweet treats shared among loved ones. Elaborate meals prepared with care.
“We used to welcome this holy month with such joy,” said al Zamli, a father of eleven children now living in the overcrowded Muwasi tent settlement after being forced to abandon their home during Israel’s military campaign.
Those days of celebration feel like a distant memory now, he explained.
The weight of being unable to care for his large family in their current circumstances brings al Zamli deep sorrow. His workplace was demolished during the conflict, leaving him without employment, he explained.
When it came time for Wednesday’s first iftar meal to break the daily fast, al Zamli’s wife collected food from a charitable kitchen that has become their lifeline. She prepared soup as an accompaniment to stretch the donated meal.
“Joy has abandoned us this year,” al Zamli stated.
The holy month of Ramadan has begun in Gaza during a tentative ceasefire agreement, yet Palestinian residents report that the season’s traditional celebratory atmosphere remains absent as they navigate ongoing hardships and mourn losses from the prolonged conflict.
The struggles were evident at the charitable kitchen location, where crowds of people pressed forward with outstretched hands, clutching empty containers in hopes of receiving food. The desperate group included young children, mothers, and senior citizens all competing for assistance.
Throughout Ramadan, practicing Muslims abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset each day. The period emphasizes enhanced prayer, spiritual contemplation, and charitable giving. Under typical conditions, the month creates opportunities for families and communities to gather for celebratory fast-breaking meals.
However, conditions in Gaza remain anything but typical. The Israeli military campaign has resulted in over 72,000 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, while causing extensive infrastructure damage and forcing most residents from their homes. Israel initiated this offensive following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas-led fighters that killed approximately 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and resulted in 251 individuals being taken hostage.
Al Zamli identifies securing adequate nutrition for his family as his greatest Ramadan challenge. He reports receiving minimal humanitarian assistance. Essential foods including meat and poultry now cost significantly more than before the conflict began, he noted, making many necessities impossible to afford without steady income.
“My children long to experience the same happiness as other kids – to dress nicely and enjoy clean, special food,” he shared.
These economic pressures become particularly intense during Ramadan, al Zamli observed. Normally, families flood marketplaces to purchase food supplies, decorative items, and other seasonal necessities. Food takes on special significance as the daily fasting period transitions into nourishing iftar dinners that can be quite elaborate for some families. Muslims also consume a pre-dawn meal called suhoor to sustain themselves through the fasting hours.
Gaza residents shopping at markets this week expressed frustration over how financial difficulties have dampened the month’s spirit.
Nevertheless, despite these challenges, some Gaza Strip residents have made efforts to recreate elements of traditional Ramadan celebrations – including displaying decorative strings among damaged buildings. At al Zamli’s displacement camp, his children created makeshift Ramadan lanterns using discarded soda cans.
The October 10 ceasefire agreement, facilitated by the United States, aimed to end more than two years of warfare between Israeli forces and Hamas. Although major combat operations have decreased, the ceasefire period has still witnessed near-daily Israeli military action.
Israeli military units have conducted multiple aerial bombardments and regularly opened fire on Palestinians approaching military-controlled areas, resulting in over 600 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza health authorities. The ministry, operating under Hamas governance, keeps comprehensive casualty documentation that United Nations agencies and independent analysts generally consider credible. However, their records do not separate civilian and combatant deaths.
Armed groups have launched attacks against Israeli military personnel, with Israel claiming its strikes respond to these and other ceasefire violations. Four Israeli soldiers have died during this period.
Even with some relief provided by the unstable ceasefire arrangement, numerous daily challenges continue affecting residents.
Al Zamli explained that the war has taken many precious things from his family. A son-in-law was killed shortly after marrying his daughter, who is now a widow, he said.
During this Ramadan season, his prayers focus on ending “the violence and bloodshed” and experiencing “security, peace, and calm,” along with gaining “the ability to provide quality food and clothing for our children.”
Norman Francis, an education advocate and civil rights trailblazer who spearheaded New Orleans’ recovery following Hurricane Katrina, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 94.
Throughout Louisiana, community leaders, activists, and residents paid tribute to Francis and his remarkable legacy of service.
“The nation is better and richer for his having lived among us,” stated Reynold Verret, Xavier University’s current president, in a Wednesday announcement confirming Francis’ passing.
Following Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, Francis assumed leadership of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, the organization responsible for managing the massive, multi-billion-dollar reconstruction initiative.
Mitch Landrieu, who previously served as New Orleans mayor, described how Francis “stood in the breach” during the post-Katrina period. Landrieu, who held the lieutenant governor position when the 2005 hurricane destroyed much of New Orleans, frequently sought Francis’ guidance during challenging times.
“The most defining part of his character is that he treats every human being with dignity and respect,” Landrieu wrote on X Wednesday.
Francis gained widespread recognition during his 47-year tenure as head of Xavier University in New Orleans, America’s sole predominantly Black Catholic institution of higher learning, starting in 1968.
Under his leadership, student enrollment increased by more than 100%, the university’s endowment grew substantially, and the physical campus underwent significant expansion. The institution earned national acclaim for preparing African American students for careers in medicine and graduating professionals in science fields including biology, chemistry, physics, and pharmacy.
When Hurricane Katrina flooded portions of Xavier’s campus with 8 feet of water, Francis made a commitment that the institution would rebuild and reopen.
Several civil rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, recognized Francis among America’s most distinguished university leaders. President George W. Bush presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2006.
“Dr. Francis was more than an administrator. He was an institution builder, a civil rights champion, and a man of quiet generosity,” Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter wrote on social media. “He believed education was the pathway to justice. He believed lifting one student could lift an entire family.”
Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, to a barber, Francis graduated from Xavier with his undergraduate degree in 1952. He broke racial barriers by becoming Loyola University law school’s first Black student, completing his legal education in 1955.
After serving two years in military service, Francis joined the U.S. Attorney General’s office to assist with integrating federal government departments.
Despite his professional achievements, racial segregation still prevented him from entering many New Orleans establishments through their main entrances.
“Some people say to me, ‘My God! How did you take that?’” Francis recalled during a 2008 Associated Press interview. “Well, you took that because you had to believe that one day, the words that your parents said to you ‘You’re good enough to be president of the United States’ yes, we held onto that.”
Francis began his long career at Xavier in 1957 as Dean of Men, launching what would become nearly five decades of service to the university.
His wife Blanche passed away in 2015. Together, they raised six children and had several grandchildren.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentine President Javier Milei departed Wednesday for his fourteenth visit to the United States, where he will participate in President Donald Trump’s inaugural Board of Peace initiative session. Milei is also scheduled to join Trump’s regional gathering in Miami on March 7, bringing together Latin American leaders who support the White House’s political direction.
These diplomatic missions occur as Trump works to strengthen partnerships aimed at reducing Chinese influence across Latin America, while Milei navigates delicate international relations — aligning his nation’s foreign policy with Washington’s vision while simultaneously deepening economic connections with Beijing, Argentina’s primary trade partner.
Despite calling Beijing’s Communist leadership “assassins” during his campaign, political analysts note that after two years in office, Milei clearly cannot sever ties with China.
Benjamin Gedan, who leads the Latin American program at the Wilson Center, explained: “Argentina relies on China’s insatiable demand for South America’s energy, food and minerals, and the United States will never replace that market.”
Recent government statistics show China became Argentina’s primary trading partner this past December, surpassing neighboring Brazil three months prior. Argentine shipments to China jumped 125% compared to the previous year, while imports increased 26%.
Mariano Turzi, an international relations professor at Austral University near Buenos Aires, described the situation as paradoxical: “It’s the great irony of Milei’s administration. Milei rhetorically seeks to distance himself from China. But it was under Milei’s anti-communist libertarian government that China gained greater ground in the Argentine market.”
Milei’s representatives did not respond to requests for comment.
Business leaders have praised Milei’s efforts to control runaway inflation and ease strict capital restrictions. However, his elimination of tariff protections and reduction in public infrastructure spending have damaged domestic manufacturers in this historically protectionist country. Argentine producers, facing some of Latin America’s heaviest tax burdens, express concerns about unfair international competition, especially from China.
The recent arrival of Chinese electric vehicles at an Argentine port last month ignited heated discussions, coinciding with multiple factory shutdowns and contrasting with other nations like Mexico, which imposed steep tariffs on Chinese EVs to align with Washington’s stance.
Major tire producer Fate ceased operations Wednesday, eliminating over 900 jobs. The company blamed “changes in market conditions,” which local news outlets widely understood as referring to Chinese competition among other challenges.
Labor ministry officials ordered a 15-day halt to the layoffs Thursday, providing time for company-union negotiations, though the company indicated it would close permanently regardless.
Chinese investment has funded hydroelectric dam construction and solar energy facilities throughout Argentina, with significant stakes in crucial sectors including the nation’s rapidly developing mining operations. Chinese corporation Ganfeng Lithium has invested billions in lithium reserves located in Argentina’s northern regions.
A Chinese space installation in southern Neuquen province, which US officials claim could serve military functions and represents China’s first such overseas facility, has operated for several years.
During Milei’s most challenging presidential period — approaching October 2025 midterm elections amid market instability — Washington provided $20 billion in financial assistance to support the Trump ally’s political future and prevent further peso devaluation.
This significant intervention reflects the Trump administration’s implementation of what it calls a contemporary version of the Monroe Doctrine — the 1823 declaration warning European nations about American authority in the Western Hemisphere.
Following Trump’s controversial Argentine financial rescue, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Fox News that Milei was “committed to getting China out” of the South American country.
However, months afterward, little evidence supports this claim, as Argentine officials emphasize that their nation’s strong US relationship does not damage ties with China.
Despite Argentina and the US signing an extensive trade agreement this month, Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno recently informed Buenos Aires reporters that the agreement “does not imply that China cannot participate or will not participate in investments in Argentina.”
Wilson Center’s Gedan noted that despite Milei’s frequent visits to Mar-a-Lago and Washington, Argentina demonstrates “a great example of the limitations of the Monroe Doctrine.”
North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un announced that his government will establish fresh defense objectives during a major political assembly scheduled for this week, according to state-controlled media reports released Thursday.
The announcement came as Kim participated in a presentation ceremony for 600mm-caliber multiple rocket launchers being delivered to the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party, along with a groundbreaking event for a construction initiative in Pyongyang’s Hwasong District on Thursday.
Leading up to this month’s Ninth Congress, Kim has been highlighting achievements from various national initiatives. This political assembly represents the nation’s most significant governmental meeting, where officials evaluate past performance, establish future policy objectives, and potentially implement leadership transitions.
During his remarks at the rocket launcher presentation, Kim stated, “The Ninth Congress of our Party will declare the next phase of self-reliant defence’s initiative and goal,” as reported by state news agency KCNA.
He continued, “The project of constantly renewing our military capabilities that can strongly subdue any threats and challenges from outside forces will accelerate.”
According to Hong Min, a researcher with Seoul’s Korea Institute for National Unification, the Ninth Congress could begin as early as Thursday or Friday of this week.
The beer industry took a hit Wednesday when Molson Coors announced it anticipates a significant decline in profits for 2026, citing increased aluminum tariffs and reduced consumer spending among budget-conscious shoppers.
The brewing company’s stock price dropped approximately 6% in after-hours trading following the announcement, which also revealed the company fell short of fourth-quarter revenue projections.
Molson Coors, the company responsible for producing Miller Lite and its signature Coors brands, projects adjusted earnings per share will decline between 11% and 15% in 2026. This stands in stark contrast to analyst predictions of a 1.9% increase to $5.48 per share, based on LSEG data.
The grim outlook emerges as newly installed CEO Rahul Goyal works to revitalize the company through cost-cutting measures following a challenging 2025 characterized by declining beer sales, reduced production volumes, and ongoing inflationary pressures.
“We made the necessary difficult decisions in our business to course correct and set ourselves up for the future,” Goyal stated.
The alcoholic beverage industry faces headwinds as health-focused consumers increasingly choose non-alcoholic alternatives and energy drinks over traditional beer. This shift has been accelerated by the growing popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss medications. Additionally, younger consumers, especially Generation Z, are reducing their consumption of beer and spirits.
Rising aluminum prices in the U.S. Midwest caused Molson Coors’ cost of goods sold per hectoliter to surge 8.1%, significantly impacting the company that depends extensively on aluminum cans for product packaging.
Chief Financial Officer Tracey Joubert cautioned that commodity price increases will continue to severely impact the company’s bottom line throughout 2026, despite expectations for revenue improvements. During Wednesday’s industry conference, company leadership indicated aluminum cost increases alone are anticipated to reduce profits by approximately $125 million.
The company forecasts net sales for 2026 to range from a 1% decrease to a 1% increase compared to the previous year, while analysts had predicted a 0.1% decline.
For the quarter ending December 31, Molson Coors reported net sales of $2.66 billion, falling below analyst expectations of $2.71 billion. However, the company exceeded earnings projections with underlying earnings of $1.21 per share, surpassing the estimated $1.16 per share.
LONDON – The United Kingdom announced Thursday it will mandate technology platforms remove intimate images posted without permission within two days of being flagged, or face substantial financial penalties reaching up to 10% of their worldwide revenue.
Officials say these measures aim to strengthen protections for women and girls amid growing concerns about digital abuse, where private photos can be rapidly distributed online and artificial intelligence tools can generate explicit content instantly.
The British government revealed plans to modify current legislation moving through parliament, establishing a mandatory requirement for major social media platforms to eliminate reported non-consensual intimate content within 48 hours.
While sharing such material without permission is already prohibited under British law, victims have struggled to get platforms to permanently delete these images from their services.
“The online world is the frontline of the 21st century battle against violence against women and girls,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.
The rise in unauthorized intimate imagery has intensified Britain’s broader discussions about internet safety regulations. Government officials are evaluating potential restrictions on social media access for teenagers under 16, similar to Australia’s recent prohibition.
British authorities indicated their media oversight agency Ofcom is exploring whether to handle illegal intimate image sharing with the same level of seriousness as child exploitation and terrorism-related material.
Under the proposed system, victims would need to file only one complaint, with platforms required to delete identical content across all their services and block future uploads of the same material.
Penalties for non-compliance would apply to a platform’s total qualifying global income, a metric Ofcom uses that encompasses revenue generated worldwide from regulated services.
Ofcom announced separately it will expedite decisions on new regulations requiring platforms to implement specialized blocking technology called “hash-matching” to prevent illegal intimate images from being uploaded initially. The agency expects to finalize these rules by May, with implementation potentially beginning this summer.
Delaware Senator Chris Coons joined fellow lawmakers on a fact-finding mission to Ukraine this week, where they pledged to return to Washington with renewed calls for tougher economic measures against Russia.
Speaking to reporters during a phone call from Ukraine on Wednesday, the Democratic senators emphasized their commitment to advancing harsh energy sanctions and other legislative measures designed to force Russia to halt its military actions against Ukraine.
New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, accompanied by three other Democratic colleagues, stated their intention to intensify efforts upon returning to the Capitol. “I would hope that we would see a stronger effort and some real work when we get back to put pressure on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” Shaheen declared.
Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal highlighted the need to target nations purchasing Russian energy resources. “We are united that countries buying Russian oil and gas – and they are China, India, Hungary, Brazil – should be given very strong incentives to stop doing so, and it’s a way to really positively impact Ukraine’s fight,” Blumenthal explained.
The senators conducted their discussions amid challenging weather conditions in Odesa, where they engaged with Ukrainian coast guard personnel, naval representatives, American business officials, and local community leaders before departing for Moldova Wednesday evening.
Their visit coincided with the conclusion of two days of diplomatic negotiations in Geneva between Ukrainian and Russian representatives, which wrapped up Wednesday without achieving any significant breakthroughs. The talks occurred as Russia’s comprehensive military campaign against Ukraine approached its four-year mark.
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed disappointment with the negotiation results, President Donald Trump’s administration characterized the discussions as showing “meaningful progress.”
Ukraine continues to face mounting pressure from the Trump administration to accept a potential agreement that might require significant territorial or political compromises, even as Russian military forces continue targeting the nation’s electrical infrastructure and making gradual territorial gains.
Congressional members from both major political parties, including Republicans aligned with Trump as well as Democrats, have argued against placing excessive pressure on Kyiv to accept unfavorable terms. In recent months, they successfully enacted legislation providing hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to Zelenskiy’s administration, which Trump ultimately signed into law.
A key piece of pending legislation in Congress would establish sanctions against nations that purchase Russian petroleum products, natural gas, and uranium. This bipartisan measure, co-sponsored by Blumenthal and South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, has garnered support from 85 out of 100 senators but has yet to receive a floor vote.
Republican Senate leadership has refrained from scheduling the bill for consideration due to opposition from Trump, who has maintained control over sanctions policy within the executive branch rather than allowing Congress to direct such measures since beginning his second presidential term in January 2025.
The Democratic senators currently visiting Ukraine expressed hope for swift passage of the sanctions legislation and voiced optimism regarding separate proposed legislation targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” – a network of aging oil tankers used to transport Russian crude to China, India, and other purchasing nations.
Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia. “Nobody, literally nobody, believes that Russia is acting in good faith in the negotiations with our government and with the Ukrainians. And so pressure becomes the key, and the shadow fleet is one element of that pressure,” Whitehouse stated.
Graham participated in discussions with more than a dozen Republican and Democratic senators who met with Zelenskiy during last weekend’s Munich Security Conference. Following those meetings, Graham indicated that Trump had endorsed his sanctions proposal and called for a congressional vote.
During Wednesday’s call, the visiting senators indicated their readiness to oppose any negotiated settlement that would force Ukraine into excessive concessions, stating they would refuse to ratify such an agreement.
Delaware’s Senator Coons emphasized the importance of security assurances in any potential deal. “We will be looking for very strong security guarantees,” Coons said.
Stock prices for online used car dealer Carvana plummeted 25% in after-hours trading Wednesday following the company’s disappointing fourth-quarter earnings report that fell short of Wall Street predictions due to rising operational expenses.
The disappointing financial results brought an end to what had otherwise been an exceptional year for the company famous for its towering car vending machines. Carvana’s stock value more than doubled throughout 2025, and the business achieved inclusion in the prestigious S&P 500 index.
The company attributed the earnings shortfall to increased operational expenses during the final quarter, specifically citing vehicle reconditioning costs that exceeded projections at multiple facilities, combined with elevated retail depreciation rates that added pressure to per-unit expenses.
When excluding certain items, Carvana reported earnings of $1.06 per share, falling below analyst predictions of $1.10 per share according to LSEG data compilation.
Total quarterly expenses reached approximately $2.16 billion for the period.
The company’s net income climbed to $951 million, representing a significant increase from the previous year’s $159 million.
Revenue for the quarter surged roughly 58% to reach $5.6 billion during the final three months of 2025, driven by robust consumer demand for used vehicles as Americans cope with elevated living costs and economic impacts from tariff policies.
A tragic avalanche near California’s Lake Tahoe has claimed the lives of eight backcountry skiers, with search efforts continuing for one person who remains unaccounted for, officials report.
According to authorities, the deadly snowslide also trapped six additional skiers who were successfully rescued alive. The incident has prompted an extensive search and rescue operation in the backcountry area.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has deployed rescue teams to the Soda Springs area as part of the ongoing recovery efforts. Images from the scene show rescue personnel working in challenging mountain conditions.
This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by outdoor enthusiasts venturing into backcountry terrain during winter months, particularly in areas prone to avalanche activity near the popular Lake Tahoe region.
New Castle County police continue their investigation into the fatal shooting of a 29-year-old man that occurred seven years ago at an apartment complex in New Castle.
John Marcus Fryer was killed during an early morning shooting incident on February 18, 2017, at the Coachman’s Manor Apartments located on Surry Court in New Castle.
Police officers were dispatched to the scene around 4:00 a.m. following reports of gunfire at the residential complex on the 1600 block of Surry Court. When law enforcement arrived at the location, they discovered Fryer at the scene.
The case remains open as investigators work to identify those responsible for Fryer’s death. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the shooting to contact police.
The homicide is part of New Castle County’s ongoing efforts to solve cold cases and bring closure to families affected by violent crimes in the community.
NEW YORK – American stock markets began Wednesday’s trading session by following their European counterparts upward, but the rally lost steam as the day wore on, while continuing international tensions sparked a recovery in oil and precious metal prices.
Market attention remained focused on central banking developments, with news emerging about European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde potentially stepping down early and fresh details from the Federal Reserve’s latest policy discussions taking center stage.
Several major developments shaped Wednesday’s trading activity across different market sectors and asset classes.
Key Market Activity
Stock performance showed mixed results, with Madison Square Garden Sports climbing to new record levels amid speculation about a potential Knicks spinoff. Garmin and MGM Resorts ranked among the day’s strongest performers, while all members of the “magnificent seven” tech stocks posted gains, led by Amazon.com.
Sector performance varied significantly, with energy, consumer discretionary, technology, and transportation stocks all outpacing the broader market indices.
Currency markets saw the euro weaken following reports about Lagarde’s potential ECB departure, while the dollar strengthened against major international currencies.
Bond markets experienced rising Treasury yields after encouraging economic data suggested the Federal Reserve would maintain current interest rate policies for the near term.
Commodity trading reflected growing geopolitical concerns, with crude oil prices jumping sharply due to supply worries and gold advancing as investors sought traditional safe-haven assets.
Major News Developments
The Financial Times reported that Lagarde plans to resign from her ECB position before France’s upcoming election, potentially allowing French President Emmanuel Macron input in selecting her replacement. This news triggered widespread speculation about possible successors to lead the European central bank.
Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, facilitated by the United States, came to an abrupt halt after two days of discussions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the talks as “difficult” and criticized Russia for intentionally stalling progress toward ending the conflict.
Economic indicators showed American business investment finished 2025 strongly, with new orders for core capital goods – excluding aircraft and defense equipment – exceeding expectations in December. These figures, considered key indicators of corporate spending plans, suggest robust business investment and economic expansion in the fourth quarter.
Recently released Federal Reserve meeting minutes revealed policymakers were nearly unanimous in maintaining steady interest rates but remained divided about future monetary policy direction.
Upcoming Market Influences
Thursday’s economic calendar includes several important data releases: December’s international trade balance, weekly unemployment claims, January pending home sales, February eurozone consumer confidence, and December eurozone construction output, plus Canada’s December trade figures.
Multiple Federal Reserve officials are scheduled to speak, including Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic, Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman, Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari, and Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee.
NEW YORK – Stock prices for Madison Square Garden Sports climbed over 16% Wednesday, reaching an all-time high after the company announced its board has given unanimous approval to explore splitting the New York Knicks and New York Rangers into separate businesses.
The entertainment company’s stock price closed at $341.76, marking both a record high value and the largest single-day percentage increase in the company’s history.
Under the proposed separation plan, one company would control the Knicks basketball franchise along with their NBA G League affiliate team, the Westchester Knicks.
The second company would oversee the Rangers hockey team, which competes in the National Hockey League, plus their American Hockey League affiliate known as the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Company officials stated the proposed separation received complete board support and would be designed as a tax-free distribution to current stockholders. The company has not announced any specific timeline for completing this potential transaction.
Wall Street analysts covering Madison Square Garden Sports currently give the stock an average “buy” recommendation, with a typical price target of $337 per share, based on LSEG information.
BTIG research analysts noted in their analysis that company leadership has consistently discussed examining different strategies, particularly since the stock sometimes sells for 50% less than what independent analysts believe the teams are worth privately.
“The single largest catalyst investors have been looking for is ways to unlock value from the teams whether that be minority sales, spin-offs, outright sales or some other means to close the public-private valuation gap,” BTIG analysts led by Tyler DiMatteo wrote, while giving Madison Square Garden Sports a “neutral” investment rating.
The University of Delaware women’s lacrosse team came up short against 11th-ranked Navy, despite a notable offensive performance that saw half a dozen Blue Hens players contribute multiple points to the scoreboard.
Six Delaware players managed to record multi-point efforts during the contest against the highly-ranked Midshipmen, showcasing the team’s balanced attack and offensive depth.
The loss comes as the Blue Hens continue their season against tough competition, facing off against one of the nation’s top-ranked programs in Navy.
While the final result didn’t go Delaware’s way, the strong individual performances from multiple players demonstrates the team’s offensive capabilities as they move forward in their campaign.
The parent company of Kayak exceeded Wall Street’s profit expectations for the final quarter of 2024 on Wednesday, driven by strong international travel demand that pushed shares higher by 2% in after-hours trading.
International travel demand is projected to continue its upward trajectory, boosted by major events like the FIFA World Cup and an uptick in affluent travelers willing to pay more for luxury experiences, creating favorable conditions for companies like Booking Holdings.
The Connecticut-based travel platform reported adjusted earnings of $48.80 per share for the quarter, surpassing analyst predictions of $48.47 per share based on LSEG data.
Looking ahead, the company that owns Kayak anticipates full-year 2026 adjusted earnings growth in the mid-teens percentage range. Management forecasts first-quarter gross bookings to increase between 14% and 16%.
Fourth-quarter gross bookings reached $43 billion, representing a 16% increase compared to the previous year’s corresponding period.
Quarterly revenue totaled $6.35 billion for the period ending December 31, exceeding analyst projections of $6.13 billion.
A major financial index company announced Wednesday it’s gathering input from market participants about potential new policies that would allow certain newly public companies to quickly join its U.S. stock indexes.
FTSE Russell revealed it’s collecting feedback regarding possible fast-track inclusion guidelines and baseline qualification standards for its Russell U.S. Equity Indexes. The timing coincides with expectations that several prominent technology companies will launch initial public offerings in 2026.
Among the anticipated high-profile public debuts are space exploration company SpaceX, artificial intelligence firms OpenAI and Anthropic. These companies are expected to generate significant investor interest when they begin trading on public markets.
The index provider’s consideration of expedited entry procedures suggests preparation for managing the potential market impact of these major IPOs when they occur.
NEW YORK – A federal court in Manhattan has denied Live Nation Entertainment’s motion to dismiss a significant antitrust case brought against the company by federal prosecutors and numerous state governments on Wednesday.
The lawsuit alleges that Live Nation has engaged in monopolistic practices within the live entertainment sector, attempting to control the concert market while driving up costs for ticket buyers across the country.
Following U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian’s ruling, Live Nation’s stock price dropped by 3.1% during after-hours market activity.
The decision means the case will proceed to the next phase of litigation, as government attorneys seek to prove their claims that the entertainment conglomerate has violated federal antitrust regulations.
Authorities have confirmed the deaths of eight skiers who were caught in a deadly avalanche at Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe.
The tragic incident occurred in the backcountry skiing area, where avalanche conditions can quickly turn dangerous for outdoor enthusiasts. Emergency responders worked to recover the victims from the slide zone.
The Castle Peak avalanche represents one of the deadliest skiing accidents in the region, underscoring the serious risks that backcountry skiers face in mountainous terrain during winter conditions.
NEW YORK — Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers facing federal gambling conspiracy charges entered not guilty pleas Wednesday as their fraud trial will likely be delayed from spring until October, according to a federal judge.
Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto indicated she will probably push the May 4 trial date to fall, though she’s keeping the original date for now.
Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz spoke through a Spanish translator as they denied the charges in the updated indictment filed in Brooklyn federal court.
The revised charges, unsealed Friday, don’t include additional counts but add a third defendant accused of acting as an intermediary between the pitchers and betting interests. That individual also entered a not guilty plea Wednesday.
Federal prosecutors initially brought charges against the duo in November, alleging they received thousands in payments to assist Dominican Republic gamblers in winning more than $460,000 through over 100 in-game proposition bets and combination wagers on pitch velocity and results. The charges encompass wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to influence sporting events.
Friday’s updated indictment includes new details claiming Clase communicated about specific pitches using coded language including terms like “rooster” and “chicken.”
Before a May 18, 2025 matchup with Cincinnati, Clase allegedly received instructions to “throw a rock at the first rooster in today’s fight” and replied: “Yes, of course, that’s an easy toss to that rooster,” according to court documents. However, Clase didn’t pitch in that contest and couldn’t execute the alleged plan to throw outside the strike zone to his first batter.
The previous day, prosecutors claim Clase violated MLB regulations by using his mobile phone during the game against Cincinnati to communicate with gamblers about an upcoming off-target pitch, allowing them to collect approximately $27,000.
Both Clase, Cleveland’s former closing pitcher, and Ortiz, who starts games, have remained on paid administrative leave since July while their teammates begin spring preparation. The Guardians’ season opener at home is scheduled for April 3.
The defendants, who are out on bond, departed the courthouse separately following Wednesday’s proceedings without speaking to reporters. Defense attorneys for both players maintain their clients never collaborated with betting interests.
Ortiz’s legal team has requested separate trials, arguing in filings that if Clase shared Ortiz’s pitching plans with gamblers, Ortiz was unaware of such actions. They point out that Ortiz faces allegations involving just two pitches over 12 days, while Clase is accused of ongoing collaboration with bettors dating to 2023.
“Mr. Clase may have abused his relationship with Mr. Ortiz as friends and teammates by convincing Mr. Ortiz to throw certain pitches at certain times — ostensibly for baseball reasons as far as Mr. Ortiz was aware,” the attorneys stated.
They indicated they might argue to jurors that “Ortiz as a victim of Mr. Clase’s scheme, rather than a knowing and willing participant.”
Clase, selected for three All-Star games, earned $4.5 million in 2025 during the fourth year of his five-year, $20 million deal. Federal authorities say he began sharing pitch information with bettors in 2023 but didn’t request compensation until the following year.
Prosecutors allege Ortiz, who made $782,600 last season, became involved in the conspiracy last June.
Both the Guardians organization and Major League Baseball have stated they’re assisting with the federal investigation. MLB officials say they alerted law enforcement after detecting suspicious wagering patterns.
WASHINGTON — Weather conditions perfect for igniting massive wildfires have skyrocketed worldwide over the past four and a half decades, with dangerous fire weather days increasing by nearly three times, according to groundbreaking new research.
Scientists determined that human activities driving climate change account for more than 60% of this dramatic surge in fire-prone conditions.
The implications are sobering: as global temperatures continue rising, multiple regions worldwide are simultaneously experiencing the hot, dry, and windy conditions that fuel catastrophic blazes. This synchronized fire weather pattern means countries may lack sufficient firefighting resources when widespread fires erupt at once, and mutual aid from neighboring nations becomes unlikely when they’re battling their own flames, researchers warn in Wednesday’s Science Advances journal.
The data shows a stark escalation. Between 1979 and the mid-1990s, Earth experienced an average of 22 synchronized fire weather days annually for large-scale regional fires. By 2023 and 2024, that figure had jumped to over 60 days per year.
“These sorts of changes that we have seen increase the likelihood in a lot of areas that there will be fires that are going to be very challenging to suppress,” explained study co-author John Abatzoglou, a fire scientist at the University of California, Merced.
Rather than examining actual blazes, the research team focused on atmospheric conditions — elevated temperatures combined with powerful winds and parched air and terrain.
“It increases the likelihood of widespread fire outbreaks, but the weather is one dimension,” noted lead researcher Cong Yin, also from UC Merced. Fire requires additional elements including oxygen, combustible materials like vegetation and trees, plus an ignition source such as lightning strikes, arson, or human error.
Fire scientist Mike Flannigan from Thompson Rivers University in Canada, who wasn’t involved in the research, emphasized the study’s significance. He explained that extreme fire weather serves as the main driver behind escalating fire damage globally, and the overlap of fire seasons that previously occurred at different times is eliminating resource-sharing opportunities between regions.
“And that’s where things begin to break,” Abatzoglou stated.
Yin’s team used sophisticated computer modeling to compare actual weather patterns from the past 45 years against simulated scenarios without increased greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion. This analysis revealed that climate change caused by burning coal, oil, and natural gas drives more than 60% of the worldwide increase in synchronized fire weather days.
The continental United States experienced an average of 7.7 synchronized fire weather days yearly from 1979 to 1988. Over the most recent decade, that average has climbed to 38 days annually, Yin reported.
However, southern South America shows even more dramatic changes. This region saw just 5.5 synchronized fire weather days per year in the early study period, but that figure has exploded to 70.6 days yearly over the past ten years, including a peak of 118 days in 2023.
Among 14 global regions analyzed, only Southeast Asia bucked the trend with fewer synchronized fire weather days, likely due to increasing humidity levels in that area, according to Yin.
HONG KONG (AP) — During Lunar New Year celebrations, the vibrant color red symbolizes good fortune and family togetherness — a hue designed to welcome loved ones back home while carrying hopes for the coming year.
The symbolic shade appears at doorways and decorates interior walls. It weaves through ceremonial prayers and encases traditional meals. When incense burns, red rises and disperses into the sky.
Throughout many Asian nations — where this celebration goes by names like Spring Festival, Tet, or Seollal — the new year features time-honored customs believed to unite communities against hardship while attracting prosperity. This year’s celebration ushers in the Year of the Horse, representing one of twelve creatures in the traditional Chinese zodiac cycle.
Photographers documented how red appears everywhere from large community festivals to quiet personal moments in homes.
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration’s chief economist called for punishment of Federal Reserve researchers on Wednesday after they published findings indicating U.S. businesses and consumers shoulder nearly all costs from new trade tariffs implemented by the administration in recent months.
Kevin Hassett, who heads the White House National Economic Council, criticized the research during a CNBC appearance, stating: “The paper is an embarrassment. It’s the worst paper I’ve ever seen in the history of the Federal Reserve system. The people associated with this paper should presumably be disciplined.”
The harsh criticism marks another instance of the Trump White House challenging the Federal Reserve’s traditional independence from political interference. The administration’s strong reaction also indicates ongoing sensitivity about economic pressures affecting American families, as polling data reveals continued public frustration with costs for essentials like food, housing, vehicles and home furnishings.
The New York Federal Reserve Bank’s research, released recently, determined that American businesses and consumers are absorbing approximately 90% of tariff expenses implemented under Trump’s trade policies. The study documented how average import duties jumped dramatically from 2.6% early last year to 13% by year’s end.
Multiple independent analyses have reached identical conclusions, including research conducted by Harvard University and University of Chicago economists, findings from Germany’s Kiel Institut research organization, and a recent nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office assessment.
The mechanics of tariff collection explain why domestic entities bear these costs. U.S. importing companies pay tariffs directly to federal treasury coffers, meaning foreign manufacturers would only absorb expenses if they substantially reduced their prices to compensate for the additional duties. However, the Fed’s analysis showed overseas exporters have implemented only minimal price reductions, far below tariff increases.
This confrontation follows a pattern of White House attacks on economists reaching similar conclusions about tariff burden distribution. Last August, Trump called for Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon to terminate the firm’s chief economist after that analyst predicted Americans would increasingly shoulder tariff costs over time.
WASHINGTON — Federal health regulators are abandoning a decades-old practice that required pharmaceutical companies to conduct two comprehensive clinical trials before winning approval for new medications, marking another significant policy shift under the Trump administration’s push to accelerate medical product availability.
The Food and Drug Administration announced that moving forward, agency officials will typically demand just one clinical study for new medications and innovative health treatments, according to FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary and deputy Dr. Vinay Prasad, who detailed the policy change in Wednesday’s New England Journal of Medicine.
This represents the most recent example of Makary and his leadership team overhauling established FDA protocols and standards, with officials citing goals to eliminate regulatory red tape and fast-track new treatment options for patients.
Following his appointment to the agency in April, Makary has implemented multiple policy changes designed to reduce FDA review timelines, including requiring staff members to utilize artificial intelligence tools and establishing expedited one-month review processes for drugs deemed important to “national interests.”
The new approach stands in stark contrast to the FDA’s stricter policies regarding other medical products, particularly vaccines.
In their Wednesday publication, Makary and Prasad argued that eliminating the dual-trial mandate reflects contemporary scientific progress that has made pharmaceutical research “increasingly precise and scientific.”
“In this setting, overreliance on two trials no longer makes sense,” the officials wrote. “In 2026 there are powerful alternative ways to feel assured that our products help people live longer or better than requiring manufacturers to test them yet again.”
FDA leadership anticipates the policy modification will trigger “a surge in drug development.”
Dr. Janet Woodcock, who previously directed the FDA’s drug division, endorsed the change as logical and consistent with the agency’s gradual shift over recent decades toward accepting single trials supported by additional evidence, particularly for life-threatening conditions like cancer.
“The scientific point is well taken that as we move toward greater understanding of biology and disease we don’t need to do two trials all the time,” stated Woodcock, who oversaw the FDA’s drug center for more than two decades before her 2024 retirement.
The dual-study requirement originated in the early 1960s when Congress enacted legislation mandating FDA review of data from “adequate and well-controlled investigations” before approving new treatments. For many years, agency officials interpreted this mandate as necessitating at least two comprehensive studies, typically involving large patient populations and extended monitoring periods.
The purpose behind requiring a second trial was to verify that initial study outcomes weren’t anomalous and could be replicated in different circumstances.
However, starting in the 1990s, FDA officials increasingly began accepting single studies for treatments targeting rare or deadly diseases, where companies frequently face challenges conducting large-scale patient trials.
During the past five years, approximately 60% of groundbreaking drugs approved annually have received clearance based on single studies. This trend reflects congressional legislation directing regulators toward greater flexibility when evaluating treatments for severe or difficult-to-treat medical conditions.
According to Woodcock, Wednesday’s policy announcement will primarily affect medications for common diseases that previously didn’t qualify for reduced testing requirements.
“It’s not the cancers and the rare diseases that will be affected by this,” she explained. “The agency has been approving those on a single trial already.”
The current FDA leadership’s strategy contrasts sharply with recent agency decisions regarding vaccines, gene therapies, and other treatments.
Last week, the FDA’s vaccine division, under Prasad’s direction, initially rejected Moderna’s application for a new mRNA influenza vaccine, citing inadequate clinical trial data. However, on Wednesday, the agency reversed its position and agreed to review the vaccine after Moderna committed to conducting additional studies involving elderly patients.
Additionally, Prasad has declined approval for numerous experimental gene therapies and biotechnology drugs, demanding additional research or more conclusive evidence. This pattern has negatively impacted biotech company stock values and contradicted Makary’s public statements promoting expedited and flexible FDA reviews.
Woodcock noted that pharmaceutical companies must wait to determine whether the FDA’s approach to promising experimental treatments will actually change.
“Implementation will be everything,” she said. “Since the agency’s approach is unclear, and the industry is already baffled, I don’t think this adds any illumination.”
WASHINGTON — The White House welcomed guests Wednesday evening for its annual Black History Month celebration, occurring less than two weeks following President Donald Trump’s controversial social media post that generated widespread criticism from both political parties.
During Wednesday’s ceremony, Trump avoided mentioning the deleted social media content, which he has refused to apologize for despite significant public backlash. The president also made no reference to Barack Obama, America’s first Black commander-in-chief, instead focusing his remarks on other notable African American historical figures.
“We celebrate Black History Month. We honor the memory of those who came before us by continuing their legacy,” Trump stated during the reception.
The president highlighted several Black Americans who have publicly supported him, including former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, whom Trump commended for speaking out against racism allegations. Trump also mentioned rapper Nicki Minaj, making comments about her appearance including remarks about her fingernails and calling her skin “so beautiful.”
Several administration officials joined Trump on stage, including Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner and White House pardon advisor Alice Marie Johnson.
“As you look out upon this sea of Black Americans, this president hears you. This president cares for you. Don’t let anyone tell you that this president right here, Donald Trump has not — is not for Black America,” Johnson declared. “Because he is.”
Trump outlined various policy initiatives he claims have helped Black communities, including legislation he enacted last year removing federal taxes on tip income and his decision to deploy National Guard units to restore order in cities with significant Black populations, including Washington, New Orleans and Memphis, Tennessee.
The White House gathering occurred one day after Trump defended himself on social media, writing that he has been “falsely and consistently called a Racist by the Scoundrels and Lunatics on the Radical Left” in a post intended to honor the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, who passed away Tuesday.
When reporters questioned White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt about the president’s statement, she responded Wednesday morning: “There is a lot this president has done for all Americans, regardless of race. And he has absolutely been falsely called and smeared as a racist.”
While Trump has consistently acknowledged Black History Month during his presidency, his administrative actions and public statements frequently conflict with celebrating diversity and recognizing Black American achievements.
The current administration has specifically targeted diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that have provided employment opportunities for many Black Americans in government agencies and private companies over recent decades. Trump has labeled DEI programs as “discrimination” and is working to eliminate them from federal operations while encouraging private businesses to follow suit.
Despite this approach, Trump positions himself as a supporter of historically Black colleges and universities. The White House emphasized Wednesday that the administration allocated $500 million to HBCUs last year. However, this funding boost primarily came from redirecting federal dollars previously designated for institutions serving predominantly Hispanic student populations. The HBCU funding announcement came shortly after the Education Department withdrew $350 million from grant programs supporting colleges with substantial Hispanic and other minority enrollment. Administration officials declared those previous grant programs violated constitutional principles.
Trump launched his second presidential term by arguing that certain African American history curricula are designed to foster anti-American sentiment. He signed an executive directive titled “restoring truth and sanity to American history,” which his administration has used to remove historical content from national parks deemed to “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living,” including markers related to Black history.
Early in his current term, Trump issued an official proclamation designating February as Black History Month, even as the Defense Department announced it would no longer use official resources to observe cultural awareness months.
Last year’s White House Black History Month reception similarly followed another executive order that terminated federal diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Online retail giant eBay announced Wednesday it will acquire fashion resale platform Depop from Etsy in a deal worth approximately $1.2 billion, while also projecting first-quarter revenues that exceed Wall Street expectations. The news drove eBay’s stock price up 7% during after-hours trading.
The San Jose, California-based company has been concentrating on niche markets including luxury items and automotive components as it works to compete in the challenging online retail landscape.
For the upcoming quarter, eBay projects revenues between $3 billion and $3.05 billion, surpassing the average analyst prediction of $2.80 billion according to LSEG data.
According to eBay, Depop demonstrates “strong momentum in the pre-loved fashion category” and will help the company connect with younger consumers interested in fashion while expanding its footprint in the thriving resale market.
The company has been working to set itself apart by embracing “recommerce” and promoting its contribution to the circular economy, highlighting previously owned, refurbished and verified merchandise.
eBay’s stock experienced significant growth last year, climbing 40% over the 12-month period.
WASHINGTON – The Biden administration on Wednesday urged Cuba to implement substantial reforms immediately, describing the communist nation as a deteriorating regime while stopping short of demanding leadership changes.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed reporters about the situation during a Wednesday briefing, characterizing Cuba’s current state as unstable.
“They are a regime that is falling. Their country is collapsing and that’s why we believe it’s in their best interest to make very dramatic changes very soon,” Leavitt stated during the press conference.
The press secretary emphasized America’s commitment to promoting democratic values throughout the region, expressing the administration’s desire to witness thriving democratic nations across the Western Hemisphere. However, Leavitt declined to elaborate on specific measures the United States might pursue to achieve these goals.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is facing a civil lawsuit filed by his former girlfriend, who claims he physically abused her over a period spanning from December 2023 through July 2025.
The lawsuit was filed Monday in Dallas County by Dacoda Jones, who shares two children with Rice and states she was expecting during several of the alleged incidents. Jones is requesting more than $1 million in damages, her attorney Ron Estefan confirmed.
According to court documents, Rice and Jones shared residences in Victory Park, Texas, and Lee’s Summit, Missouri. The filing alleges Rice strangled Jones in December 2023, and over the two-year period “grabbed, choked, strangled, pushed, thrown, scratched, hit and headbutted Ms. Jones, as well as hit her with inanimate objects.”
The legal complaint also describes Rice’s alleged pattern of destructive behavior, including “throwing objects, destroying property, punching walls, and breaking furniture, as well as locking her out in the middle of the night.”
Jones is seeking compensation for physical suffering and emotional distress, bodily harm, scarring, past and future medical expenses, and lost income as part of her damage claims.
ESPN reports that Jones’ legal team declined to provide comment. Rice has not faced criminal charges related to these allegations, and neither he nor his representatives have responded to media requests for comment.
The Chiefs organization released a statement Wednesday saying, “The club is aware (of the lawsuit) and remains in communication with the National Football League.”
On January 7, Jones shared images on her Instagram profile that seemed to document physical injuries. She also made public allegations about years of mistreatment.
In a social media post that has since been removed, Jones wrote: “I’m so tired of keeping quiet I’m so tired of protecting his image. I’ve been through enough in the span of 8 years and I’ve had ENOUGH! I’ve dealt with abuse for years, me and this man decided to break up a couple months ago and it’s been nothing but hell.”
She continued: “He literally left us in Kansas and I had to beg him to send money so that I could drive to Texas with my kids and all our stuff. We have an agreement because of everything he’s put me through and he still doesn’t follow it. He’s now trying to remove me and my kids from our home for no apparent reason. I’ve known this man for YEARS. He tries to put on this persona like he’s dad of the year. He does the bare minimum and I have to beg for that. I’ve protected his image too long and I’m done doing that. It’s time to protect my peace, protect my children and stand up for myself.”
The NFL stated Wednesday that “The matter remains under review.”
The 25-year-old Rice began this season serving a six-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct standards following his involvement in a multi-vehicle accident in Dallas that injured several people during the 2024 season. He entered guilty pleas in district court to two third-degree felony counts related to collision causing serious injury and highway racing resulting in bodily harm.
The incident involved six vehicles total. Rice and four companions left the scene without assisting the injured parties and ran away before law enforcement arrived.
Rice received five years of deferred probation and a 30-day jail sentence. He was also ordered to pay over $115,000 in victim restitution.
During this season, he recorded 53 catches for 571 yards and five touchdowns while the Chiefs went 3-5 in games he played.
Throughout his three seasons with Kansas City, Rice has accumulated 156 catches for 1,797 yards and 14 touchdowns across 28 regular-season contests, starting 20 games. He also contributed six receptions for 39 yards when Kansas City defeated San Francisco in overtime to win Super Bowl LVIII.
Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has expressed satisfaction with South Korea’s formal acknowledgment that unmanned aircraft were deployed into North Korean airspace, according to state-run media reports released Thursday.
The powerful sibling stated that South Korea’s admission serves the country’s own interests by helping to avoid future serious violations of North Korea’s territorial sovereignty. She indicated that North Korean armed forces plan to implement enhanced security protocols along the inter-Korean border.
“The border with the enemy should be solid,” Kim declared, as reported by the state news agency KCNA.
WASHINGTON – A high-ranking U.S. official revealed Wednesday that Iran plans to deliver a written plan outlining steps to defuse current tensions with America following diplomatic discussions held in Geneva earlier this week.
The announcement comes after senior national security advisors gathered in the White House Situation Room for Iran-focused discussions, where officials learned that all American military personnel sent to the Middle East region are scheduled to be fully deployed by the middle of March, according to the same official.
Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has scheduled a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel during the final weekend of February, the official confirmed.
Agricultural commodity markets presented a mixed picture this week, with wheat prices moving higher as traders closely monitor weather conditions across major growing areas in the Plains and Midwest regions.
Soybean markets showed little movement overall, with prices staying relatively unchanged despite some early session gains. The initial uptick in soybean prices followed strength in soybean oil markets, though the rally faced selling pressure at higher levels.
Soybean oil markets continued to receive buying interest driven by strong demand projections, even as traders largely overlooked supply data released in this week’s National Oilseed Processors Association report, which painted a different picture of market fundamentals.
Weather patterns remain a key focus for agricultural markets, with additional rainfall expected across growing regions in Argentina and Brazil. Meanwhile, domestic traders are closely watching developing weather conditions that could impact crop conditions in key U.S. production areas.
Outdoor enthusiasts across Maryland’s Eastern Shore will gather this Saturday for an inaugural celebration of the region’s recreational traditions. The Explore the Shore Expo debuts February 21 in Cambridge, bringing together families for a day dedicated to the area’s hunting, fishing, camping and adventure culture.
The debut festival combines outdoor equipment displays, educational workshops, vendor booths, regional food and drink offerings, plus an official Bucks-Bears-Stags measuring event. This family-oriented gathering aims to unite outdoor companies, regional businesses and community members in honoring the Shore’s recreational heritage.
Cambridge’s renovated Packing House will serve as the venue for the expo. The historic structure dates back to 1920 when it operated as part of Phillips Packing Company, which became Dorchester County’s largest employer during the 1900s and significantly shaped Chesapeake Bay’s industrial legacy.
Multiple organizations are backing the event, including Cross Street Partners/The Packing House, Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Outdoor Recreation, National Wildlife Refuge System, Bucks-Bears-Stags, Visit Dorchester, Waterfowl Festival, RaR Brewing, and J.J. McDonnell & Co.
“Explore the Shore is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of who we are on Maryland’s Eastern Shore,” said Amanda Fenstermaker, community manager at The Packing House. “This expo highlights our region’s love for nature, adventure and community, and showcases the local organizations and businesses that help people experience it.”
Maryland Department of Natural Resources staff from various divisions will attend, including representatives from Maryland Park Service, Wildlife and Heritage Service, Natural Resources Police, Watershed and Climate Services, and Fishing and Boating Services. These experts will provide information on hunting, fishing, camping fundamentals and environmental conservation practices.
“Outdoor recreation is such an important part of Maryland’s culture and economy, but it’s also unique to each region,” said Sandi Olek, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation. “It’s been wonderful to work with the Packing House and local partners to highlight the businesses, organizations, tastes, and outdoor experiences of the Eastern Shore.”
The expo runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission costs $5 per person, while children 12 and younger enter free. Attendees can buy tickets online or pay with cash at the entrance.
Additional details are available at thepackinghousecambridge.com/outdoor-expo.
The U.S. State Department is working on a new website that would allow people in Europe and other regions to access content that their governments have blocked, according to three sources with knowledge of the initiative.
The website will operate under the domain “freedom.gov,” sources revealed. Officials have discussed incorporating virtual private network capabilities that would make users’ internet activity appear to come from the United States, with one source noting that the site won’t track user behavior.
Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers is leading this initiative, which was originally scheduled to debut at last week’s Munich Security Conference but faced delays, the sources indicated.
Reuters was unable to confirm the specific reasons for the postponement, though two sources mentioned that some State Department personnel, including legal staff, have expressed reservations about the proposal without specifying their exact concerns.
This initiative could create additional tension between the Trump administration and European allies, who are already dealing with disagreements over trade issues, Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, and President Trump’s interest in asserting influence over Greenland.
The website would also place Washington in an unusual position of seemingly encouraging people to circumvent their local regulations.
When contacted by Reuters, a State Department representative stated that the U.S. government doesn’t operate a censorship-bypassing program targeting Europe specifically, but noted: “Digital freedom is a priority for the State Department, however, and that includes the proliferation of privacy and censorship-circumvention technologies like VPNs.”
The representative disputed claims about any delayed announcement and said it was incorrect that State Department attorneys had voiced concerns.
The Trump administration has prioritized free speech issues, particularly what it perceives as suppression of conservative viewpoints online, making it a cornerstone of foreign policy efforts in Europe and Brazil.
European approaches to free expression differ significantly from American standards, where the Constitution safeguards nearly all forms of speech. European Union restrictions developed from efforts to prevent any return of extremist messaging that powered Nazism, including its targeting of Jewish people, immigrants, and minority groups.
American officials have criticized EU policies they claim suppress right-wing political figures in Romania, Germany, and France, arguing that regulations like the EU’s Digital Services Act and Britain’s Online Safety Act restrict free expression.
The EU delegation in Washington, serving as the 27-nation bloc’s diplomatic mission, didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the American proposal.
Through regulations that primarily affect social media platforms and major services like Meta’s Facebook and X, the EU restricts access to — and sometimes mandates quick removal of — material labeled as illegal hate speech, terrorist content, or dangerous misinformation under various rules, laws, and decisions implemented since 2008.
Rogers has become a vocal supporter of the Trump administration’s stance on EU content regulations. Since assuming her role in October, she has traveled to more than six European nations and met with representatives from right-wing organizations that the administration claims face oppression. The department declined to make Rogers available for interviews.
The Trump administration’s National Security Strategy, released in December, cautioned that Europe faced “civilisational erasure” due to its immigration policies. The document stated the U.S. would focus on “cultivating resistance to Europe’s current trajectory within European nations.”
EU regulators frequently mandate that American-based platforms remove content and can implement bans as a final option. X, owned by Trump associate Elon Musk, received a 120 million-euro penalty in December for failing to comply.
Germany, as an example, issued 482 removal orders in 2024 for material it determined supported or encouraged terrorism and compelled providers to eliminate 16,771 pieces of content.
Similarly, Meta’s oversight board in 2024 mandated removal of a Polish political party’s posts containing racial slurs and portraying immigrants as sexual predators, content that EU law classifies as illegal hate speech.
Kenneth Propp, a former State Department official who handled European digital regulations and now works at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, described the U.S. plan as “a direct shot” at European rules and laws. He said freedom.gov “would be perceived in Europe as a U.S. effort to frustrate national law provisions.”
Edward Coristine, a former member of Musk’s cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency, is also participating in the U.S. portal project, according to two sources. Coristine collaborates with the National Design Studio, established by Trump to improve government website aesthetics. Reuters couldn’t reach Coristine for comment.
The specific benefits the U.S. government portal would provide beyond those offered by commercial VPN services remain unclear.
Federal registry get.gov shows the freedom.gov web address was registered on January 12. As of Wednesday, the site contained no content but displayed the National Design Studio’s logo, the phrase “fly, eagle, fly” and a login form.
Prior to Trump’s second presidency, the U.S. government supported commercial VPNs and similar tools as part of global democracy promotion efforts, helping users access unrestricted information in China, Iran, Russia, Belarus, Cuba, Myanmar, and other nations.
