MANILA – Sara Duterte, who currently holds the office of Vice President in the Philippines, announced Wednesday her plans to seek the nation’s highest office in the upcoming 2028 presidential election.
During her announcement, Duterte pledged to dedicate her “life, strength and future” to serving the Filipino people. Recent polling data indicates she enters the presidential contest as one of the frontrunners among potential candidates.
The Philippine constitution restricts presidents to serving just one six-year term, preventing current leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr. from pursuing another term. Marcos Jr. and Duterte have maintained a contentious political relationship.
Sara Duterte is the child of Rodrigo Duterte, who previously served as the country’s president. Her father currently faces detention in The Hague, where he confronts murder accusations connected to the violent anti-drug campaign he orchestrated while in office.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has bestowed one of the state’s highest agricultural honors on a Baltimore County farming family during a ceremony celebrating local food production.
The McGinnis Family received induction into the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame during festivities held in Annapolis on February 6, 2026. The recognition came as part of the 56th Annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture, an event that highlights the state’s farming industry and locally-produced food items.
The prestigious hall of fame serves to recognize individuals and families who have made significant contributions to Maryland’s agricultural sector. The ceremony provided an opportunity to showcase various agricultural products from across the state while honoring those who have helped shape the industry.
This year’s event marked more than five decades of celebrating Maryland’s farming heritage and the families who continue to sustain the state’s agricultural traditions.
A key Maryland commission focused on promoting the state’s seafood industry has announced its upcoming monthly gathering for late February.
The Maryland Seafood Marketing Advisory Commission has scheduled its meeting for Thursday, February 26th, beginning at 3 p.m. The session will take place at the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s main offices.
Commission members plan to cover several important topics during their discussion. The agenda includes reviewing current marketing efforts, examining the results of the True Blue program, and exploring ways to assist the wild-caught oyster sector. Additionally, the group will receive updates on international seafood promotion activities and review their long-term strategic planning.
Those wishing to participate in the meeting are asked to reach out to the Maryland Department of Agriculture for additional information.
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Agricultural producers across Maryland are getting additional time to complete their mandatory reporting requirements, according to state officials.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced this week that farmers will have until April 1, 2026 to turn in their Annual Implementation Reports covering nutrient applications from 2025. The deadline extension also covers large-scale livestock operations known as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations.
State agriculture officials cited unexpected problems with printing the required forms as the reason for pushing back the submission deadline. The reporting documents detail how farmers applied nutrients to their crops during the previous growing season.
This development affects agricultural operations throughout the region, including Delaware farmers who may work with Maryland-based facilities or have cross-border agricultural interests.
The Annual Implementation Reports are part of ongoing efforts to monitor and manage nutrient use in farming operations across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Maryland’s committee dedicated to addressing invasive plant species will convene for a virtual session next Monday morning, February 17th.
The online meeting is set to begin at 9 AM and continue until 11 AM, providing a two-hour window for committee discussions.
Those seeking additional details about the upcoming session can reach out to David Grow via email at [email protected].
The committee focuses on monitoring and managing non-native plant species that pose threats to local ecosystems and agricultural areas throughout the region.
Officials from Maryland’s Veterinary Technician Committee have announced plans for their upcoming virtual meeting scheduled for February 12th, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
The committee will convene remotely to discuss several important matters affecting veterinary technicians in the region. Key topics on the agenda include reviewing licensing procedures and processing applications for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
Those seeking additional details about the meeting can contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s veterinary board office by calling 410-841-5862. Interested parties may also reach out via email at [email protected] for further information.
A recent analysis by an agricultural economics expert at Ohio State University suggests that government farm assistance programs may actually be hampering the agriculture industry’s economic recovery.
Carl Zulauf, a professor emeritus at the university, has released findings indicating that current farm safety net initiatives might be interfering with natural market mechanisms. According to Zulauf’s research, the timing of these government interventions could be preventing the marketplace from operating effectively.
“Losses are really important for the efficient function of the market economy,” Zulauf explained in his analysis of the current agricultural support system.
The economist’s study raises questions about whether well-intentioned government programs designed to help farmers during difficult times may be creating unintended consequences for the broader agricultural economy. This research comes as the farming industry continues to face various economic pressures and challenges.
For Delaware’s agricultural community, which plays a significant role in the state’s economy, these findings could have implications for how federal farm policy is structured and implemented in the future.
A new agricultural legislation proposal has been introduced by the leader of the House Agriculture Committee, aimed at supporting farmers and ranchers across the United States.
Committee Chairman Glenn “G.T.” Thompson unveiled the draft farm bill, stating it “will provide certainty to the nation’s farmers and ranchers.” According to Thompson, the proposed legislation tackles important policy matters that were left unaddressed when the One Big Beautiful Bill Act became law last year.
The draft bill has generated varying responses from different groups within the agricultural community, with stakeholders expressing both support and concerns about the proposed changes.
The legislation represents a significant step in shaping agricultural policy that could impact farming operations nationwide, including those in Delaware’s agricultural sector.
Agricultural producers dealing with difficult borrowing conditions may find relief through rising property values, according to a Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago policy advisor. The increase in farmland worth could provide crucial assistance for farmers wrestling with financial pressures in the current lending environment.
David Oppedahl from the Chicago Fed explained to Brownfield that the 6% boost in farmland values offers additional alternatives for agricultural borrowers experiencing difficulties with loan repayments. According to Oppedahl, this valuation increase creates new possibilities for both farmers and their financial institutions.
“The banks have the option to request that the owner” explore these enhanced opportunities, Oppedahl noted, referring to how lenders can work with borrowers who own property that has appreciated in value.
The improved farmland valuations come at a critical time when many agricultural operations across the region are confronting tighter credit markets and increased financial scrutiny from lending institutions. For Delaware’s farming community, these national trends could translate into more favorable conditions when seeking agricultural financing or renegotiating existing loans.
Delaware transportation authorities have issued a fog advisory covering the entire state as thick fog reduces visibility and creates hazardous driving conditions.
The advisory, posted by the Delaware Department of Transportation, warns motorists to exercise extreme caution while traveling on state roadways due to significantly impaired visibility caused by dense fog formations.
Drivers are urged to reduce speeds, use low-beam headlights, and maintain increased following distances while the foggy conditions persist. The reduced visibility poses particular risks during morning and evening commute hours when traffic volumes are highest.
Transportation officials recommend that motorists consider delaying non-essential travel until visibility improves. Those who must drive should allow extra time to reach their destinations safely.
The fog advisory remains active as weather conditions continue to produce the thick atmospheric conditions affecting travel throughout Delaware.
Mount Laurel, New Jersey native Tre Powell delivered an outstanding individual performance, setting a new personal record by scoring 33 points during his sophomore campaign. Despite his exceptional offensive showing, the Goldey-Beacom men’s basketball team suffered a disappointing 90-80 defeat against Jefferson in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference action played in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Powell’s record-breaking scoring effort highlighted what was otherwise a frustrating evening for the Lightning, who were unable to match Jefferson’s offensive output despite their star player’s career performance. The loss came on the road as Goldey-Beacom traveled to face their conference opponents.
While Powell’s 33-point explosion provided a bright spot for the team’s statistics, it ultimately served as little consolation in the 10-point conference loss that dropped the Lightning in the standings.
Livestock markets wrapped up the week with declining values as trading activity remained subdued at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Live cattle prices experienced losses while feeder cattle markets showed varied performance as traders anticipate increased direct trading activity.
The April contract for live cattle settled down two cents, closing at $240.62 per hundredweight. June live cattle futures saw a steeper decline, dropping ten cents to finish at $236.15.
Feeder cattle markets displayed mixed results during Friday’s session. The March feeder cattle contract gained 42 cents, ending at $366.15, while April feeder cattle futures fell 17 cents to close at $363.45.
Market analysts noted that trading volume remained light as participants wait for more widespread direct business transactions to develop in the livestock sector.
A representative from an Arkansas-based agricultural financing company is highlighting what he describes as a widespread economic emergency affecting farming operations throughout the Mid-South region.
Greg Cole, who works with AgHeritage Farm Credit Services, spoke with Brownfield about the mounting challenges facing agricultural producers in the area. According to Cole, farming operations have been struggling through a fourth straight year of financial setbacks.
“A farmer can’t borrow their way out of a problem and a lender cannot loan their way out of a problem,” Cole explained when discussing the severity of the situation.
The financial difficulties represent what Cole characterizes as a crisis spanning multiple generations of farming families, suggesting the impact extends beyond typical seasonal or short-term agricultural challenges that producers sometimes face.
Agricultural commodity markets experienced a pullback Friday as soybean and wheat prices retreated from recent highs, though both crops still managed to post weekly increases.
Soybean futures declined as traders locked in profits and technical factors drove selling pressure. However, the crop maintained positive momentum for the week despite Friday’s losses.
In South America, Brazil continues its harvest operations while weather conditions in Argentina present mixed signals. Though Argentina’s crop conditions have deteriorated, meteorologists are predicting additional rainfall for the region.
Brazilian producers are on track to harvest a record-breaking soybean crop this season, but quality concerns are mounting in certain regions where excessive moisture during harvest operations has impacted bean quality.
KARNAL, India (AP) — Using his finger to touch the tablet screen next to his tractor’s driver seat, farmer Bir Virk activated the autonomous driving feature. The agricultural machine began moving independently through his potato fields in Karnal, located in India’s northern region.
Meanwhile, approximately 90 miles south in New Delhi, education specialist Swetank Pandey was implementing comparable technological advances at his test preparation facility. He utilized computer algorithms to analyze and score handwritten examination responses from students preparing for India’s highly competitive government employment tests.
Both scenarios demonstrate the growing influence of artificial intelligence across various sectors.
Across India’s agricultural and educational landscapes, AI technology is rapidly becoming an essential resource for enhancing operational effectiveness while reducing time investment, expenses, and workforce demands. Pioneer users like Virk and Pandey report that these innovations are significantly improving their output as they explore AI’s capacity to address workplace challenges.
“I am able to farm very efficiently and I feel very happy that I do the work what my grandfather and father used to do. Now I am carrying the tradition forward with the right technology,” said Virk.
While artificial intelligence adoption accelerates worldwide, India is experiencing steady technological advancement as companies, emerging businesses, and individual users explore innovative methods to enhance productivity.
India’s federal administration is implementing nationwide programs to finance AI research and provide workforce training in these technologies. This commitment is evident during this week’s five-day artificial intelligence conference in New Delhi, drawing participation from world leaders and prominent technology executives.
Home to almost one billion internet subscribers, India has emerged as a crucial market for international technology corporations seeking to expand their AI operations in one of the planet’s most rapidly developing digital economies.
In December, Microsoft revealed plans for a $17.5 billion four-year investment to enhance cloud computing and AI infrastructure throughout India. This announcement followed Google’s commitment of $15 billion over five years, which includes establishing the company’s inaugural AI research center in the nation.
“There’s some good use cases that have started. There are these scaling platforms that are now embedding AI into them,” said Sangeeta Gupta, senior vice president at NASSCOM, a prominent body representing India’s technology industry.
However, India’s AI implementation faces several limitations.
The nation continues to trail behind in creating its own comprehensive AI systems comparable to America’s OpenAI or China’s DeepSeek, revealing obstacles including restricted access to cutting-edge computer processors, data storage facilities, and the challenge of incorporating hundreds of regional languages into learning systems.
Although technology firms have increased investments in AI education and worker retraining, employees who cannot adapt face job displacement. Tata Consultancy Services, India’s biggest private sector employer, eliminated over 12,000 positions last year due to the accelerating transition toward artificial intelligence.
Nevertheless, individuals like Virk and Pandey emphasize that AI applications are already accelerating their work processes and improving efficiency.
The farmer first discovered AI-powered agricultural technology five years ago during his studies and employment in America. After returning to India in 2021, he purchased the system from a Swedish manufacturer and has operated it on his property for several years.
Virk’s autonomous tractor performs seed planting, fertilizer application, and crop collection. The technology package costs approximately $3,864 and includes a steering mechanism, satellite navigation for precise movement, and AI software that translates information into machine actions.
The system also records operational problems and transmits them to an online platform, where the software provider examines the information and delivers relevant improvements back to the equipment.
“Technology and intelligence play a big role in this. The tractor works in a straight line. It maintains an accuracy of 0.01 centimeter (0.004 inch),” Virk said.
According to Virk, his AI-powered tractor has cut his working hours in half.
“Its most special feature is that it is self-learning,” he said.
Instructor Pandey works at a government job preparation institute, an industry characterized by intense competition. Each year, millions of young Indians vie for civil service positions, requiring coaching facilities to handle enormous volumes of examinations, assessments, and study materials.
According to Pandey, AI has simplified managing this workload.
Employing advanced language processing systems including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, alongside additional automated tools, Pandey and his colleagues review and assess examination papers, develop customized educational content, and organize curricula for test candidates.
Pandey explained that the technology assists with routine tasks, enabling evaluation of tens of thousands of answer sheets within 20 to 25 minutes.
“If you have a better machine, bigger system, you can do it in two minutes,” he said.
Currently, his educational institution employs a combined approach where AI assists with grading while instructors review the results, enhancing both efficiency and accuracy.
Pandey noted that AI frequently generates educational materials that students connect with more effectively than content created by human instructors.
“AI is able to give us in advance a basic idea what the student is doing right now and what next he or she should do to be able to achieve their goals,” he said.
NEW YORK (AP) — State motor vehicle officials in California announced Tuesday they will allow Tesla to continue selling vehicles after determining the electric car company has corrected misleading claims about its autonomous driving features.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles reached this conclusion following a year-long review that began when an administrative law judge determined Elon Musk’s company had deceived customers regarding the self-driving capabilities of its vehicles through marketing language including ‘Autopilot’ and ‘Full Self-Driving.’
While the administrative judge had initially suggested a 30-day sales suspension as punishment, state officials instead provided Tesla with a 90-day period to address the misleading advertisements. Regulators determined the automaker made adequate corrections to resolve the deceptive promotional practices.
The electric vehicle manufacturer has now incorporated the word ‘supervised’ when referencing its Full Self Driving technology and has eliminated the use of Autopilot terminology in its California marketing materials.
Veteran NFL wide receiver Robert Woods has officially ended his 12-season professional football career, inking a ceremonial one-day agreement with the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday to retire where he experienced his greatest success.
The 33-year-old pass catcher played his most productive years in a Rams uniform from 2017 through 2021, a period that reached its peak when the team captured Super Bowl LVI. However, Woods missed that championship playoff run due to an ACL injury he sustained during a practice session in November.
During his prime years in Los Angeles, Woods delivered back-to-back seasons with 90 or more receptions leading up to the 2021 campaign. His most impressive statistical year came in 2018 when he hauled in 86 passes while setting personal records with 1,219 receiving yards and six touchdown catches.
“After 27 unforgettable years of putting my heart into this game, and 13 incredible years in the NFL, it’s time to step away from playing the sport that has given me everything,” Woods wrote on social media. “Football has never just been a game to me. It has been my passion, my purpose and my lifelong dream. I cherished every moment my cleats touched the grass. Every time I stepped onto the field, I was determined to leave a piece of myself in every snap.”
Woods began his professional journey in 2013 when the Buffalo Bills selected him in the second round of the NFL Draft. After four seasons in Buffalo, he moved to Los Angeles to join the Rams. His career later included stops with the Tennessee Titans in 2022 and the Houston Texans from 2023-24.
Throughout his 171 regular season appearances, including 145 as a starter, Woods accumulated 683 receptions for 8,233 yards and 38 touchdowns. He also contributed 514 rushing yards and five rushing scores, with most of that ground production coming during his time with the Rams.
His postseason statistics include 42 catches for 449 yards and one touchdown across 10 playoff contests, seven of which he started, while playing for Los Angeles and Houston.
Woods sat out the 2025 season after the Pittsburgh Steelers released him during the summer months.
A federal judge in Chicago has rejected a class-action lawsuit against Buffalo Wild Wings that accused the restaurant chain of misleading customers about their boneless wing offerings.
Judge John Tharp Jr. dismissed the case on Tuesday, which was filed in 2023 by Aimen Halim. Halim argued that the restaurant deceived patrons by marketing boneless wings when the product is actually chicken nuggets rather than actual wing meat without bones.
The judge used some colorful language in his decision, writing that “Halim sued (Buffalo Wild Wings) over his confusion, but his complaint has no meat on its bones.” He continued the poultry puns, adding, “Despite his best efforts, Halim did not ‘drum’ up enough factual allegations to state a claim.”
Halim’s lawsuit claimed the restaurant’s marketing violated Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, arguing that advertising boneless wings as such misleads customers.
However, Judge Tharp determined that typical consumers wouldn’t be fooled into believing boneless wings contain actual wing meat. He made his point by comparing the situation to other menu items, stating, “If Halim is right, reasonable consumers should think that cauliflower wings are made (at least in part) from wing meat. They don’t, though.”
While the judge granted Buffalo Wild Wings’ motion to dismiss, he provided Halim an opportunity to revise his complaint. The plaintiff has until March 20 to file an amended lawsuit with additional evidence that might allow the case to proceed.
Multiple media outlets reported Tuesday that the New England Patriots have elevated Zak Kuhr from his role as inside linebackers coach to the position of defensive coordinator.
The promotion comes after former defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, who was absent for much of the season due to his battle with prostate cancer, received medical clearance to return and was promoted to a senior position on head coach Mike Vrabel’s coaching staff.
Kuhr took over defensive play-calling responsibilities in the second week of the season and played a key role in leading the defensive unit to an outstanding campaign that culminated in a Super Bowl LX berth. The Patriots’ defense finished the season ranked eighth nationally in total yards allowed per game at 295.2, while placing fourth in points allowed per game with 18.8.
Following Williams’ advancement to a higher role last week, multiple reports indicated that Kuhr was considered the leading candidate to assume the defensive coordinator position permanently.
The 37-year-old Kuhr spent the 2024 season as a defensive assistant with the New York Giants before joining New England. Prior to that, he worked under Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans from 2020 through 2023, where he held positions as defensive quality control coach and inside linebackers assistant. His coaching background also includes several assistant coaching positions at the collegiate level.
The Green Bay Packers are facing an unexpected coaching vacancy after Rich Bisaccia announced his resignation as special teams coordinator and assistant head coach, according to head coach Matt LaFleur on Tuesday. The departure leaves the organization scrambling to fill a key position with the 2026 season staff otherwise largely intact.
LaFleur expressed disappointment over losing Bisaccia in an official statement. “While we are disappointed to lose a person and coach as valuable as Rich, we respect his decision to step down from the Packers,” LaFleur said. “Rich was a tremendous resource to me and our entire coaching staff who had a profound impact on our players and our culture throughout the building. We can’t thank him enough for his contributions to our team over the last four years.”
Bisaccia originally came to Green Bay in February 2022 to lead special teams operations and was promoted to include assistant head coach duties in March 2023. During his tenure, the Packers saw remarkable improvement in special teams performance, achieving a seventh-place NFL ranking in field-position margin over the four-year span while building a return unit known for consistently changing field position.
In his own statement, Bisaccia explained his decision came after careful consideration. “After taking some time to reflect over the last few weeks, I have made the decision to step down,” Bisaccia said. He expressed gratitude to LaFleur and the organization, stating, “Coaching for the Green Bay Packers was truly an honor, and I will always be grateful for my time here. I look forward to whatever is next for me and my family, and I wish nothing but the best for everyone in the organization.”
The unexpected resignation creates a challenging situation for Green Bay, as special teams coordinator positions are typically secured early in the offseason coaching cycle.
A catastrophic avalanche near California’s Lake Tahoe has left 10 skiers unaccounted for and six others trapped at the scene, according to authorities responding to Tuesday’s emergency.
The deadly slide occurred around 11:30 a.m. Pacific time in the Castle Peak backcountry area of Truckee, California, roughly 10 miles north of Lake Tahoe, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office reported on Facebook. The avalanche completely buried a skiing party of 16 people.
The skiing group included four professional guides leading 12 clients when the mountain gave way. Six individuals survived the slide and remained at the disaster site waiting for emergency crews, while 10 others could not be located, officials confirmed.
Should all the missing skiers lose their lives, this tragedy would become one of America’s most fatal single avalanche events in recorded history. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center reports six avalanche deaths nationwide this season so far.
Over the last ten years, avalanches have killed an average of 27 people annually across the United States, according to avalanche tracking data.
Northern California was under a winter storm warning Tuesday, with forecasters predicting heavy snowfall across the Sierra Nevada’s higher elevations.
Early Tuesday morning, the Sierra Avalanche Center had issued warnings about “high avalanche danger” conditions in backcountry skiing areas, the sheriff’s department noted.
Emergency rescue teams from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center rushed to the avalanche site, where dozens of first responders assembled for search operations.
Dangerous weather patterns continue threatening the Sierra backcountry terrain, with forecasters expecting more avalanche activity through Tuesday evening and Wednesday, authorities warned.
California Governor Gavin Newsom received briefings on the disaster, with state officials “coordinating an all-hands search-and-rescue effort” alongside local emergency response teams, his office announced on social media.
International demand continues to provide crucial support for corn pricing as the agricultural market moves forward into 2025. Agricultural economist Megan Roberts from Compeer Financial reports that overseas sales of U.S. corn remained robust throughout 2024, with that positive trend extending into the current year.
According to Roberts, while current corn valuations may not meet farmer expectations, the situation could be significantly worse without international buyers. “I know those corn prices aren’t where we want them to be, but I think that they would be lower if we” didn’t have the export activity supporting the market, Roberts explained.
The sustained international appetite for American corn has become a key factor in maintaining market stability during a period when domestic prices face pressure from various economic factors affecting the agricultural sector.
Civil rights champion Rev. Jesse Jackson has passed away at the age of 84, marking the end of an era for the movement he helped lead for decades.
In international news, American and Iranian representatives are convening in Geneva today for critical discussions concerning Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The negotiations carry significant weight as both nations seek to address ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.
These high-level diplomatic meetings come as the U.S. President has issued warnings to Iran regarding potential repercussions if an agreement cannot be reached between the two countries. The talks represent another attempt at finding common ground through diplomatic channels.
Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in America’s civil rights movement and a respected religious leader, has passed away at the age of 84, according to reports Tuesday.
The influential minister and former presidential candidate dedicated his life to advancing social justice causes and championing equality for all Americans throughout his remarkable career spanning several decades.
NPR correspondent Michel Martin discussed Jackson’s significant contributions and lasting impact on American society, highlighting his roles as both a spiritual leader and political activist who helped shape the nation’s ongoing dialogue about civil rights.
Jackson’s death marks the end of an era for those who witnessed his tireless advocacy work and his efforts to bridge divides within American communities.
Following the death of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson on Tuesday at 84 years old, NPR host Leila Fadel conducted an interview with Dr. Eddie Glaude, a prominent author and academic, to examine Jackson’s significant contributions and lasting influence on American society.
The conversation between Fadel and Dr. Glaude focused on exploring the profound impact Jackson had throughout his decades-long career as a civil rights activist and his continuing relevance in today’s social justice movements.
Motorists traveling on Park Avenue should expect delays this afternoon as construction crews continue work that has closed one lane of traffic.
The lane closure affects the eastbound direction of Park Avenue (Route 431) in the stretch between Wood Branch Road (Route 321) and Nanticoke Avenue, according to Delaware Department of Transportation officials.
The construction-related lane restriction is expected to be lifted by 3 p.m. today, though drivers should allow extra time for their commute and consider alternate routes if possible.
DelDOT advises motorists to use caution when driving through the work zone and to be alert for construction workers and equipment in the area.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have temporarily shut down northbound traffic on Shipley Road as construction crews work in the area.
The road closure affects the stretch between Drexel Drive and Summerset Road, with DelDOT indicating the lanes will remain blocked until 2:00 PM today.
Motorists traveling through the area should plan alternate routes and expect potential delays during the closure period.
Drivers need to avoid a stretch of North Old Baltimore Pike today as construction crews have completely shut down the roadway between Eagle Run Road and West Main Street.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports the full closure will remain in effect until 3 PM this afternoon while work continues on the roadway.
Motorists traveling through the area should plan alternate routes and expect delays on surrounding roads as traffic is diverted around the construction zone.
DelDOT has not provided details about the specific nature of the construction work being performed during the closure.
In a thrilling display of determination at the Winter Olympics in Anterselva, Italy, French biathlete Emilien Jacquelin orchestrated one of the most dramatic comebacks in Olympic relay history, propelling his team from near-disaster to their first-ever men’s biathlon relay gold medal.
The French squad found themselves in deep trouble after teammate Fabien Claude struggled during the standing shooting portion, dropping the team to 13th place and trailing by more than 50 seconds. That’s when Jacquelin took control of the race.
The 30-year-old athlete, sporting an earring borrowed from the family of legendary Italian cyclist Marco Pantani, delivered a masterful performance combining aggressive skiing with rapid-fire shooting accuracy. His relentless pursuit closed the massive gap and actually put France in the lead when he handed off to teammate Quentin Fillon Maillet.
As the race reached its climax with Eric Perrot skiing the final leg, Jacquelin positioned himself against a wall in the snow, eyes glued to the large video screen. “He’s gonna do it,” he declared, watching Perrot maintain a slim advantage over Norway’s Vetle Staastad Kristiansen.
Perrot successfully held off the Norwegian challenger, securing France’s historic victory. When Perrot appeared on the final stretch with clear space behind him, an elated Jacquelin pointed toward the sky before rushing forward to embrace his teammate and rally the cheering spectators.
The bronze medalist from the pursuit event reflected on the emotional journey of Olympic competition. “The Olympics are all about emotions, it’s not just about winning. I’ve had all the emotions here. You have stress, fear, but you have to go through these emotions,” Jacquelin explained.
This marked Jacquelin’s third Olympic appearance, having started his Games career at age 22 in South Korea. He recalled his previous relay experiences: finishing fifth alongside Martin Fourcade in his debut, then earning silver four years ago – France’s best relay result since the Turin Olympics.
“But today it was win or hospital. We are a team. Penalty laps can happen; it doesn’t mean the race is over. I started with that idea in mind. I looked more at the gap: 50 seconds. There are relays where we finish second or third and we’re more than a minute behind. A medal was within reach. I thought less about winning,” Jacquelin said.
The veteran athlete described his strategic mindset during the crucial comeback leg: “I told myself it would be complicated if the Norwegians controlled the race. I don’t feel like I took risks. I skied my race, I felt I managed my effort. The last lap was difficult, but they have a different vision of racing. I went for it with panache, with desire and with heart.”
Markets throughout Asia experienced upward movement Wednesday morning, even as global investors continue wrestling with uncertainties surrounding artificial intelligence technology investments, according to financial reports.
Meanwhile, crude oil prices stayed under pressure following Iran’s announcement of advancement in nuclear discussions with United States officials.
The New Zealand dollar experienced a notable decline after that nation’s central bank indicated monetary policy would need to stay supportive for an extended period to help the economic recovery continue.
Japan’s primary Nikkei 225 index climbed 0.93% to reach 57,090.14, potentially ending a three-session losing streak, while Australia’s S&P/ASX200 gained 0.5%.
Several major markets including mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea remained shuttered for Lunar New Year celebrations.
The optimistic Asian trading session came after a subdued Tuesday performance on Wall Street, where investors continued evaluating the future prospects of the artificial intelligence sector.
Worries that corporations may be investing too heavily in AI technology, combined with anxiety about how the emerging technology might affect employment markets, have created investor nervousness in recent weeks.
During overnight U.S. trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.07% to 49,533.19, while the S&P 500 rose 0.10% to 6,843.22 and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.14% to 22,578.38. The S&P 500 initially dropped 0.88% before recovering to finish with gains.
Wednesday saw the yield on benchmark U.S. 10-year notes remain unchanged at 4.054%. The 30-year bond yield decreased 0.4 basis points to 4.6788%.
“AI uncertainty remains a source of volatility, both in terms of the difficulty in assessing which AI companies will be the winners and losers but also what sort of impact will AI have in other companies and sectors of the economy,” NAB analysts said.
Both Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures showed little movement Wednesday at $67.42 and $62.32 per barrel respectively, after both dropped to close at their lowest levels in over two weeks during the prior session.
After Geneva discussions Tuesday, Iran’s foreign minister announced that Tehran and Washington had achieved agreement on primary “guiding principles” toward settling their prolonged nuclear disagreement, reducing concerns about potential military confrontation near the Strait of Hormuz that might interrupt worldwide oil supplies.
Gold weakened 0.2% to approximately $4,867 per ounce while silver fell by a similar amount to around $73.30 per ounce.
“Gold prices dipped as a stronger U.S. dollar weighed on the market, with declining U.S. Treasury yields providing little support,” ANZ analysts said.
“Investors remained uncertain amid subdued trading in Asia. Prospects of easing geopolitical tension with positive outcomes from the Iran-US talks in Geneva weighed on haven demand for gold.”
The U.S. dollar index, measuring the American currency against major trading partners, remained steady during Asian hours at 97.12.
The traditional safe-haven currency maintained its position as geopolitical risks continued keeping markets cautious and investors awaited Federal Reserve January meeting minutes, scheduled for release later Wednesday, for indications about future interest rate direction.
The euro slipped 0.1% to $1.1844, while the British pound stabilized at $1.3563 after a 0.5% decline in the previous session.
The New Zealand dollar fell 0.6% to $0.6014. The Australian dollar eased 0.2% to $0.7075.
The Japanese yen strengthened 0.1% to 153.12 per dollar.
Japan’s yearly bond issuance will likely jump 28% three years ahead due to increasing debt-financing expenses, according to a finance ministry projection reported Tuesday.
Japan would require issuing up to 38 trillion yen ($248.3 billion) in bonds during the fiscal year beginning April 2029 to cover the gap between spending and tax income, increasing from 29.6 trillion yen in fiscal 2026, the estimate indicated.
Banking giant JPMorgan Chase announced Tuesday that it has selected industry veteran Catherine O’Donnell to lead its North American leveraged finance operations, with the appointment taking effect later this year.
The seasoned finance professional will make the move to New York to assume her new position, bringing over two decades of industry expertise to the leveraged finance division.
In addition to O’Donnell’s appointment, the financial institution announced that Stathis Karanikolaidis will take on the role of deputy head, working under O’Donnell’s leadership.
According to JPMorgan Chase, Karanikolaidis will collaborate closely with O’Donnell to advance the division’s operations, which handles debt financing for major transactions. He will continue to oversee his current responsibilities managing North America Diversified Industries and Natural Resources Leveraged Finance operations.
Tiger Woods continues his recovery from back surgery performed last October, but the golf superstar isn’t closing the door on participating in this year’s Masters Tournament.
During a media session on Tuesday before this week’s Genesis Invitational in Pacific Palisades, California, where Woods serves as tournament host, reporters questioned whether the April 9-12 Masters was completely out of consideration.
“No,” Woods responded with a broad grin. The golf legend hasn’t competed since failing to make the cut at the 2024 British Open.
The winner of 15 major championships underwent additional surgery in March 2025 to fix a torn left Achilles tendon. In December, doctors gave Woods permission to begin chipping and putting again following his lumbar disc replacement procedure.
Woods indicated his Achilles injury has healed, though his back continues to cause discomfort.
“As far as the disc replacement, it’s just sore. It takes time,” Woods explained. “My body has been through a lot. It’s just one of those things where it’s each and every day, I keep trying, I keep progressing, I keep working on it, trying to get stronger, trying to get more endurance in this body and trying to get it at a level at which I can play at the highest level again.”
Though Woods hasn’t participated in tournament play since July 2024, he remains active in golf administration as a PGA Tour policy board player director and vice chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises.
The 50-year-old golfer faces another major decision regarding potential Ryder Cup captaincy for 2027, revealing that the PGA of America has sought his thoughts on the position.
“Yeah, they have asked me for my input on it, and I haven’t made my decision yet,” Woods stated Tuesday. “I’m trying to figure out what we’re trying to do with our tour.
“That’s been driving me hours upon hours every day and trying to figure out if I can actually do our team, our Team USA and our players and everyone that’s going to be involved in the Ryder Cup, if I can do it justice with my time.”
Woods previously declined the U.S. captaincy for the 2025 Ryder Cup citing scheduling conflicts and PGA Tour obligations, though he indicated the possibility remained open for future opportunities.
Professional golfer Justin Thomas will step back into competitive play next week, though not on the PGA Tour just yet.
The 32-year-old golfer revealed Tuesday that he’ll make his return to competition in the TGL league, representing Atlanta Drive GC this Monday. Thomas confirmed his comeback through a response to a social media message from country music star Luke Bryan, finalizing a return date that golf fans have been speculating about for weeks.
Thomas has been absent from competitive golf since competing in the Ryder Cup back in September. In November, he had a microdiscectomy operation to fix a disc problem that had been causing what he described as “nagging hip pain” for several months. Medical professionals gave him the green light to resume full golf activities earlier this month.
Speaking in January, Thomas said, “I’m looking to come back competitively at some point during the Florida swing. I know how important it is to get this injury behind me so that I’m only looking forward over the course of the season.”
The Florida portion of the PGA Tour schedule kicks off with the Cognizant Classic, scheduled for February 26 through March 1, located roughly 30 minutes from Thomas’ Jupiter residence.
Atlanta Drive has two matches scheduled for Monday, beginning with a 5 p.m. ET contest against Boston Common Golf, followed by a 9 p.m. matchup versus Los Angeles Golf Club. Thomas played a key role in Atlanta’s championship victory during TGL’s inaugural 2025 season, helping secure the SoFi Cup, and Monday will mark his first competitive action since the surgical procedure.
The accomplished golfer has claimed 16 victories on tour and placed seventh in the 2025 FedEx Cup rankings after achieving eight top-10 results, highlighted by his playoff victory at the RBC Heritage.
Detroit Tigers infielder Javier Baez has publicly taken full responsibility for a marijuana-related drug test failure that cost him the opportunity to represent Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday at the Tigers’ spring training facility in Lakeland, Florida, Baez made his first public statements regarding the suspension. “Honestly, I don’t want to point fingers at anybody, because this is all my fault,” the veteran player said. “I’m the one that failed the test, and the rules are there.”
The 33-year-old shortstop’s positive test occurred on March 12, 2023. As a result, the World Baseball Softball Confederation imposed a two-year prohibition that started April 26, 2024, and extends through April 26, 2026.
The timing is particularly painful for Baez, as the 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled for March 5-17.
While Major League Baseball has allowed marijuana use since 2020, meaning Baez faces no penalties from MLB or his team, the international governing body maintains stricter standards.
“There’s one job that I have to do: Play baseball,” Baez explained. “I don’t know if they didn’t want me in the WBC or whatever, but it’s just really frustrating that I won’t be able to be there and to be part of this.”
The missed opportunity holds special significance for the Puerto Rican native, who noted the tournament’s rare return to his homeland. “It’s been a long, long time (since) we played this tournament in Puerto Rico, and when we did, I think in 2006, I was in the stands as a fan,” he reflected. “To have the chance to be part of that and now it’s away from me, it really hurts. It really hurts my family, my reputation. But it’s part of it.”
Baez had been preparing during the offseason to join Team Puerto Rico, having previously competed in the 2017 and 2013 tournaments. Despite his disappointment about missing this “dream” opportunity, he emphasized his intention to move forward and concentrate on the upcoming MLB season.
“Honestly, I understand the rules,” Baez stated. “The rules are not for us. It’s for different sports. It’s not like I was taking steroids or anything to last longer, whatever. They (made) that decision. I’m fine with it. I mean, I’m not fine with it. I just keep my mouth shut.”
The veteran infielder enjoyed a strong 2023 campaign, earning All-Star recognition while posting a .257 batting average with 12 home runs and 57 RBIs across 126 games. His career achievements include a Silver Slugger Award as a National League second baseman in 2018 and a Gold Glove as an NL shortstop in 2020, both earned during his tenure with the Chicago Cubs.
Throughout his major league career spanning the Cubs (2014-21), New York Mets (2021), and Tigers (2022-present), Baez has compiled a .252 batting average with 193 home runs and 685 RBIs over 1,348 regular-season contests. He was part of the Cubs’ 2016 World Series championship team.
JUNEAU, Alaska — Environmental advocates and an Alaska Native organization launched federal court challenges on Tuesday against the Trump administration’s latest effort to expand oil and gas extraction in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve and a scheduled lease auction they claim wrongfully opens protected ecological zones to development.
Two separate federal lawsuits were filed targeting the March 18 lease auction. Earthjustice filed one case in Alaska federal court representing the Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of the Earth. The second lawsuit was submitted in Washington D.C. federal court by The Wilderness Society alongside Grandmothers Growing Goodness, an organization highlighting how oil and gas projects affect Iñupiat communities.
The upcoming auction represents the reserve’s first lease sale since 2019 and the initial one under legislation Congress approved last year mandating a minimum of five lease sales across a decade. The reserve spans an Indiana-sized area on Alaska’s North Slope, serving as home to diverse wildlife including caribou, bears, wolves and millions of migrating birds.
Both legal challenges name the U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Bureau of Land Management and senior agency leaders as defendants. The Earthjustice filing also targets the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. An Interior Department representative was contacted for comment on Tuesday. Both the land management and fish and wildlife agencies operate under Interior’s oversight.
The litigation continues an ongoing dispute over development access within the reserve. The Trump administration’s adopted plan opens approximately 80% of the reserve to oil and gas leasing.
Development advocates point to the petroleum reserve’s designation as evidence drilling should take place there, while opponents maintain the governing law requires balancing extraction rights with environmental protection needs. Alaska Native communities hold varying positions on development, with some North Slope leadership groups endorsing reserve drilling while others worry projects could harm their communities.
The lawsuits contend next month’s proposed lease sale encompasses land parcels near Teshekpuk Lake and the Colville River that were previously classified as special due to their wildlife, subsistence or other important characteristics. The legal filings argue sale documents offer no explanation for including these parcels and show no recognition by the Bureau of Land Management of earlier determinations that these areas should remain off-limits to leasing.
Earthjustice’s lawsuit states the reserve management plan supporting the lease sale “unlawfully removes lands from the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area and eliminates the Colville River Special Area.” The case cites established federal law governing oil and gas development in the reserve that grants the Interior secretary power “to designate special areas for maximum protection of identified significant resource values,” according to the lawsuit. “Congress has not authorized the Secretary to remove lands from or eliminate special areas, especially where those lands still contain the significant resource values that supported their designation.”
Teshekpuk Lake holds the distinction of being Alaska’s largest arctic lake. The Colville River and surrounding wetlands offer nesting grounds for raptors and support subsistence practices for North Slope residents, the lawsuit explains.
The case requests a judge invalidate any leases granted in the upcoming sale and prevent future sales based on what plaintiffs describe as defective environmental assessments and land management strategies.
The second lawsuit seeks a judicial ruling declaring improper an Interior Department official’s decision to cancel a right-of-way permit issued during the Biden administration designed to protect the Teshekpuk caribou herd and habitat across roughly 1 million acres within the special area. It also contests the validity of lease parcels within the now-canceled right-of-way and nearby tracts that overlap caribou habitat and carry high oil and gas development potential according to Bureau of Land Management classifications.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the civil rights movement who passed away Tuesday at 84, played a pivotal role in championing the widespread adoption of ‘African American’ as a term that would honor cultural heritage and restore dignity to the community.
Jackson, who learned from and worked alongside the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., became part of a broader movement in the late 1980s that included NAACP leaders and other activists seeking to move away from terms like ‘colored’ and ‘blacks’ toward language that better reflected ancestral connections and commanded respect.
‘To be called African Americans has cultural integrity — it puts us in our proper historical context,’ Jackson stated during that era. ‘Every ethnic group in this country has a reference to some base, some historical, cultural base.’
The two-time presidential contender, who carried forward the Civil Rights Movement following King’s death, succumbed to a rare neurological condition at his Chicago residence with family by his side, according to his daughter Santita Jackson’s confirmation Tuesday.
Throughout his life’s work, Jackson championed voting access, employment opportunities, and educational advancement for marginalized communities while promoting Black pride. He believed that terminology originating from within the Black community could strengthen collective self-worth.
While academics had utilized ‘African American’ before Jackson and the NAACP’s campaign, the term remained largely academic until the reverend mobilized grassroots support. Historical records show the phrase appeared as early as 1782 in a Philadelphia sermon pamphlet authored ‘By an African American,’ according to Yale law librarian Fred R. Shapiro’s research.
Jackson drew inspiration from similar efforts by other minority communities working to reshape their public identification and recognition.
The 1990s brought discussions around ‘Latino’ versus ‘Hispanic’ terminology. Meanwhile, Asian Americans had successfully petitioned the U.S. Census Bureau to include Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the 1990 census for the first time. Though ‘African American’ gained prominence too late for that census, the bureau issued guidance stating ‘Black or Negro includes African-Americans.’
Black sociologist Walter Allen described the term’s acceptance as ‘a significant psychological and cultural turning point’ in a January 1989 New York Times piece.
This assessment followed Jackson’s December gathering of 75 Black organizations, encompassing fraternities, sororities, advocacy groups, and social organizations, where organizers reported ‘overwhelming consensus’ supporting the terminology shift. Chicago and Atlanta school systems quickly embraced the change, integrating it into their educational programs.
Today, ‘Black’ and ‘African American’ are commonly used interchangeably throughout the United States, though ‘Black’ is often considered more encompassing as it includes individuals from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Critics of ‘African American’ argue it qualifies their American identity or implies contemporary African connections that may not reflect their actual experiences.
Crude oil markets retreated Wednesday morning as diplomatic discussions between Washington and Tehran showed encouraging signs, sparking optimism that Middle East tensions could ease and reduce threats to regional oil supplies.
International Brent crude futures declined 3 cents to $67.39 per barrel by early morning trading, representing a 0.04% decrease. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 5 cents to $62.28, down 0.08%. Both benchmarks have reached their lowest levels in two weeks.
The price movement followed news that Tehran and Washington achieved consensus Tuesday on fundamental framework principles during nuclear negotiations aimed at resolving their prolonged diplomatic standoff. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi cautioned that reaching these “guiding principles” doesn’t guarantee an immediate agreement.
Market experts expressed skepticism about whether meaningful diplomatic momentum can be maintained going forward.
“While a meaningful breakthrough would ease geopolitical tensions and potentially boost Iranian oil supply, we remain sceptical that this outcome will be achieved in the short term,” stated Tony Sycamore, a market analyst with IG, in his client advisory.
Adding to concerns, political risk firm Eurasia Group issued a Tuesday assessment estimating a 65% likelihood of American military action against Iran before April’s conclusion.
Additional pressure on crude prices came from Russian news outlets reporting that Kazakhstan’s massive Tengiz oil facility was ramping up production following January’s operational halt. Industry sources indicate the field aims to restore complete output capacity by February 23.
Market attention now turns to upcoming inventory data from the American Petroleum Institute, scheduled for release later today, followed by Thursday’s report from the Energy Information Administration, the Department of Energy’s statistical division.
Industry forecasters surveyed by Reuters anticipate that domestic crude reserves increased during the previous week, while gasoline and distillate supplies likely decreased. Projections suggest crude stockpiles grew by approximately 2.3 million barrels during the February 13 week, while gasoline inventories fell roughly 200,000 barrels and distillate reserves, encompassing diesel and heating fuel, dropped about 1.6 million barrels.
The electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla has successfully avoided having its business licenses suspended in California after making changes to how it markets its vehicles, state regulators announced Tuesday.
California’s Department of Motor Vehicles had threatened to suspend Tesla’s dealer and manufacturer licenses for 30 days, but granted the company relief after it ceased using the controversial ‘autopilot’ terminology in its California vehicle marketing campaigns.
This development occurs as Tesla and competing electric vehicle companies face declining sales following the end of important tax incentives that had previously driven consumer purchases.
Company leader Elon Musk has recently shifted Tesla’s strategic direction toward developing robotaxi services with autonomous driving capabilities, along with creating humanoid robotic technology.
The state motor vehicle department initially brought charges against Tesla in 2022, claiming the company misled buyers by labeling its driver assistance technology as ‘autopilot’ and ‘Full Self-Driving’ (FSD).
By December of last year, regulators concentrated their concerns specifically on the ‘autopilot’ designation after Tesla modified how it described ‘Full Self-Driving’ to make clear that drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control.
California officials had postponed their planned suspension order, providing Tesla with extra time to resolve the disputed marketing practices. California represents Tesla’s largest sales territory in the United States.
The company’s ‘Autopilot’ system allows Tesla cars to speed up, slow down, and stay in their designated lanes while on highways. The ‘Full Self-Driving’ feature goes further by enabling vehicles to switch lanes and react to traffic lights while driving on city roads.
Sweden’s men’s hockey team is showing no signs of intimidation as they prepare for Wednesday’s high-stakes quarter-final clash against Team USA at the Milan Olympics, determined to pursue Olympic gold despite their unexpected rocky path to this stage.
The Swedish team was originally anticipated to dominate their group and secure an automatic quarter-final spot alongside powerhouses Canada and the United States. However, they found themselves ranked seventh after preliminary rounds, forcing them into the qualification playoff bracket.
This surprising turn of events marked one of the few upsets in Milan’s men’s tournament, which has otherwise followed expected outcomes. Sweden quickly recovered from this setback, overwhelming Latvia with a commanding 5-1 victory on Tuesday to secure their quarter-final berth.
“It doesn’t matter how you get here, we’re here now,” forward Adrian Kempe stated.
A single loss to Finland during group play put Sweden in jeopardy, and Slovakia ultimately pushed them into qualification playoffs based on goal differential within their highly competitive group – a situation so complex that media members needed calculators to track the tiebreaker scenarios.
Against Latvia, Sweden demonstrated their championship caliber at the perfect moment, netting multiple goals in rapid succession during the opening period before maintaining control throughout the remainder of the game.
NHL enthusiasts have been anticipating a potential gold medal showdown between Canada and the United States since the premier league confirmed its Olympic return following a 12-year hiatus.
However, Sweden remains eager to disrupt those dreams as they elevate their performance in Milan, seeking their first Olympic gold since the Games were previously held in Italy two decades ago in Turin.
“It’s going to be a tough challenge but one we’re prepared for,” said Mika Zibanejad, who will face his New York Rangers teammates J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck on the opposing team, while also competing against his NHL coach who is leading the U.S. squad.
“Little by little it’s been getting better, so that’s a good sign,” Zibanejad added.
Investigators searching for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie, received disappointing news Tuesday when genetic testing on a key piece of evidence yielded no results.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI announced that DNA extracted from a glove discovered near Guthrie’s Arizona residence failed to generate any matches when cross-referenced with the national Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database.
This development represents a significant blow to the investigation as authorities continue their search for the elderly woman, now missing for 17 days since her apparent abduction.
Law enforcement officials had high hopes for the glove, which was recovered from a roadside area approximately two miles from Guthrie’s Tucson-area home. The item appeared similar to gloves worn by a masked, armed individual captured on surveillance video attempting to tamper with her doorbell camera during the early morning hours before her disappearance.
Sheriff Chris Nanos has identified the masked figure – who was also carrying an oversized backpack and wearing a holstered firearm – as the primary suspect in what authorities believe was a kidnapping for ransom.
“At this point, there have been no confirmed CODIS matches in this investigation,” the sheriff’s office stated, while noting that additional genetic evidence collected from Guthrie’s property remains under analysis. “CODIS is one option of many databases that are available,” officials added.
The case has captured worldwide attention, with media outlets closely monitoring each development in the investigation.
Beyond high-tech forensic analysis, detectives have employed traditional investigative methods, including collaboration with Walmart store managers to track down purchasers of backpacks matching the one seen in surveillance footage.
Phillip Martin, who co-owns a Tucson firearms retailer, confirmed to Reuters that an FBI agent working the Guthrie case visited his establishment over a week ago with a list of fewer than 20 potential customers, inquiring about weapon purchases. Martin reported finding no matches after checking his records.
A law enforcement source revealed that the list shown to gun stores was compiled by cross-referencing backpack and holster purchase data with other investigative leads.
Authorities have also deployed advanced “signal sniffer” technology that creates heat maps to identify potential search locations. Parsons Corp, the system’s developer, confirmed its use by helicopter, ground vehicle, and foot search teams in the Guthrie case.
Nancy Guthrie was last observed on January 31 when family members dropped her off at home following dinner together. Relatives reported her missing the next day.
Sheriff Nanos has explained that the elderly woman’s severely limited mobility made it impossible for her to leave home without assistance, leading investigators to quickly determine she had been taken against her will.
Two alleged ransom demands have emerged since her disappearance, both initially delivered to news organizations rather than directly to the family or law enforcement.
Savannah Guthrie, 54, has released multiple video appeals alongside her siblings Camron and Annie Guthrie, pleading for their mother’s safe return and requesting public assistance in the case.
On Sunday, Sheriff Nanos issued a statement clearing all immediate family members – including siblings and their spouses – as suspects. “The Guthrie family are victims, plain and simple,” he declared.
DNA analysis confirmed that blood traces discovered on Guthrie’s front porch belonged to the missing woman, officials announced last week. Both law enforcement and family members have described her as being in fragile health, requiring daily medication for survival, and dependent on a pacemaker.
While acknowledging that no evidence of life has emerged since the abduction, Nanos told Reuters last week that “there’s not been any proof of death either,” stating his operating assumption remains that Nancy Guthrie is still alive.
Google’s popular video streaming service YouTube experienced widespread technical problems on Tuesday evening, leaving hundreds of thousands of users across the nation unable to access the platform.
Outage monitoring service Downdetector recorded a total of 321,958 user complaints about YouTube service disruptions as of 8:18 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday. The tracking website compiles outage information by gathering status reports from various sources.
The technical difficulties also extended to related Google services, with YouTube TV receiving 8,923 user reports of problems, while the main Google platform saw 2,694 issue reports during the same timeframe.
When contacted for information about the service disruption, Google representatives had not provided a response regarding the widespread outages affecting their video platform.
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has completely liquidated its holdings in Take-Two Interactive, according to regulatory documents filed Tuesday, just as the gaming company prepares to release the much-awaited “Grand Theft Auto VI.”
The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia had been the second-biggest investor in Take-Two, holding approximately 11 million shares valued at nearly $3 billion, based on LSEG data.
This divestment occurs despite Saudi Arabia’s aggressive expansion into the gaming industry, as the nation hosts numerous e-sports competitions and works to establish itself as a worldwide gaming center.
In the previous year, the PIF had made an agreement to purchase Take-Two competitor Electronic Arts through a $55 billion transaction as part of its broader gaming investment strategy.
A Delaware family is speaking out about their frightening experience with Alpha-gal syndrome after a tick bite changed their lives forever. The condition, which causes severe allergic reactions to red meat, has turned what should have been a routine medical issue into months of uncertainty and worry.
The ordeal began in October 2024 when the woman’s husband started experiencing what seemed like minor skin irritation. The initial symptoms appeared harmless enough – just some itching that gradually developed into persistent hives that refused to go away.
After enduring a full week of these troublesome symptoms, the husband reached out to his healthcare provider’s nursing staff for guidance. What followed were months filled with medical uncertainty, mounting frustration, and significant emotional strain on the entire family as they searched for answers to his mysterious condition.
The family’s story highlights the serious nature of Alpha-gal syndrome and serves as a warning to Delaware residents about the potential consequences of tick bites. The condition can dramatically alter a person’s diet and lifestyle, making it impossible to consume red meat without risking dangerous allergic reactions.
Swedish cross-country skiing star Linn Svahn won’t compete in Wednesday’s women’s sprint relay at the Winter Olympics after coming down with minor cold symptoms, according to Sweden’s national team officials on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old athlete will be replaced by teammates Joanna Sundling and Maja Dahlqvist, who will now shoulder Sweden’s expectations for another medal in the event taking place in Tesero, Italy.
Svahn captured gold in last Tuesday’s women’s classic sprint, leading a complete Swedish domination of the podium alongside Sundling and Dahlqvist. Team officials confirmed she will remain separated from other squad members as a safety measure while staying in Val di Fiemme, Italy, the location of the cross-country competitions.
According to team representatives, Svahn’s illness symptoms are mild, and she continues to stay in the Olympic venue area.
The Swedish team earned silver in Beijing’s women’s team sprint competition and enters Wednesday’s race as heavy favorites following their impressive showing at these Games. Sweden has already claimed eight medals in women’s cross-country skiing events, including three gold medals, making them the dominant force in the discipline.
The Carolina Panthers have secured veteran long snapper JJ Jansen for another year, bringing the 40-year-old back for what will be his 18th campaign with the franchise. The team announced the one-year agreement on Tuesday, though contract details remain undisclosed.
Since arriving in Carolina back in 2009, Jansen has established himself as a franchise cornerstone, appearing in a team-record 277 games. His durability puts him well ahead of the next-closest player in team history – former kicker John Kasay, who suited up for 221 regular-season contests during his Panthers tenure from 1995 to 2010.
Special teams coordinator Tracy Smith couldn’t help but marvel at Jansen’s longevity when discussing the veteran late last season. “He’s everlasting,” Smith said with a laugh. “He can do this for as long as he wants to. He’s everlasting. There’s no proof that he’s not a robot. Nobody knows that he is not AI. We’re just going forward to the end of time, as far as I’m concerned.”
Carolina obtained Jansen through a trade with Green Bay in 2009, although he never actually took the field for the Packers. His consistent excellence earned him Pro Bowl recognition in 2013, highlighting his status among the NFL’s elite at his position.
Mississippi environmental officials will conduct a public hearing Tuesday regarding Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI and its controversial plans to construct a gas-powered facility for its expanding Colossus II data center operations.
The NAACP has threatened legal action against the tech company, claiming it violated federal environmental regulations by installing and running gas turbines without obtaining required air quality permits.
Speaking for the predominantly African American community residing near the original Colossus I facility in Memphis, Tennessee, the civil rights organization alleges that xAI unlawfully began installing and then operating 27 gas turbines at a location in Southaven, Mississippi. These turbines are intended to supply power to Colossus II, which sits just across the Tennessee state border in Memphis.
According to the NAACP, the company failed to secure the mandatory preconstruction and operating air permits mandated under the Clean Air Act.
The civil rights group warned in their lawsuit notification letter that “Pollution from these turbines is worsening and will continue to worsen the already poor air quality in Southaven, Mississippi and the Memphis metropolitan area.”
xAI representatives did not respond to requests for comment.
The NAACP contends that these turbines could release substantial quantities of nitrogen oxides that contribute to smog formation, exceeding Clean Air Act thresholds for “major source” designation. The organization also cited concerns about other harmful emissions, including fine particulate matter and cancer-causing formaldehyde, which would negatively impact the surrounding predominantly African American neighborhoods.
Federal Clean Air Act regulations mandate that potential plaintiffs provide 60 days’ advance notice before filing lawsuits.
The company has been aggressively expanding its Colossus supercomputer system, which serves as the training platform for xAI’s Grok artificial intelligence chatbot. The project spans Memphis and Southaven locations, currently operating in its second phase while seeking approval to launch a third expansion.
Following a similar legal challenge in 2024 from the Southern Environmental Law Center representing the NAACP regarding 35 unpermitted turbines at the original Colossus 1 location, xAI removed 20 turbines and secured proper permits for the remaining 15 units.
Tuesday’s Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality hearing represents the sole opportunity for community members to provide input on the project, which SELC characterizes as the largest new pollution source in the greater Memphis region in recent years.
State environmental officials confirmed that xAI has filed permit applications for 41 permanent turbines at the Mississippi site and plans to operate several temporary turbines during the application review process.
Veteran first baseman Dominic Smith has inked a minor league agreement with the Atlanta Braves and will attend spring training as a non-roster player, according to several media outlets.
The 30-year-old Smith was selected by the New York Mets as their top draft choice in 2013. After spending his initial six major league seasons in Queens, Smith has moved frequently among clubs, suiting up for Washington, Boston, Cincinnati, and San Francisco over the past three years.
During the 2025 campaign, Smith appeared in 63 contests for the Giants, posting a .284 batting average along with five home runs, 12 two-base hits, and 33 runs batted in.
Smith achieved his finest statistical season during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign, batting .316 with 10 homers across 50 games for New York. Throughout his nine-year career spanning 756 games, Smith maintains a .250 lifetime batting average with 69 home runs, 292 RBIs, 543 strikeouts, and 185 walks.
While Smith has started 473 games at first base during his career, he has also logged 182 games in left field, though he hasn’t patrolled the outfield since the 2021 season.
After 14 seasons leading Yale University’s football program, head coach Tony Reno announced his resignation Tuesday, stating that health issues prompted his decision to leave the Bulldogs.
The 52-year-old Reno took over the program in January 2012 and achieved a historic milestone by guiding Yale to its first FCS playoff appearance in 2025. The Bulldogs made a remarkable comeback from a 28-point second-half deficit to defeat Youngstown State 43-42 in their opening playoff game, though they later lost to Montana State, who went on to claim the national championship.
“Given my current health situation, I have made the decision to step down as head coach of Yale Football,” Reno said in a statement. “When I arrived at Yale 14 years ago, I could never have imagined what this journey would become. The relationships formed, the moments shared, and the people I have been privileged to be surrounded by have changed my life and my family’s lives forever. I am deeply grateful to the players, the coaches, and the staff who gave everything they had to Yale Football.”
“From the very beginning, I spoke about honoring the proud tradition of Yale Football and fully embracing the responsibility that comes with leading this program. Together, we pursued excellence and built something truly meaningful. I am incredibly proud of the foundation we laid and confident in the future of Yale Football. Serving as the head coach of this program has been the greatest honor of my life.”
During his tenure at Yale, Reno compiled an impressive 83-49 overall record while capturing five Ivy League championships. His victory total ranks second only to the iconic Carm Cozza in Yale football history.
Athletic Director Vicky Chun praised Reno’s contributions to the program and university community.
“Coach Reno’s leadership has been truly transformational,” Chun stated. “His impact on Yale Football, our department, and the university extends far beyond championships and wins — it lives in the countless people he has inspired. Coach Reno led with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, giving his whole heart to this program every day. He cared deeply about his players as people, challenging them to excel on the field, in the classroom, and in life. Coach Reno’s devotion to Yale and to the young men he coached was total, and his legacy will endure for generations.”
The university has announced it will launch a nationwide search to find Reno’s replacement as head coach.
Dairy commodity trading showed mixed results Tuesday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, with most products posting gains except for powder prices.
Dry whey broke from an extended streak of flat pricing, climbing 2 cents to reach 74 cents per pound. No transactions were completed for this product during Tuesday’s session.
Forty-pound blocks of cheese increased by just over 6 cents, finishing at $1.45 per pound. Trading activity included six transactions with prices spanning from $1.4150 to the closing price of $1.45.
Barrel cheese also moved higher, gaining a penny to close at $1.45 per pound following an extended period without price movement. A single transaction occurred at the closing price level.
Butter pricing remained flat at $1.7050 per pound with no change from the previous session. Four transactions took place with prices between $1.6950 and the closing level.
The U.S. dollar maintained its recent strength Wednesday as global markets remained cautious amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and anticipation of Federal Reserve policy signals.
Currency markets showed measured stability as investors kept close watch on geopolitical developments and prepared for the release of minutes from the Fed’s latest policy meeting. The dollar’s performance came as several major diplomatic initiatives showed signs of advancement.
Reports emerged from Geneva indicating meaningful progress in nuclear discussions between the United States and Iran, helping to ease some market tensions. Simultaneously, peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia continued under U.S. mediation, with President Trump urging swift resolution to the four-year conflict.
“Weaker risk sentiment, because of concerns around renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and volatility in U.S. equity markets, briefly supported the USD,” Commonwealth Bank of Australia currency strategist Samara Hammoud noted. “However, reports that the U.S. and Iran made progress and reached a ‘general agreement’ during nuclear negotiations in Switzerland helped ease those concerns.”
The dollar index, tracking the greenback’s performance against major currencies, showed minimal movement at 97.11 following two days of increases. The euro remained unchanged at $1.1852, while the Japanese yen gained slightly to 153.12 per dollar.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed that Iran and the United States had established agreement on fundamental “guiding principles” during their second round of indirect nuclear negotiations, though he cautioned that a comprehensive deal remains distant.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian and Russian representatives wrapped up the initial day of two-day peace discussions in Geneva, with the Trump administration pushing for rapid progress toward ending the prolonged conflict.
Financial markets are now awaiting the Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes from January, scheduled for release Wednesday, along with Friday’s preliminary fourth-quarter GDP figures from the Commerce Department.
In Asia, Japanese economic data painted a positive picture, with exports climbing for the fifth straight month in January. The Reuters Tankan survey also revealed improved confidence among Japanese manufacturers in February, marking the first uptick in three months.
The International Monetary Fund recommended that Japan continue raising interest rates while avoiding additional fiscal stimulus. The Trump administration simultaneously unveiled the first phase of Japanese investments in America, announcing three projects worth $36 billion as part of Tokyo’s broader $550 billion commitment to secure reduced U.S. tariffs.
Other major currencies showed little movement, with the Australian dollar holding steady at $0.7083 and New Zealand’s dollar unchanged at $0.6047. New Zealand’s central bank, led by new chief Anna Breman in her first policy meeting, is expected to maintain current interest rates.
In digital currencies, bitcoin declined marginally by 0.08% to $67,597.50, while ethereum dropped 0.18% to $1,995.63.
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning women’s basketball team encountered significant difficulties during their Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference matchup against Jefferson University, resulting in a decisive 82-43 defeat in Philadelphia.
The Lightning faced their biggest challenge during the first half of play, where Jefferson established control of the game early. Goldey-Beacom was unable to mount an effective response against their opponents’ strong performance, setting the tone for the remainder of the contest.
The final score reflected Jefferson’s dominance throughout the game, as the Lightning struggled to find their rhythm on both ends of the court during the conference road game.
Australian energy company Santos Ltd revealed Wednesday it will slash roughly 10% of its workforce after reporting annual profits that fell well short of analyst expectations, with weak commodity prices taking a toll on the oil and gas producer’s bottom line.
The company’s stock dropped as much as 1.8% during early trading hours before recovering most of those losses by early morning GMT.
CEO Kevin Gallagher explained the workforce reduction comes as the company wraps up significant expansion efforts, including its Barossa LNG offshore development and the nearly-complete Pikka phase 1 project in Alaska, with these initiatives now moving into regular operations.
“As these major growth projects come to an end and become a part of the base business, and as we deliver on our cost savings objectives, we are targeting a headcount reduction of around 10%, rightsizing the business,” Gallagher stated.
With Santos currently employing approximately 4,028 workers according to their latest annual report released alongside the earnings announcement, the job cuts would impact roughly 400 positions. Company officials did not elaborate on specific details regarding the layoffs.
Market analysts at Jarden viewed the workforce reduction positively, noting “The market should like the targeted 10% headcount reduction as a sign of lower forecast operating costs.”
Santos also announced plans to conduct “a strategic review of Australian Integrated Oil and Gas Portfolio” during 2026, which Jarden analysts suggested “may imply a potential for (Santos’) Australian asset divestments.”
The company’s underlying earnings for the 2025 fiscal year plummeted 25% compared to the previous year, reaching $898 million and falling short of the $904 million consensus forecast from Visible Alpha by a considerable margin.
Declining commodity values and production delays at the Barossa LNG facility caused by technical problems contributed to the disappointing annual performance.
Santos announced a final dividend payment of 10.3 cents per share, matching last year’s distribution but significantly below market expectations of 20 cents. Total revenue for fiscal 2025 decreased 8% to $4.94 billion.
TOKYO (AP) — Following a decisive electoral victory last week, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is preparing to leverage her mandate to shift the nation’s policies in a conservative direction. Parliament will formally reinstall her as prime minister on Wednesday, when she’ll also establish her second Cabinet.
While the parliamentary vote represents a procedural step, Takaichi plans to utilize the occasion’s symbolic importance to strengthen her Liberal Democratic Party’s position. The party now controls a commanding two-thirds majority in the lower parliamentary chamber, which holds greater authority than its upper counterpart.
Takaichi’s agenda encompasses expanding military strength, increasing government expenditures, and reinforcing traditional social policies.
The Liberal Democratic Party’s control over two-thirds of the lower house’s 465 seats enables them to secure leadership roles on key committees and override legislation blocked by the upper chamber, where their ruling coalition doesn’t hold majority control.
Among Takaichi’s priorities are enhancing Japan’s defense capabilities and weapons exports, implementing stricter immigration measures, maintaining male-exclusive imperial succession protocols, and upholding contested customs that compel women to change their family names after marriage.
While Takaichi aspires to amend the American-authored postwar pacifist Constitution, immediate pressures including inflation concerns, demographic decline, and security threats may postpone this constitutional revision.
Her most pressing challenge involves tackling inflation and stagnant income growth, along with advancing a budget proposal to fund these initiatives — legislation postponed due to the recent election cycle.
Takaichi has outlined a two-year reduction in sales taxes on food items to alleviate financial burdens on households.
Policy analysts warn that her expansive fiscal approach could potentially increase inflation and hinder efforts to reduce Japan’s substantial national debt burden.
Takaichi is positioning herself for an important meeting next month with U.S. President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to travel to Beijing in April.
Trump supported Takaichi before Japan’s election, and he likely anticipates her fulfillment of a $550 billion investment commitment Japan made in October.
Japan also faces expectations to boost its annual military spending.
“Japan will keep spending more and more for the U.S. … The question is whether the public wants her to speak out against Trump or be obedient to ensure Japanese security,” said Masato Kamikubo, a Ritsumeikan University professor of policy science. “For China, it’s simple. Japanese people want her to be tough.”
In November, Takaichi indicated Japan might respond if China takes military action against Taiwan, the independently governed territory Beijing considers its own. This statement prompted diplomatic and economic retaliation from Beijing.
Numerous Japanese citizens, frustrated with China’s increasing aggression, supported her Taiwan remarks.
Political experts suggest Takaichi’s substantial electoral success may encourage her to adopt a more confrontational approach toward China.
Shortly after her election victory, Takaichi announced efforts to build support for visiting Tokyo’s disputed Yasukuni Shrine. Neighboring countries view such visits as demonstrating Japan’s insufficient regret for its wartime actions.
Takaichi has committed to updating security and defense strategies by December to strengthen Japan’s military capacity, removing restrictions on deadly weapons exports and further departing from postwar pacifist ideals. Japan is also exploring nuclear-powered submarine development to enhance offensive capabilities.
Takaichi seeks to enhance intelligence operations and create a national agency for closer collaboration with Washington and defense allies including Australia and Britain.
She endorses a disputed anti-espionage law primarily targeting Chinese intelligence operatives. Some analysts worry it could compromise Japanese civil liberties.
Takaichi has suggested stricter immigration and foreign national policies, appealing to rising public frustration in Japan.
Her administration approved stricter permanent residency and citizenship requirements in January, along with measures preventing unpaid taxes and social insurance obligations.
Takaichi backs the imperial family’s male-only succession tradition and opposes same-sex marriage recognition.
She also rejects modifying the 19th-century civil code that would permit separate surnames for married couples, preventing women from feeling pressured to abandon their family names.
In what rights advocates describe as an effort to obstruct a dual-surname system, Takaichi proposes legislation expanding maiden name usage as aliases instead.
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Members of Sri Lanka’s parliament delivered on a major campaign pledge Tuesday, voting decisively to eliminate their own pension benefits as the nation continues recovering from its devastating economic collapse.
The measure passed with overwhelming support in the 225-seat legislature, receiving 154 votes in favor with just two opposing votes. The remaining members were absent during Tuesday’s voting session.
Under the island nation’s previous system, parliamentary members became eligible for pension payments after completing a single five-year term. The newly approved legislation terminates payments for current recipients and eliminates future eligibility for these benefits. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who took office in 2024, made ending this practice a central promise during his electoral campaign.
This action follows another cost-cutting measure implemented by Dissanayake’s administration in September, when they eliminated various privileges granted to former presidents. Those benefits included government-funded housing, monthly allowances, pension payments, and transportation services. The government also discontinued providing office space and staff support for former presidents and their surviving spouses, affecting five living ex-presidents and one widow.
Dissanayake’s electoral victory came amid widespread public frustration with political leaders blamed for the nation’s unprecedented economic disaster in 2022. The crisis created severe shortages of essential items including food, medical supplies, fuel, and electricity, ultimately sparking massive demonstrations that forced former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to step down.
Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara introduced the legislation to parliament, stating that the government had honored its electoral commitment and arguing that legislators lacked moral justification for receiving pensions while the country struggled to overcome its worst-ever economic catastrophe.
The nation officially declared bankruptcy in April 2022, facing more than $83 billion in outstanding debt, with foreign creditors holding over half of that amount. Sri Lanka turned to the International Monetary Fund for assistance, securing approval for a $2.9 billion rescue package spanning four years in 2023, which required the country to reorganize its debt obligations.
Officials announced completion of the debt restructuring process after successfully negotiating agreements with government creditors, international organizations, and private bondholders. The country aims to secure $17 billion in debt payment relief through these arrangements.
The economic disaster resulted from a combination of poor financial management, consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of 2019 terrorist attacks that severely damaged the crucial tourism sector. The pandemic also disrupted money transfers from Sri Lankan citizens employed overseas.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The space agency started a new practice countdown on Tuesday for its historic moon mission carrying astronauts, following repairs to address hazardous fuel leaks that have pushed the launch date to March.
Two weeks earlier, the initial fueling trial was stopped due to liquid hydrogen leaks similar to those that caused problems during the Artemis program’s unmanned debut mission three years prior.
At Kennedy Space Center, where the massive lunar rocket is positioned, crews installed new seals and replaced a blocked filter before restarting the countdown sequence. This two-day trial will reach its peak on Thursday when teams attempt to load fuel into the rocket’s tanks. The four crew members selected for Artemis II will observe this critical practice run from a distance.
NASA requires a successful test without any leaks before announcing an official launch date. The Space Launch System rocket could potentially lift off as early as March 6. Agency officials had briefly considered advancing the date by three days but decided additional time was necessary to evaluate the fueling test data.
The most recent crewed lunar mission took place in 1972 as part of NASA’s Apollo program.
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware baseball team celebrated both a season-opening victory and a significant player milestone on Tuesday afternoon at Bob Hannah Stadium.
Blue Hens player Evan Bouldin reached a career achievement by recording his 200th hit during the team’s 6-4 triumph over La Salle, marking Delaware’s inaugural win of the new season.
The milestone hit came as the Blue Hens secured their first victory of the campaign in front of their home crowd in Newark.
An internationally recognized human rights organization has revealed that a high-profile journalist from Angola fell victim to sophisticated surveillance technology last spring.
According to a Tuesday report from Amnesty International, Teixeira Candido’s mobile device was compromised by Predator spyware manufactured by the Intellexa company during a short timeframe in May 2024.
At the time of the cyber attack, Candido served as leader of the Syndicate of Angolan Journalists. The surveillance campaign began in April 2024 when he received multiple suspicious WhatsApp communications, the human rights group’s investigation found.
The malicious software was successfully installed on May 4th after Candido activated a hyperlink contained within one of these messages. This breach allowed the unknown attackers complete control over his device’s information, the report indicates.
Security experts and federal authorities have connected Intellexa’s surveillance tools to numerous privacy violations in recent years. Amnesty International noted this represents the first documented instance of Predator being deployed within Angola, though they stopped short of identifying which government entity may have purchased the technology.
Attempts to reach legal representatives for Intellexa on Tuesday were unsuccessful.
“I feel exposed, as if I were taking a shower with the bathroom door wide open,” Candido shared with Reuters via email before the report’s release.
The journalist remains uncertain about what information the cyber criminals may have extracted from his device. He explained that the attack came through contact with an unknown individual who claimed to represent a student organization seeking his professional input on a project.
Federal sanctions were imposed on seven individuals connected to the Intellexa Consortium in March 2024. Treasury Department documentation characterized the operation as “a complex international web of decentralized companies that built and commercialized a comprehensive suite of highly invasive spyware products” used against government workers, media professionals, policy analysts and political opposition figures.
The Trump administration lifted sanctions against three Intellexa leadership figures on December 30, 2025. A government source informed Reuters that these individuals had “demonstrated measures to separate themselves from the Intellexa Consortium.”
Two major steel companies have sweetened their takeover attempt for Australian steelmaker BlueScope Steel, raising their offer to A$15 billion ($10.6 billion) in what they’re calling their final bid.
SGH Ltd, owned by media mogul Kerry Stokes, and Indiana-based Steel Dynamics announced they would pay A$32.35 per share in cash for BlueScope. The companies described this as their “best and final” proposal unless a competing offer surfaces for the steel manufacturer.
This enhanced bid represents an 8% increase from their earlier A$30 per share proposal, which BlueScope’s board turned down last month for “undervaluing” the company. When factoring in recently announced dividends, the total offer reaches A$34 per share.
BlueScope responded that its board would evaluate the proposal. “The board of BlueScope will consider the proposal relative to the fundamental value of the Company, along with the conditionality and executability of the proposal,” the Melbourne-based steelmaker stated.
Following the announcement, BlueScope shares surged up to 6% during early trading, reaching A$29.67 per share, though they remained below the previous rejected offer price. The stock later pulled back to approximately A$28.825.
Market analysts at RBC expressed skepticism about the bid’s success. “We do not expect that a +13% increase is sufficient to bridge the prior gap to the Board’s view of fundamental value,” they wrote, referencing the latest offer including dividends.
The analysts added: “Our mid-cycle implied value is in the mid-A$30 a share range, and that an offer will need to be at least at this level to be successful.”
AustralianSuper, which holds the largest stake in BlueScope at 13.52%, chose not to comment on the revised offer. The pension fund had previously supported BlueScope’s rejection of the initial bid, stating it “very significantly undervalued” the company.
The acquiring companies plan to divide BlueScope’s operations geographically if successful. SGH would acquire the Australian business operations, while Steel Dynamics would take control of the North American division.
Steel Dynamics operates facilities approximately 90 kilometers from BlueScope’s Ohio plant, making the geographic split strategically logical for both buyers.
This takeover attempt, initially launched in December, represents Steel Dynamics’ latest effort to acquire Australia’s biggest steel producer. The move occurs as the steel industry navigates challenges from U.S. President Donald Trump’s import tariffs on steel products.
BlueScope recently announced strong financial results, declaring an interim dividend of 65 Australian cents per share after reporting better-than-expected first-half earnings and solid second-half performance. The company also issued a special dividend of A$1 per share last month.
WASHINGTON – Student loan borrowers who claim they were mistreated by Navient Corp. have started getting checks from a massive $100 million settlement fund, federal regulators announced this week.
The compensation payments kicked off on February 13 through a third-party consulting firm, according to information posted on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s official website.
These payouts had been stalled for over a year after the Trump administration essentially froze operations at the consumer protection agency, leading advocacy groups to worry that hundreds of millions of dollars in penalty payments from previous enforcement cases might never reach affected consumers.
Neither CFPB officials nor Navient representatives provided immediate responses to requests for comment Tuesday evening.
Last year, Navient accepted a prohibition from handling federal student loan accounts and committed to paying $120 million total – with $100 million designated for victim compensation – to settle federal accusations that the company damaged millions of student borrowers financially. Regulators claimed Navient pushed borrowers toward payment delays instead of helping them access affordable repayment options, causing them to rack up additional interest charges.
At the time the settlement was announced, Navient stated it did not agree with the government’s accusations.
Mike Pierce, who previously worked at the CFPB and now leads the consumer advocacy group Protect Borrowers, criticized the administration’s handling of the case in a public statement. Pierce said the delays kept borrowers waiting for compensation for more than a year while giving the student loan industry a “free pass” despite rising default rates among student borrowers.
Peru’s political turmoil continued this week as lawmakers voted to remove President Jose Jeri from office after a brief four-month presidency, making him the third consecutive leader ousted by Congress in the South American nation.
At 39 years old, Jeri had been among the youngest world leaders when he assumed the presidency in October following the unexpected impeachment of former President Dina Boluarte. He became Peru’s seventh president since 2018 after ascending from his role as head of Congress, taking power due to the absence of an acting vice president.
Jeri’s presidency was quickly engulfed in scandal, most notably involving clandestine meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang, who operates retail stores and holds energy concessions while facing government investigation. Video footage emerged showing Jeri in casual attire meeting Yang at a Chinese restaurant, sparking what media dubbed ‘Chifagate’ – referencing the local term for Chinese eateries.
Following public outcry over the meetings, Jeri issued an apology and maintained that no improper conduct occurred. However, mounting political opposition proved insurmountable as upcoming presidential elections intensified competition among politicians seeking voter support.
‘His legitimacy as president was always weak,’ explained Martin Cassinelli, assistant director at the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center. He characterized the removal as ‘less an act of justice’ and ‘more an act of political self-interest by a congressional majority.’
Despite his abbreviated presidency, Jeri doesn’t hold the record for Peru’s briefest tenure this decade. Interim President Manuel Merino stepped down in 2020 after serving less than one week amid public protests that resulted in two deaths.
The removal underscores Peru’s persistent political instability as the nation approaches April’s presidential election.
‘Unfortunately, for Peruvians, the electoral system will likely result in a fragmented election that is unlikely to yield the majorities necessary for the next president to govern without having to worry about a political impeachment,’ Cassinelli noted.
Born into a middle-class Lima family, Jeri completed his education at Federico Villarreal National University in 2014 before obtaining a law degree from a private Lima institution. He joined the conservative Somos Peru party in 2013 during his legal studies and made two unsuccessful bids for Lima municipal positions.
Jeri initially failed to secure a congressional seat in 2021 when his party captured three legislative positions. However, as the fourth-highest vote recipient, he ultimately claimed the seat of Martin Vizcarra, who faced disqualification from public service before taking office. Vizcarra had previously served as Peru’s president from 2018 to 2020.
Additional controversies plagued Jeri’s presidency, including sexual assault allegations from January 2025 involving a woman who attended a December party. Prosecutors dismissed the case in August due to insufficient evidence, while Jeri denied any wrongdoing.
His administration also faced criticism for awarding government contracts to women following late-night meetings at the presidential palace.
Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet accused Thailand of maintaining military occupation of Cambodian land during his first international media interview this week, despite a peace agreement facilitated by President Donald Trump.
Speaking with Reuters on Tuesday while visiting Washington for Trump’s Board of Peace meeting, Hun Manet said Thai military forces continue positioning themselves within Cambodian borders following last year’s violent clashes. The Cambodian leader urged Thailand to permit a joint boundary commission to address their contested border issues.
Hun Manet described the current border situation as “fragile” even after the December 27 ceasefire that halted renewed hostilities. He expressed hope that Trump’s newly established Board of Peace, originally designed to monitor the Gaza peace agreement, might help reduce tensions in the region.
Thai officials have maintained their troop deployments are part of de-escalation efforts and reject claims of territorial occupation.
The statements from Cambodia’s leadership highlight concerns that fighting could resume despite Trump’s continued promotion of the peace agreement’s effectiveness.
Last year’s border violence marked the most severe conflict in over ten years, beginning in July and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes while disrupting commerce along the 508-mile frontier. A peace agreement signed in October with Trump and Malaysia’s leader collapsed within weeks before the current ceasefire took effect on December 27.
“We still have Thai forces occupy(ing) deep into Cambodian territory in many areas. This is further beyond even Thailand’s own unilateral claim… border line,” Hun Manet stated, explaining that Thai troops have installed shipping containers and barbed wire in areas Thailand previously acknowledged as Cambodian territory, preventing residents from returning home. “This is not an accusation but it’s a statement of the facts on the ground.”
The Prime Minister emphasized Cambodia cannot tolerate what he termed a “violation of our sovereignty or territorial integrity.”
“The only way to verify that is using the technical mechanism that we have, based on treaties, based on all the agreements we have. So we hope that Thailand will agree and start to allow the JBC (joint boundary commission) to work as early as possible,” Hun Manet explained, noting Thailand had cited its February 8 election as justification for delaying demarcation efforts. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul gained electoral support through nationalist rhetoric surrounding the border dispute.
“Now the election is done, we hope that Thailand can start, at least on a technical level, to start measuring, start demarcating in the hot zone, so that we can go back to life,” Hun Manet added.
Hun Manet, 48, assumed leadership after his father Hun Sen stepped down following 2023 elections where their Cambodian People’s Party faced minimal opposition.
The transition to Hun Manet, a West Point graduate, combined with Trump’s mediation in the territorial conflict, has improved relations between Washington and Phnom Penh after years of Cambodia moving closer to China.
Regarding international relationships, Hun Manet said ties with China and the United States were “not mutually exclusive” and stated Cambodia had “nothing to hide” concerning the Chinese-upgraded Ream naval facility.
DOVER – Delaware Department of Transportation officials are notifying drivers about the next stage of construction work on Kenton Road in Kent County.
Phase 3B of the ongoing road improvement project is set to begin Wednesday, February 25, 2026, assuming favorable weather conditions allow the work to proceed as planned.
Once this construction phase starts, drivers traveling on Kenton Road will encounter reduced traffic flow, with only one lane available for northbound traffic and one lane for southbound traffic.
In addition to the single-lane restrictions, commuters should prepare for shoulder areas to be closed off and expect periodic temporary lane shutdowns throughout the construction zone.
The roadwork is part of DelDOT’s broader effort to upgrade and improve Kenton Road infrastructure in the Dover area.
A vehicle collision has forced authorities to block several travel lanes at the intersection of Delaware Route 72 and US Route 40, creating significant traffic disruptions for drivers in the area.
The crash has impacted multiple lanes at this major roadway junction, prompting officials to restrict vehicle movement through the intersection while emergency responders and cleanup crews work at the scene.
Drivers traveling through the area should anticipate delays and may want to consider using alternative routes until the roadway can be fully reopened to normal traffic flow.
Additional details about the circumstances surrounding the collision or any potential injuries have not yet been released by authorities.
The Delaware State University Hornets endured a tough night on the basketball court, falling decisively to Howard University by a score of 91-59.
The lopsided defeat highlighted the challenges facing the Hornets as they continue their season in conference play. Howard dominated throughout the contest, building a substantial lead that Delaware State was unable to overcome.
The 32-point margin of victory represents a significant setback for the Hornets, who will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup. The loss adds to the team’s struggles this season as they work to find consistency on both ends of the court.
Delaware State will look to bounce back from this difficult road performance when they return to action in their upcoming games.
Weather forecasters from the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey have issued a dense fog advisory covering the Delmarva Peninsula beginning Sunday afternoon at 1:15 PM.
The advisory will remain active through Monday morning until 10:00 AM, warning residents of significantly reduced visibility conditions across the region.
Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution during travel, as the thick fog conditions can create hazardous driving situations with visibility dropping to dangerously low levels.
The weather service typically issues these advisories when fog reduces visibility to one-quarter mile or less, creating potentially dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Delaware education officials are actively recruiting sponsors and locations to participate in a federal initiative designed to feed children from disadvantaged communities during summer break.
The Summer Food Service Program represents a federally-funded effort managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the national level, with Delaware’s Department of Education overseeing local implementation throughout the First State.
This initiative specifically focuses on reaching youngsters in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods to guarantee they receive proper nutrition during the months when school meal programs are unavailable.
Organizations interested in becoming program sponsors or communities wanting to host meal distribution sites are encouraged to connect with state education officials to learn about participation requirements and application procedures.
DOVER – The Delaware Department of Transportation has revealed the champions of its fifth annual snow plow naming competition, celebrating student creativity across the First State.
Transportation officials report receiving nearly 300 entries this year from Delaware students, who demonstrated impressive creativity, witty wordplay, and snow-themed comedy in their submissions.
The winning names for 2026 have been selected, with “Scoop!” among the victorious entries chosen by DelDOT judges.
This popular annual tradition continues to engage Delaware’s young residents while bringing some lighthearted fun to the state’s winter road maintenance efforts.
Agricultural commodity futures displayed mixed performance during Monday’s trading session on February 17, 2026, with livestock markets showing strength while grain prices were largely under pressure.
In grain markets, March corn futures settled at $4.26¼ per bushel, falling 5½ cents from the previous session. March soybeans bucked the trend, gaining 1 cent to close at $11.34 per bushel. Related soy products showed divergent paths, with March soybean meal dropping $3.40 to finish at $305.80, while March soybean oil advanced 21 points to 57.29 cents per pound.
Wheat futures faced selling pressure, with March Chicago wheat contracts declining 11 cents to end at $5.37¾ per bushel.
Livestock markets demonstrated notable strength across the board. April live cattle futures climbed $2.17 to settle at $242.80 per hundredweight, while March feeder cattle posted an even stronger gain of $4.82, closing at $370.97 per hundredweight.
In the hog market, April lean hog futures increased $1.02 to finish at $92.30 per hundredweight. Dairy futures also participated in the upward movement, with March Class III milk contracts ending the session at $15.93.
Recent warmer temperatures are helping agricultural transportation get back up to speed following winter-related shipping delays, according to industry officials.
Mike Steenhoek, who leads the Soy Transportation Coalition, explained that the milder conditions have significantly enhanced the ability to transport farm commodities. He noted that harsh winter conditions and freezing temperatures create major challenges for both railroad and barge operations.
“Ice and snow accumulation on railroad tracks have to be cleared,” Steenhoek explained, adding that frigid conditions compound these transportation difficulties.
The improvement in weather conditions comes as a relief to agricultural producers who depend on efficient transportation networks to move their products to market.
Wall Street experienced a turbulent trading day Tuesday, with major stock indexes managing modest gains despite dramatic swings beneath the surface as investors wrestled with artificial intelligence concerns and economic uncertainty.
The S&P 500 managed to climb 0.1% by the closing bell, though the index had fluctuated between a 0.5% gain and nearly a 1% loss during the session. Both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq composite also finished with 0.1% increases after similar volatility.
Entertainment stocks drew attention as Paramount Skydance emerged as a market leader following Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to grant the company permission to present its final acquisition proposal for the entertainment giant. In a regulatory filing Tuesday, Warner Bros. revealed that Netflix had provided a seven-day waiver allowing renewed discussions with Paramount through February 23rd. However, Warner’s board continues endorsing its planned Netflix merger, with shareholders set to vote on that transaction during a special meeting scheduled for Friday, March 20th.
Consumer goods company General Mills saw shares decline after the company reported weakening customer confidence levels affecting business performance.
Technology heavyweight Nvidia demonstrated the market’s AI-related anxiety, alternating between dragging down the broader market and providing significant support as Wall Street continues navigating hopes and concerns surrounding artificial intelligence developments.
In other corporate news, pharmaceutical giant Bayer announced a proposed $7.25 billion settlement agreement to resolve thousands of U.S. lawsuits alleging its Roundup weedkiller causes cancer. The company and plaintiff attorneys filed the proposed resolution in St. Louis Tuesday, even as the Supreme Court prepares to hear Bayer’s arguments regarding federal regulations and warning label requirements for the widely-used herbicide. While Bayer maintains that glyphosate, Roundup’s active ingredient, does not cause non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the company acknowledged that mounting legal expenses have damaged Roundup sales in American agricultural markets. Bayer acquired Monsanto, Roundup’s original manufacturer, in 2018.
The Elevate Prize Foundation announced its 2026 winners Tuesday, including Monica Ramirez from Justice for Migrant Women and Mara Fleishman of the Chef Ann Foundation among ten recipients. Each organization receives $300,000 in unrestricted funding plus training to expand operations and increase visibility. Foundation CEO Carolina Garcia Jayaram explained to The Associated Press that enhanced visibility not only boosts fundraising and partnership opportunities but also provides protection for leaders facing pressure. The foundation simultaneously launched its “Good Is Trending” campaign Tuesday, taking control of NASDAQ’s Times Square billboards to showcase this year’s winners’ stories.
The Trump administration has expressed support for prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket amid legal challenges from states claiming these platforms operate as unlicensed gambling operations. Commodity Futures Trading Commission leadership argues that federal law grants the CFTC jurisdiction over these markets, preventing state-level bans. Nevada has taken the most aggressive stance, with a federal judge issuing a temporary injunction blocking Kalshi’s operations there. The CFTC chairman contends these contracts function like futures rather than sports betting, while states argue most activity involves sports wagering with different age verification requirements.
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a surprising $350 million investment in the New York Times Tuesday, marking a notable shift five years after the legendary investor sold all newspaper holdings and predicted continued industry decline. This unexpected move highlighted Berkshire’s quarterly portfolio update during Buffett’s final quarter as CEO. The company also expanded its Chevron investment just before President Trump announced plans to revitalize Venezuela’s oil sector. When Buffett divested Berkshire’s newspaper properties in 2020, he declared the industry “toast,” though he suggested national brands like the Times or Wall Street Journal might still succeed.
The Trump Organization has filed federal trademark applications seeking exclusive rights to use the president’s name on airports and related services, including passenger shuttles, umbrellas, and flight suits. Company representatives state they don’t intend to charge fees, particularly regarding a proposed renaming of the Palm Beach airport. These filings coincide with Florida legislative discussions about naming the Palm Beach facility after Trump. A trademark attorney who discovered the applications described them as unprecedented.
India is hosting a significant AI summit in New Delhi this week, bringing together 20 world leaders and top technology executives as the country seeks to influence global artificial intelligence regulations while showcasing its own technological ambitions. The five-day conference, beginning Monday, represents what organizers describe as the first major AI summit in the Global South. Indian officials are positioning the country as a mediator between developed and developing nations, highlighting India’s digital identity and payment systems as examples of cost-effective scaling. The summit is expected to conclude with a non-binding New Delhi declaration, while a panel of experts released a safety risk report ahead of the meetings.
Thomas Pritzker announced his retirement as Hyatt Hotels’ executive chairman following revelations about his connections to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. In a prepared statement, Pritzker expressed deep regret regarding his association with Epstein and longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Email correspondence between Pritzker and Epstein appears in recently released Department of Justice documents related to the ongoing investigation into Epstein’s connections with influential figures. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges.
Estate planning experts suggest that wealth transfer strategies used by affluent families can benefit households with more modest assets. While most Americans won’t face estate taxes, inheritances can still become entangled in probate court proceedings, creating time and expense burdens for families. Many wealthy families utilize legal provisions allowing inherited stocks and property to be sold with minimal tax consequences. Financial advisors emphasize the importance of maintaining current beneficiary designations to ensure smooth asset transfers.
The head of Major League Baseball’s players union plans to step down from his position while federal investigators examine the organization’s business dealings, according to sources close to the situation.
Tony Clark will leave his role as executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, a person with knowledge of the union’s internal discussions told the Associated Press. The individual requested anonymity since Clark’s departure, which ESPN first reported, hasn’t been officially announced. His exit comes as federal prosecutors in Brooklyn investigate OneTeam Partners, a licensing business created jointly by baseball and football player unions.
In golf news, Tiger Woods continues to focus on boardroom responsibilities rather than tournament play, though he hasn’t completely dismissed the possibility of competing in the Masters this spring. Woods spent 2024 without playing in any professional tournaments for the first time in his career and underwent spinal disk replacement surgery last October. He’s currently serving as chairman of a PGA Tour committee working to restructure the competitive schedule. His potential role as future Ryder Cup captain also remains undecided.
At the Winter Olympics in Milan, Japan dominated the women’s figure skating short program as American competitors faced difficulties. Ami Nakai led the field with a personal-best score of 78.71 points after executing a triple axel, while teammate Kaori Sakamoto placed second with 77.23 points. American skater Alysa Liu managed third place, but her teammates struggled significantly – Isabeau Levito finished eighth and U.S. national champion Amber Glenn dropped to 13th place.
Champions League soccer action was marred by allegations of racial abuse during Real Madrid’s victory over Benfica. Brazilian star Vinicius Junior claimed an opponent used racial slurs against him after he scored the winning goal in Madrid’s 1-0 triumph. The match was stopped for several minutes when Vinicius accused Benfica’s Argentine player Gianluca Prestianni of calling him a “monkey.” French referee François Letexier halted play in the 52nd minute to address the situation. In other Champions League action, Paris Saint-Germain rallied for a 3-2 victory over Monaco, with substitute Desire Doue sparking the comeback.
The basketball world mourns the loss of Doug Moe, the unconventional coach who led Denver’s high-scoring teams in the 1980s. Moe passed away at age 87 following a lengthy battle with cancer, according to his son David and confirmed by longtime Denver sports broadcaster Ron Zappolo. The former North Carolina All-American player turned coach was known for his fast-paced offensive system and colorful personality. He earned NBA Coach of the Year honors in 1988 and also coached San Antonio and Philadelphia during his career.
The Detroit Pistons have emerged as the NBA’s surprise leaders heading into post-All-Star break play, sporting a remarkable 40-13 record. The franchise has transformed from years of poor performance to hold a slim lead over Oklahoma City Thunder. Detroit’s success stems from avoiding extended losing streaks and consistently defeating top-tier opponents. Star player Cade Cunningham credits the team’s sustained focus and continuous improvement for their dramatic turnaround.
Olympic hockey has found an unexpected connection to popular culture through “Heated Rivalry,” a television series featuring a romantic relationship between two male players from competing teams. The show, which follows Canadian Shane Hollander and Russian Ilya Rozanov’s secret romance, has drawn new fans to the sport. The series’ stars, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, even participated in Olympic torch ceremonies, and both athletes and spectators from North America have embraced the show’s influence on the Games.
In other Olympic results, Germany claimed all three medals in two-man bobsled competition, while Italy’s speedskating team defeated American world record holders in men’s team pursuit to capture gold. The Italian trio of Davide Ghiotto, Andrea Giovannini and Michele Malfatti outpaced Casey Dawson, Emery Lehman and Ethan Cepuran from the United States.
National Australia Bank achieved a milestone this week as its stock price soared to unprecedented levels following the announcement of exceptional quarterly financial results.
The major Australian lender’s shares climbed by up to 5.8% on Wednesday, reaching a peak of A$47.96 and delivering investors their most profitable trading day since April 10 of the previous year.
The bank disclosed quarterly cash earnings of A$2.02 billion ($1.43 billion) for the three-month period concluding December 31, representing a substantial 16% jump from the A$1.74 billion recorded during the same timeframe last year.
The financial institution’s primary revenue driver, its business banking division, experienced a 7% uptick in quarterly transaction volumes, while the Business & Private Banking sector contributed an additional 3% expansion.
These impressive results emerge amid fierce rivalry within Australia’s banking landscape, as major competitors Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Westpac Banking engage in aggressive campaigns to attract new clients and expand their market presence.
Home mortgage lending also demonstrated strong momentum, with quarterly housing loan volumes advancing 5%. Australian residential lending growth surpassed industry averages when excluding transactions from the bank’s Advantedge division, which is scheduled for integration into NAB’s main brand by late 2026.
A key profitability indicator, the bank’s net interest margin, improved by 2 basis points to reach 1.80%, according to company reports.
However, the institution’s common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio, which measures financial stability, declined to 11.48% during the first quarter compared to 11.6% in the prior year.
Financial analysts at Citi praised the results, stating: “Overall, a very strong headline beat underpinned by a great quarter in M&T (Markets & Treasury) and in better asset quality.”
The same analysts noted concerns, adding: “CET1 remains the clear negative out of this result, and weaker vs what we saw in November, which could remain an overhang on what was a good quarter.”
NAB Chief Executive Andrew Irvine expressed confidence in the bank’s trajectory, commenting: “NAB is well placed to manage our bank for the long term and to support our customers, while delivering sustainable growth and returns for shareholders.”
This announcement concludes the February earnings reporting period for Australia’s “Big Four” banking institutions, maintaining the positive momentum established by Commonwealth Bank’s record-breaking performance the previous week, which featured significant market share increases across home loans, business lending, and deposit accounts.
Both Westpac Banking Corp and ANZ Group exceeded analyst predictions for their first-quarter earnings in recent announcements.
The Trump administration has announced George Kelesis as its latest nominee for Nevada’s chief federal prosecutor role, following ongoing legal disputes over the current appointee’s qualifications to serve in the position.
The White House revealed Kelesis’s nomination last week. The longtime Nevada criminal defense lawyer would take over from Sigal Chattah, who has held the role since her appointment in March but whose legal authority to serve is currently being examined by an appellate court.
Chattah represents one of multiple Trump nominees for U.S. attorney positions who failed to receive Senate confirmation and have been deemed legally ineligible for their roles by federal courts. Similar eligibility disputes have recently forced appointees in New Jersey and Virginia to step down, while another in California continues serving under a modified title.
When contacted for comment, Chattah chose not to respond.
While the nation’s chief federal prosecutors generally need Senate approval, federal law allows the attorney general to make interim appointments.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has worked in multiple instances to extend the tenure of appointees lacking sufficient bipartisan backing for confirmation beyond normal time limits. These efforts have sparked legal challenges from criminal defendants and opposition from judges who consider the appointments improper.
A federal district judge determined in September that Chattah lacks valid authority in her position but permitted her to continue handling certain cases during the appeals process. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals conducted hearings last week without yet issuing a decision. Given losses in comparable cases, the selection of Kelesis suggests the administration anticipates an unfavorable outcome for Chattah.
A recent conflict concluded last month in Virginia’s Eastern District when Lindsey Halligan, a Trump supporter quickly appointed to the acting U.S. attorney position, announced her resignation. She had initiated prosecutions against two Trump critics, former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. A court threw out those cases in November and declared her appointment unlawful. The Justice Department is challenging the dismissal of those prosecutions.
The administration faced a similar defeat in New Jersey when a federal judge determined Alina Habba had served as U.S. attorney beyond the permitted timeframe. Habba stepped down in December after an appeals court confirmed the lower court’s decision.
Bill Essayli, Trump’s selection for the Central District of California U.S. Attorney role, was also barred by a judge from serving as acting U.S. attorney. However, he remains the office’s senior prosecutor under the title First Assistant U.S. Attorney since the administration hasn’t nominated another candidate for the top position. The administration hasn’t indicated plans to replace him.
During last week’s appeals hearing, federal attorney Tyler Anne Lee contended that Chattah holds valid authority as acting U.S. attorney and may continue while Kelesis undergoes the nomination process. Should Kelesis face rejection or withdrawal of his nomination, Lee maintained that Chattah could remain in position for 210 days.
Kelesis might face better prospects for Senate confirmation, which generally demands bipartisan backing. Nevada’s Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen strongly opposed Chattah’s appointment, labeling her an extremist. They haven’t voiced similar objections to Kelesis. Cortez Masto plans to conduct a “tough, thorough interview with Kelesis,” according to her spokesperson Lauren Wodarski.
Kelesis maintains nonpartisan voter registration and has contributed to candidates from both major parties throughout his career. Since beginning his Las Vegas legal practice in 1981, he has specialized in white-collar criminal defense and tax-related civil and criminal litigation. He currently chairs the Nevada Tax Commission and has taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas law school.
Similar to Chattah, he provided legal representation to a Nevada Republican accused of sending fraudulent certificates to Congress falsely claiming Trump won the state’s 2020 presidential election.
However, Chattah is generally considered more polarizing. Her unsuccessful 2022 state attorney general campaign included accusations of racist remarks about her opponent, Democrat Aaron Ford, who is Black. She has consistently promoted Trump’s debunked assertions about election fraud in 2020. She also represented religious institutions that challenged Nevada’s pandemic restrictions.
MINNEAPOLIS — State and federal investigators are examining allegations that immigration agents brutally assaulted a Mexican national during a January arrest, leaving him with eight fractured skull bones that required intensive care treatment at a Minneapolis medical facility.
Last week, FBI agents and St. Paul Police Department investigators combed through a shopping center parking lot where Alberto Castañeda Mondragón claims Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers dragged him from a car, slammed him onto the pavement, and repeatedly bludgeoned his head with a metal baton.
Immigration officials have placed responsibility for the injuries on Castañeda Mondragón himself, claiming he tried to escape while restrained and “fell and hit his head against a concrete wall.”
However, medical personnel who provided care to the victim informed The Associated Press that such a fall would not reasonably explain the patient’s brain bleeding and memory loss. Medical imaging revealed fractures across the front, rear, and sides of his skull — damage that a physician described to the AP as incompatible with a simple fall.
In a recent AP interview, Castañeda Mondragón described the arresting officers as “racist” and said they “started beating me right away when they arrested me.” His legal representatives argue that ICE agents targeted him based on racial bias.
During distinct visits to the shopping center last week, both local and federal investigators sought security camera recordings from multiple businesses. However, store employees informed the AP that their surveillance systems either failed to record the January 8th incident or had automatically deleted the footage after more than 30 days elapsed before authorities requested it.
Johnny Ratana, owner of Teepwo Market, an Asian grocery store overlooking the parking area where the detention took place, reported that St. Paul police investigators visited his establishment twice recently. During the second visit, he explained, a technical specialist attempted to retrieve footage that had been automatically erased after the standard 30-day period.
Ratana also confirmed that FBI representatives had contacted him seeking the same video evidence.
Neither the St. Paul Police Department nor the FBI provided responses to requests for statements.
These investigations unfold alongside another federal inquiry examining whether two ICE agents committed perjury regarding a Minneapolis shooting incident. Federal prosecutors dismissed charges against two Venezuelan individuals — previously accused of assaulting an officer with a snow shovel and broom handle — after video evidence undermined the officers’ sworn statements.
Additionally, the FBI informed Minnesota officials last week that it would withhold all information and evidence gathered regarding the January 24th fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents. That incident remains under Justice Department civil rights review.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security declined for weeks to address any details concerning Castañeda Mondragón’s injuries and has ignored comprehensive questions from the AP, including whether officers captured body camera video during the arrest.
The agency reaffirmed its position last week that Castañeda Mondragón caused his own harm.
“On January 8, 2026, ICE conducted a targeted enforcement operation to arrest Alberto Castaneda Mondragon, a 31-year-old illegal alien from Mexico who overstayed his visa,” stated Tricia McLaughlin, the department’s assistant secretary for public affairs. “While in handcuffs, Castaneda attempted to escape custody and ran toward a main highway. While running, Castaneda fell and hit his head against a concrete wall.”
McLaughlin’s statement claiming Castañeda Mondragón was specifically targeted for deportation conflicts with a January 20th court document where ICE indicated officers only discovered the man had exceeded his work visa terms after taking him into custody. McLaughlin did not address questions about which version was accurate.
Legal counsel for Castañeda Mondragón refused to comment on ICE’s official statement.
The criminal investigations may face challenges due to the delayed law enforcement response, despite calls for answers from multiple elected officials.
St. Paul police informed the AP on February 5th that while they recognized “the serious allegations” surrounding the arrest, they could not initiate an investigation into Castañeda Mondragón’s injuries until he submitted an official police report — a process delayed for weeks due to his hospitalization and unclear immigration circumstances. Officers finally recorded his statement one week ago at the Mexican consulate.
By then, at least one neighboring business had already erased its surveillance recordings.
“It is my expectation that we will investigate past and future allegations of criminal conduct by federal agents to seek the truth and hold accountable anyone who has violated Minnesota law,” declared John Choi, Ramsey County’s chief prosecutor, in an official statement.
Castañeda Mondragón has been ordered to appear at ICE’s primary Minneapolis detention center on February 23rd, creating the possibility he could be detained again and removed from the country.
OMAHA, Neb. — Warren Buffett’s investment giant Berkshire Hathaway has made a stunning return to the media business with a $350 million stake in the New York Times, just five years after dumping all newspaper holdings and declaring the industry was finished.
The unexpected investment was revealed Tuesday in Berkshire’s quarterly filing with securities regulators, marking one of the final major moves during Buffett’s tenure as CEO. The Omaha-based conglomerate also boosted its Chevron holdings right before President Trump’s recent order to arrest Venezuela’s leader, while continuing to reduce positions in Bank of America and Apple.
Back in 2020, when Berkshire unloaded dozens of local newspapers, Buffett famously called the newspaper industry “toast.” However, he did note that national publications like the Times and Wall Street Journal might survive the industry’s struggles.
“It’s a full circle moment for Berkshire Hathaway in reinvesting in news and a huge vote of confidence by Berkshire in the business strategy of the New York Times,” commented Tim Franklin, who leads Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism as a professor and chair of local news.
Franklin pointed out that today’s Times bears little resemblance to a traditional newspaper operation. The company has transformed into a digital media empire featuring popular online games like Wordle, The Athletic sports platform, and boasts over 12 million digital subscribers. He suggested local news outlets might learn from this “digital news powerhouse” by developing their own online games and emphasizing unique local sports coverage.
The quarterly reports don’t specify whether Buffett personally made these investment decisions or if other Berkshire portfolio managers were responsible. Typically, Buffett handles deals exceeding $1 billion, so the Times investment’s size makes his direct involvement uncertain.
Nevertheless, many investors will likely follow suit given Buffett’s legendary success over decades before passing the CEO role to Greg Abel in January after 60 years at Berkshire’s helm. Times shares climbed nearly 3% in after-hours trading following the stake disclosure.
Berkshire also acquired approximately 8 million additional Chevron shares during the quarter, bringing its total to more than 130 million shares in the energy company. This proved particularly timely as Chevron stock has surged since Trump pledged to revive Venezuela’s oil sector, though Buffett has maintained long-term optimism about energy investments through major stakes in both Chevron and Occidental Petroleum.
Chevron stands as the sole major U.S. oil company with substantial Venezuelan operations, producing roughly 250,000 barrels daily. The company, which began Venezuelan investments in the 1920s, operates through partnerships with state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA). Chevron shares have jumped nearly 19% since early 2026, just before U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a raid.
Other significant portfolio changes during 2025’s final quarter included selling approximately 50 million Bank of America shares, though Berkshire retains nearly 81 million shares of the bank Buffett began purchasing in 2011 during its subprime mortgage crisis recovery. The company also reduced its massive Apple position by about 10 million shares while maintaining nearly 228 million shares at year’s end.
Beyond stock investments, Berkshire directly owns dozens of companies including insurance leader Geico, multiple utility companies, BNSF railroad, and various manufacturing and retail brands like Dairy Queen and See’s Candy.
NEW YORK — A federal immigration court has halted deportation proceedings against Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian graduate student who organized demonstrations at Columbia University opposing Israel and the conflict in Gaza.
Immigration Judge Nina Froes dismissed the case on Tuesday after discovering that federal prosecutors made a critical error in handling evidence. The government lawyers submitted a photocopied document without the required legal certification, violating federal procedures.
The decision represents another obstacle for the Trump administration’s broad campaign to remove pro-Palestinian campus organizers and other critics of Israeli policy from the United States. Federal officials retain the option to challenge the court’s decision.
Earlier this year, immigration authorities faced a similar defeat when another judge prevented the deportation of Rümeysa Öztürk, a graduate student at Tufts University who had written an editorial piece condemning her school’s handling of the Gaza situation.
Mahdawi has maintained legal permanent residency status in America for ten years after being born in a refugee settlement within the Israeli-controlled West Bank territory. Immigration officers detained him during a naturalization appointment last April, though a federal court ordered his release after two weeks.
Federal authorities have persisted in their removal efforts, referencing a policy statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that allows for expelling non-citizens whose activities could potentially conflict with American diplomatic objectives.
However, prosecutors presented only an uncertified photocopy of this directive to the immigration court, failing to meet mandatory documentation standards established by federal regulations.
“I am grateful to the court for honoring the rule of law and holding the line against the government’s attempts to trample on due process,” Mahdawi said in a statement released by his attorneys. “This decision is an important step towards upholding what fear tried to destroy: the right to speak for peace and justice.”
Mahdawi’s legal team has simultaneously filed a separate lawsuit in federal district court challenging the lawfulness of his initial detention. Those proceedings continue to move forward, according to his representatives.
The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to requests for comment regarding the court’s ruling.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused President Donald Trump of applying excessive pressure on his country while attempting to broker an end to the conflict with Russia that has raged for nearly four years.
Speaking with Axios in a Tuesday interview, Zelenskyy criticized Trump’s public approach of demanding concessions from Ukraine rather than Russia during ongoing peace negotiations.
“It’s not fair,” Zelenskyy told Axios, referring to Trump’s repeated public calls for Ukraine to make compromises in the peace process.
The Ukrainian leader expressed hope that Trump’s stance represents “just his tactics and not the decision,” according to the interview, which took place while diplomatic representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States were meeting in Geneva.
Trump has recently made several public statements placing responsibility on Ukraine to ensure successful negotiations. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One Monday, Trump declared, “Ukraine better come to the table fast. That’s all I’m telling you.”
According to Axios, Zelenskyy suggested that applying pressure to Ukraine may simply be more convenient than pressuring Russia.
Despite his criticism, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Trump for his peacemaking initiatives and noted that his discussions with senior U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have been more respectful.
“We respect each other,” Zelenskyy said of those conversations, adding that he is “not such a person” who would easily surrender under pressure.
Regarding territorial concessions, Zelenskyy firmly rejected any proposal that would grant Russia control over the entire Donbas region, where Moscow currently occupies approximately 88 percent of the territory.
“Emotionally, people will never forgive this. Never. They will not forgive… me, they will not forgive (the United States),” Zelenskyy explained, emphasizing that Ukrainian citizens “can’t understand why” they would be expected to surrender more land.
“This is part of our country, all these citizens, the flag, the land,” he stated.
Instead, Zelenskyy advocated for maintaining current battle lines, telling Axios: “I think that if we will put in the document … that we stay where we stay on the contact line, I think that people will support this (in a) referendum.”
The family legacy behind one of America’s most beloved candies is speaking out against corporate changes to the original recipe.
Brad Reese, whose grandfather H.B. Reese invented the iconic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, has publicly challenged The Hershey Company over what he claims are ingredient substitutions that compromise the candy’s authentic formula. The criticism came through an open letter posted on his LinkedIn account over the weekend.
The family connection to the candy dates back decades, with Hershey acquiring the Reese company during the 1960s merger.
In his social media post, Brad Reese expressed frustration over the company’s direction, stating: “My grandfather built Reese’s on a simple, enduring architecture: milk chocolate + peanut butter.”
He continued his critique by adding: “But today, Reese’s identity is being rewritten, not by storytellers, but by formulation decisions that replace milk chocolate with compound coatings and peanut butter with peanut‑butter‑style crèmes across multiple Reese’s products.”
The accusations come amid industry-wide ingredient modifications that began when cocoa prices soared to unprecedented levels exceeding $12,000 per metric ton in late 2024. Chocolate manufacturers across the board have been substituting traditional cocoa butter and cocoa powder with less expensive alternatives to manage production costs.
Responding to the family member’s concerns on Tuesday, Hershey defended its product development approach. The company stated: “As we’ve grown and expanded the Reese’s product line, we make product recipe adjustments that allow us to make new shapes, sizes and innovations that Reese’s fans have come to love and ask for, while always protecting the essence of what makes Reese’s unique and special: the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter.”
The cocoa market has since experienced a dramatic shift, with prices dropping more than 70% from their peak levels. This decline resulted from decreased consumer demand and improved supply chains, as shoppers reduced chocolate purchases and manufacturers adjusted packaging sizes or ingredient formulations.
The market reversal has created new challenges for cocoa farmers in Ghana and Ivory Coast, the world’s leading cocoa-producing nations, who now struggle to sell their crops and are forced to store beans wherever possible.
MILAN – The Olympic figure skating short program delivered contrasting emotions for Team USA on Saturday, as world champion Alysa Liu positioned herself for a potential medal while three-time national champion Amber Glenn experienced devastating disappointment in Milan.
Liu delivered a graceful performance set to “This Is How It Feels,” earning 76.59 points to claim third place heading into the free skate. The reigning world titlist appeared composed and confident throughout her routine.
Glenn’s evening began promisingly with a spectacular triple Axel – only the second landed among all 29 competitors – but disaster struck when she reduced a mandatory triple loop to a double, receiving zero points for the element. The error dropped her to a stunning 13th place with 67.39 points.
The emotional toll was immediately visible as Glenn broke down in tears after completing her final pose. Fellow American skater Ilia Malinin, who had his own struggles in the men’s event finishing eighth, rose to his feet in applause for his teammate. Glenn declined to meet with media following her performance.
Liu credited her family’s presence in the arena for her successful skate.
“A ton of my family is out there, and I saw them on the warm-up. I also saw them during my programme,” she said. “It was a really cool moment, because they never come to watch like this. So and I’m really glad I did super well. I felt super grounded, and I connected with my programme on another level compared to the rest of the season.”
The performance marks a remarkable chapter in Liu’s career journey. She stepped away from competition after the 2022 Olympics at just 16 years old, citing a loss of passion for the sport. Her return two years later culminated in an unexpected world championship victory in Boston, making her the first American woman to claim that title since Kimmie Meissner in 2006.
Both skaters contributed to the United States’ team event gold medal earlier in these Games.
Despite her medal position, Liu maintained perspective about her individual competition goals.
“A medal? I don’t need a medal. I just need to be here, and I just need to be present, and I need people to see what I do next,” Liu stated.
Glenn had received an unexpected boost before competition when pop icon Madonna, whose “Like a Prayer” serves as Glenn’s short program music, sent an encouraging video message.
“You are an incredible skater, so strong, so beautiful, so brave,” the Queen of Pop said in a video message. “I can’t imagine that you would not win, so I just want to say good luck. Go get that gold.”
The third member of the American trio, known collectively as the “Blade Angels,” Isabeau Levito, finished in eighth position.
NEW YORK, Feb 17 – Stock markets experienced a volatile Tuesday session, ultimately closing with small gains as investors balanced worries about artificial intelligence investments and potential economic disruption against encouraging news from Iran nuclear negotiations with the United States.
Technology and semiconductor stocks managed to bounce back from morning declines, with investors appearing to take advantage of lower prices in the tech sector as trading continued.
Tuesday’s Market Performance Summary
U.S. stock indices finished nearly flat for the day. Norwegian Cruise Line and Southwest Airlines led gains in transportation stocks, while Apple and Broadcom helped lift technology shares higher.
Real estate, financial services, transportation, and airline sectors showed the strongest performance. Energy, consumer staples, and housing-related stocks lagged behind other sectors.
Currency markets saw the dollar gain strength amid geopolitical uncertainties, while the euro posted its sixth consecutive day of losses against the dollar. The Japanese yen declined for a second straight session after ending a five-day rally.
Treasury bond yields showed mixed results as investors speculated about potential Federal Reserve interest rate reductions.
Oil and gold prices dropped as reduced geopolitical tensions lessened concerns about supply disruptions and decreased demand for safe-haven investments.
Key Discussion Topics
Federal Reserve officials addressed artificial intelligence’s potential effects on employment and the broader economy. Fed Reserve Governor Michael Barr and San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly delivered separate remarks on AI’s labor market implications.
In corporate news, Warner Bros Discovery declined Paramount Skydance’s updated hostile takeover proposal of $30 per share, but granted the company a seven-day window to submit a “best and final” offer.
Wednesday’s Market Catalysts
Upcoming economic data includes UK inflation and producer price reports for January, France’s January inflation figures, and U.S. reports on December durable goods orders, housing starts and building permits, plus January industrial production numbers.
International data releases feature Japan’s December machinery orders, South Korea’s January trade balance, and Australia’s January employment statistics.
Federal Reserve Vice Chair Michelle Bowman is scheduled to participate in a discussion focused on banking supervision and regulation.
The International Monetary Fund issued strong recommendations to Japan this week, advising the nation to maintain its course of interest rate increases while steering clear of additional tax reductions that could undermine economic stability.
These suggestions arrive at a crucial time, as Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has secured a decisive victory with promises that include halting the 8% consumption tax on food items for two years. Financial markets are closely watching whether Takaichi will resist the central bank’s plans for continued rate hikes.
In its preliminary policy guidance released Wednesday, the IMF emphasized the importance of the Bank of Japan’s autonomy, stating that the central bank’s “continued independence and credibility” serves as a vital anchor for inflation expectations. The organization cautioned against excessive government interference in monetary policy decisions.
“The BOJ is appropriately withdrawing monetary accommodation, and gradual hikes should continue to move the policy rate toward neutral,” the IMF stated in its recommendations.
The fund further specified its timeline expectations, noting: “As the baseline projection continues to materialize, withdrawal of policy accommodation should continue so that the policy rate reaches a neutral stance in 2027.”
Japan’s central bank ended its extensive stimulus measures in 2024 and has implemented multiple rate increases, including a December adjustment that brought the policy rate to 0.75% – the highest level in three decades. With inflation running above the 2% target for almost four years, bank officials have indicated their intention to continue raising rates.
These rising borrowing costs present challenges for Takaichi’s proposed tax reductions and increased spending initiatives, which sparked selling pressure in bond and currency markets late last year due to concerns about Japan’s deteriorating financial position.
Regarding the consumption tax proposal, the IMF warned that Japan should resist such cuts because they would “erode fiscal space and add to fiscal risks.” While acknowledging that restricting tax cuts to essential items and maintaining temporary limits could help control costs, the organization stressed that Japan requires fiscal discipline to maintain bond market stability.
“Near-term fiscal policy should refrain from further loosening,” the IMF recommended, advocating for a reliable medium-term fiscal strategy with a “clearly defined fiscal anchor.”
The fund highlighted significant vulnerabilities in Japan’s economic structure, explaining: “High and persistent debt levels, together with a deteriorating fiscal balance, leave Japan’s economy exposed to a range of shocks.” The IMF projects that interest payments will double between 2025 and 2031 as existing debt gets refinanced at higher rates.
Currently, debt financing accounts for 25% of Japan’s total government expenditures, with approximately half of that debt held by the Bank of Japan following years of aggressive money printing designed to stimulate economic growth.
As Japan’s central bank reduces its bond purchasing activities and shrinks its balance sheet, the IMF advised careful monitoring of market liquidity and changing investor demand patterns. Should increased volatility threaten market liquidity, the organization suggested the central bank should prepare for “exceptional targeted interventions,” including emergency bond-purchasing operations if necessary.
Concerning currency fluctuations, the IMF praised Japanese authorities for their “continued commitment to a flexible exchange rate regime,” adding that exchange rate flexibility should “help absorb external shocks and support monetary policy’s focus on price stability.”
Cecil County Executive Adam Streight is scheduled to present his annual State of the County address, delivering his remarks from Schafer’s Canal House located in Chesapeake City, Maryland.
The presentation, focusing on the county’s outlook for 2026, will provide residents with an overview of current initiatives and future planning efforts for the jurisdiction.
Schafer’s Canal House in Chesapeake City serves as the venue for this year’s address, where Streight will discuss county priorities and developments.
WASHINGTON – Vice President JD Vance voiced concerns Tuesday about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence technology by private corporations to monitor American citizens.
During an appearance on Fox News’ “The Story” program, Vance outlined his apprehensions about corporate AI applications. “I worry about companies using artificial intelligence to surveil Americans. I worry about invasions of privacy, I worry a lot about political bias,” the Vice President stated during the television interview.
The comments highlight growing national debate over how businesses implement AI technology and its implications for citizen privacy rights.
WASHINGTON — An 18-year-old Georgia man was taken into custody by U.S. Capitol Police on Tuesday following a dangerous incident where he sprinted toward the Capitol building while wielding a loaded shotgun.
Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan identified the suspect as Carter Camacho from Smyrna, Georgia. According to Sullivan, Camacho left his Mercedes SUV parked near the Capitol grounds and charged toward the building’s west entrance, covering “several hundred yards” while armed before officers stopped him and commanded him to drop his weapon and lie down.
During a news briefing after the incident, Sullivan revealed that Camacho was dressed in tactical gear including a protective vest and gloves. Officers also discovered a Kevlar helmet and gas mask inside his vehicle. Sullivan confirmed the shotgun contained ammunition and that Camacho carried extra rounds with him.
Authorities are still investigating what motivated the attack, including whether Camacho intended to target specific members of Congress, Sullivan stated. Currently, Congress is in recess.
Sullivan mentioned that while the department has recorded footage of the event, they are requesting any additional video evidence from witnesses who may have captured the incident.
“Who knows what would have happened if we wouldn’t have officers standing here?” Sullivan commented, noting that the department had conducted active shooter training exercises in nearly the same location in recent months.
The suspect was previously unknown to law enforcement and is not a local resident, Sullivan explained. According to the chief, the Mercedes SUV was not registered under Camacho’s name, and he maintains multiple residential addresses. Capitol Police have charged him with unlawful activities and possessing an unlicensed rifle, along with violations related to unregistered firearms and ammunition.
This arrest occurred just one week ahead of President Donald Trump’s scheduled State of the Union speech to Congress. Sullivan emphasized that the incident will not alter security preparations for the address. “We take the State of the Union very, very seriously,” he stated.
Criminal activity in Washington has dropped significantly in 2026 compared to previous years. Last August, President Trump issued an emergency declaration for the city to combat crime, resulting in the deployment of over 2,000 National Guard troops along with thousands of federal law enforcement personnel and agents.
These federal officers and agents remain stationed throughout the capital city.
WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors have issued additional subpoenas as part of a Florida investigation examining how the United States responded to Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential race, sources familiar with the matter tell news outlets.
The first round of subpoenas sent in November demanded documents concerning the creation of a U.S. intelligence report that detailed Moscow’s efforts to assist Trump in defeating Hillary Clinton during the 2016 contest.
While the initial document requests focused on materials from around the time the Obama administration released its intelligence report in January 2017, the newer subpoenas are seeking any documentation from the years that followed, according to sources who requested anonymity when discussing the confidential investigative demands.
Justice Department officials refused to provide comment on Tuesday.
Multiple former intelligence and law enforcement leaders have received subpoenas, and attorneys representing former CIA Director John Brennan, who supervised the intelligence report’s creation, have confirmed he has been designated as a target.
The Trump administration has renewed its examination of the intelligence community’s assessment partly because its classified edition included portions of the “Steele dossier,” which contained opposition research funded by Democrats and compiled by ex-British intelligence officer Christopher Steele before being shared with the FBI. The research examining Trump’s possible connections to Russia contained unverified claims and scandalous allegations, which Trump has repeatedly cited as evidence that the entire Russia probe was flawed.
The Florida-based investigation seems to be connected to wider administration efforts to reexamine conclusions and choices made during the Russia investigation years ago.
A publicly released CIA analysis published last July by current Director John Ratcliffe did not challenge the finding that Russia interfered in the election but identified “multiple procedural anomalies” in the intelligence assessment and criticized Brennan for including references to the Steele dossier in the classified version.
Whether the Florida investigation will lead to criminal charges remains uncertain.
In correspondence sent last December to the chief judge of the Southern District of Florida, Brennan’s legal team contested the investigation’s foundation, asking what justification prosecutors had for launching the probe in that jurisdiction and stating they had received no explanation from prosecutors regarding what potential violations were under investigation.
The University of Delaware Blue Hens men’s basketball squad is gearing up to welcome Western Kentucky University to their home venue, affectionately known as “The Bob.”
The matchup is scheduled to take place at the Bob Carpenter Center, where the Blue Hens will look to leverage their home court advantage against the visiting Hilltoppers.
Fans can expect an exciting collegiate basketball showdown as both teams prepare to compete at the Newark campus facility.
America’s pork producers are implementing a comprehensive health initiative designed to strengthen disease prevention and detection capabilities across pig farming operations nationwide.
According to Meredith Petersen from the National Pork Board, this newly developed strategy will assist farmers in identifying and monitoring various serious illnesses that threaten swine populations. The targeted diseases include Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, Porcine epidemic diarrhea, African Swine Fever, and Foot and Mouth Disease.
“This is a set of swine health priorities,” Petersen explained, emphasizing the strategic approach to protecting America’s pig farming industry from disease outbreaks that could devastate operations and food supply chains.
Federal agriculture officials are putting forward new recommendations to revise current regulations controlling how fast meat processing plants can operate their production lines.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposed modifications would permit qualifying poultry and pork facilities to run their operations at speeds that match their technological capabilities, equipment standards, and demonstrated safety track records.
Under the recommended changes, the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service would continue providing complete regulatory oversight of these facilities. Federal inspectors would retain their authority to reduce speeds or halt production entirely when safety concerns arise.
The proposal aims to address current production constraints while ensuring food safety standards remain intact at processing facilities nationwide.
A shift in global travel patterns is emerging as American tourists show less enthusiasm for European vacations, while travelers from Asia are stepping in to boost the continent’s tourism numbers, according to a Wednesday report from the European Travel Commission.
The survey indicates that international visitor arrivals to Europe will still grow by 6.2% this year, but the composition of those tourists is changing significantly.
For the first time since the pandemic recovery began, American travel to Europe appears to be cooling down. This marks the end of a robust period of U.S. tourism driven by favorable exchange rates and America’s strong economic performance.
Research from the European Travel Commission revealed that Americans are showing decreased interest in European trips for 2026 compared to 2025, citing growing economic worries and global political tensions as key factors.
The numbers tell a striking story: Chinese tourist arrivals are projected to jump 28% from 2025 levels, while Indian visitors are expected to increase by 9%. In contrast, travelers from the Americas are anticipated to grow by only 4.2%.
Flight booking data from aviation analytics firm Cirium supports this trend, showing European-to-U.S. reservations dropped 14.2% year-over-year between early October and late January, while U.S.-to-Europe bookings declined 7.3%.
However, European tourism officials remain optimistic. Despite fewer American visitors, those who do travel are spending more money on premium experiences, helping maintain revenue growth.
Miguel Sanz, who leads the European Travel Commission, expressed confidence in the sector’s adaptability. “Europe continues to stand out as a reliable destination, well-positioned to respond to evolving demand for more flexible travel and experience-led journeys,” Sanz stated.
Tourism expenditure across Europe is projected to have increased 9.7% in 2025, the survey found.
This spending pattern aligns with reports from major European airlines like Lufthansa and Air France-KLM, which have noted increased demand for premium seating while economy class bookings for Atlantic crossings have decreased.
Air France-KLM is scheduled to release its complete 2025 financial results on Thursday.
An Australian energy company revealed Wednesday its intention to slash roughly one-tenth of its workforce in an effort to reduce expenses, following disappointing annual financial results.
Santos Ltd, which operates in the oil and natural gas sector, announced the staff reduction plan after posting full-year underlying earnings that fell below what market analysts had anticipated.
The energy producer’s decision to cut approximately 10% of its employees represents a significant restructuring effort as the company works to improve its financial position in a challenging market environment.
Salisbury city officials have announced that Mill Street will be temporarily shut down Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as construction crews work on bridge repairs.
The roadway will be closed to through traffic between Route 50 and Lemon Hill Lane from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Motorists are urged to find alternative routes and plan for extra travel time during the eight-hour work period.
City officials say residents living in the affected area will still be able to reach their homes when construction conditions permit, and emergency responders will maintain access to the neighborhood.
Salisbury leaders are asking for community understanding and patience while work crews finish the essential infrastructure project.
A California technology company reported better-than-expected financial results this week, powered by the ongoing artificial intelligence revolution that’s reshaping the semiconductor industry.
Cadence Design Systems, headquartered in San Jose, announced Tuesday that it surpassed Wall Street forecasts for both earnings and revenue in its most recent quarter. The company’s stock price climbed almost 4% during after-hours trading following the announcement.
The software firm has capitalized on the growing need for sophisticated AI-capable processors, selling specialized programs that help engineers create detailed circuit layouts and blueprints for standard parts like memory connections. The company also markets diagnostic tools that detect potential problems such as excessive heat or electrical malfunctions.
According to Chief Financial Officer John Wall, robust contract signings during the final quarter of the year have positioned the company with an unprecedented $7.8 billion in future work commitments, providing substantial momentum as it moves toward 2026.
The technology firm serves major clients including Apple and Amazon. Earlier this month, Cadence unveiled a virtual AI “agent” designed to help corporations like Nvidia speed up the development of sophisticated processors, which has become a crucial competitive arena in the ongoing U.S.-China tech rivalry.
Fourth-quarter sales increased 6.2% compared to the same period last year, reaching $1.44 billion and surpassing analyst projections of $1.42 billion based on LSEG data. The company’s adjusted earnings reached $1.99 per share during the quarter, beating Wall Street estimates of $1.91 per share.
Looking ahead, Cadence projects 2026 revenue will fall between $5.9 billion and $6.0 billion, which aligns closely with analyst expectations. The company recorded $5.30 billion in revenue for 2025.
Management also predicted adjusted earnings per share of $8.05 to $8.15 for the upcoming year, matching analyst estimates of $8.05.
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for the entire Delmarva Peninsula, warning of hazardous driving conditions from 10 PM tonight through 10 AM Wednesday morning.
Visibility will drop dramatically to just one-quarter to one-half mile in dense fog, creating dangerous conditions on roadways across Delaware, the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and southeastern Virginia. The advisory also extends into southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania.
Locally, all of Delaware is under the advisory, including New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties, as well as Delaware’s beaches. On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, and Sussex counties will experience the dense fog conditions.
“Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous,” warns the National Weather Service Mount Holly office, which issued the advisory at 1:15 PM today.
Drivers are strongly urged to take extra precautions if travel is necessary. Slow down significantly, use your headlights, and maintain extra distance between vehicles. Consider delaying non-essential travel until conditions improve.
The Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 10 AM Wednesday morning. Stay tuned to TV Delmarva for updates on changing conditions throughout the night.
Team USA’s women’s figure skating squad encountered significant challenges during Tuesday’s Olympic short program, leaving their medal aspirations hanging in the balance ahead of Thursday’s decisive competition.
The American trio found themselves scattered across the leaderboard following a night of mixed performances. Alysa Liu managed to secure third position despite the team’s overall struggles, while Isabeau Levito landed in eighth place after her routine.
Amber Glenn faced the most difficult outcome of the evening, dropping to 13th place after what was otherwise a solid performance was marred by a crucial technical error. Glenn was penalized for executing a double loop jump instead of the required triple loop, a costly mistake that significantly impacted her scoring.
The disappointing results have intensified the stakes for all three skaters as they prepare for Thursday’s medal-deciding event. With their current standings, the American women will need to deliver exceptional performances in the free skate portion to have any realistic shot at Olympic podium placement.
The setback continues a challenging pattern for U.S. figure skating at these Games, putting additional weight on the women’s shoulders to potentially salvage medal hopes for the American skating program.
TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees power hitter Giancarlo Stanton believes something crucial is missing from his time in the Bronx.
“It’s definitely incomplete,” the veteran slugger told reporters on Tuesday as he prepares for his ninth campaign wearing pinstripes. “The point of being a Yankee is being a champion.”
At 36 years old, Stanton is beginning the last two guaranteed years of the massive 13-year, $325 million deal he originally inked with Miami. Despite spending time on the injured list for seven straight seasons, he remains a powerful offensive weapon when available.
Following a delayed start to 2024 due to elbow tendon inflammation that sidelined him for the team’s opening 70 contests, Stanton posted a .273 batting average alongside 24 home runs, 66 RBIs and a .944 OPS across 77 appearances.
The ongoing elbow issues demand continuous care and attention.
“I’m good. Ready to go,” Stanton insisted. “As I said before, it’s not going anywhere. It’s always going to be maintenance, but it didn’t hinder me from any work.”
He described his training regimen as “a lot of hold, strengthening, make sure I’m able to maintain holding and swinging with power and throwing.”
The five-time All-Star and 2017 National League MVP holds a .258 career batting average with 453 home runs — leading all current players — plus 1,169 RBIs over 16 major league campaigns. He remains a crucial piece of New York’s offensive puzzle.
“With us over the last couple of years (having) become more and more left-handed, his presence in the middle is just really big,” Yankees skipper Aaron Boone explained. “It’s like having that guy lingering there, that’s Big G in the middle.”
While Stanton launched 38 homers and drove in 100 runs during his debut 2018 season in New York, injuries forced him to miss 266 of 708 possible games over the following five years. His ailments included strains to his right biceps, right knee, left hamstring twice, and left quadriceps, plus right ankle inflammation and left Achilles tendinitis.
Appearing noticeably leaner in 2024, he reduced his missed time to just 28 games due to a left hamstring strain. Stanton concluded the regular season with 27 homers and 72 RBIs in 114 games, then contributed seven homers and 16 RBIs during 14 playoff contests.
Personal milestones aren’t occupying his thoughts.
“Numbers like the next one and the next one is good for now,” he stated. “Those numbers, 500 or what not, is the same as we’re going to win the World Series right now. You got each day to do work and prove and do something positive.”
The Yankees owe Stanton $64 million in guaranteed compensation: $29 million this season, $25 million in 2027, and a $10 million buyout for a $25 million club option in 2028. Miami helps offset costs by paying New York $30 million total: $5 million each July 1 and October 1 from 2026 through 2028.
For luxury tax calculations, Stanton counts as $25 million against the Yankees’ payroll, and with New York likely facing the maximum 110% tax rate, he adds $27.5 million to their tax obligations.
Fellow players seek Stanton’s brief advice before their at-bats.
“He just processes things really well and really gains from the things he sees: the experience, the times he faces a pitcher, how he processes that and puts it to use in future at-bats against guys,” Boone noted. “I think he knows himself incredibly well as a hitter, but his presence with just the makeup of our club is huge.”
Meanwhile, shortstop Anthony Volpe won’t be available for the March 25 season opener but expects to return sometime in April after October 14 surgery to fix his left shoulder labrum.
Volpe began his hitting progression Monday with dry swings — without using a ball — and anticipates soon advancing to tee work and soft toss drills.
“My body’s ready to go defensively and running, so the hitting will be what we work through next, and judging on how everything’s gone so far, I’m just excited,” he said.
The shoulder injury occurred May 3, though Volpe returned to action two days afterward and struggled throughout much of the season. After receiving two cortisone injections, he batted .212 with 19 homers and a career-best 72 RBIs. He managed just one hit in 15 at-bats with 11 strikeouts during the AL Division Series defeat to Toronto, making outs in his final 13 plate appearances.
Post-MRI results revealed Volpe’s surgery would be more complex than initially anticipated.
“When I woke up from the surgery and we went through everything, we kind of had an idea of what the best case and what the worst case and everything in between would have been, so I wasn’t shocked,” he explained. “I was just more excited and in pain and motivated.”
Reflecting on the aftermath, his left shoulder and side never felt comparable to his right following the injury. Manager Boone indicated after the procedure that Volpe could resume hitting within four months but couldn’t dive on the shoulder for six months.
“The first half rehabbing was tough. It felt like rock bottom as far as physically,” Volpe recalled. “Probably at the turn of the New Year is when I really started to feel good and I started to do stuff, baseball activity.”
NEW ORLEANS, La. (AP) — The famous Mardi Gras season came to an end in New Orleans as the city wrapped up its traditional celebration with festive parades and vibrant displays.
The annual Carnival festivities draw attention for their impressive oversized floats and elaborate handcrafted attire. Among the most striking participants are the Black masking Indians, who don intricate costumes adorned with beads, jewels, and magnificent feathered headpieces. Meanwhile, festival attendees stroll through the historic French Quarter wearing homemade outfits that reflect the distinctive character and atmosphere of New Orleans.
This collection features images selected by Associated Press photo editors showcasing the celebration’s conclusion.
United Nations human rights experts are calling for comprehensive investigations after reviewing millions of documents connected to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, stating the materials reveal evidence of what they describe as a worldwide criminal operation.
A panel of independent specialists working with the UN Human Rights Council concluded that the documented activities may constitute crimes against humanity due to their scope and systematic nature.
According to the experts, the criminal activities detailed in Justice Department records occurred within a framework of racist ideologies, corrupt practices, and extreme hatred toward women.
The specialists noted that these offenses demonstrated the treatment of women and girls as commodities rather than human beings.
“So grave is the scale, nature, systematic character, and transnational reach of these atrocities against women and girls, that a number of them may reasonably meet the legal threshold of crimes against humanity,” the experts said in a statement.
The UN panel emphasized that the accusations within these documents demand a comprehensive, unbiased investigation. They also called for inquiries into how such extensive criminal activity could continue undetected for years.
The Justice Department has not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding the UN panel’s findings.
Congressional lawmakers passed legislation in November with overwhelming support from both parties, mandating the public release of all materials related to the Epstein case.
The UN specialists expressed alarm about “serious compliance failures and botched redactions” that compromised sensitive victim details. The released materials have identified more than 1,200 victims thus far.
“The reluctance to fully disclose information or broaden investigations, has left many survivors feeling retraumatized and subjected to what they describe as ‘institutional gaslighting,’” the experts said.
The document releases have exposed Epstein’s connections to influential figures across political, financial, academic, and business sectors, including relationships that continued after his 2008 guilty plea to prostitution-related charges involving a minor.
Epstein died by hanging in his jail cell during 2019 following his arrest on federal charges related to trafficking minors for sexual exploitation. Authorities determined his death was self-inflicted.
The company behind popular brands like Tylenol and Band-Aid delivered financial results that surpassed Wall Street expectations for the final quarter of last year, while simultaneously revealing plans to reduce its global workforce as part of a massive corporate merger.
Kenvue’s leadership team has given the green light to restructure operations, which will eliminate approximately 3.5% of jobs across the company’s worldwide operations. With roughly 22,000 workers employed as of the previous year, this translates to significant workforce reductions.
The pharmaceutical giant is moving forward with its acquisition by Kimberly-Clark, the tissue and diaper manufacturer, in a deal valued at over $40 billion announced last November. This transaction would combine major household brands including Band-Aid with Kleenex and Huggies under one corporate umbrella.
Company officials anticipate the merger will reach completion during the latter half of 2026.
Financial performance during the most recent quarter demonstrated a notable recovery for the healthcare company, driven by strong performance in both its personal care and essential health product lines.
“We ended 2025 with stronger top- and bottom-line performance in the fourth quarter, which reflected both disciplined execution against our strategic priorities, as well as a more favorable year-ago comparison on sales,” said CEO Kirk Perry.
The company’s primary division, which includes pain relief medications like Tylenol and allergy treatments such as Benadryl, generated $1.59 billion in revenue during the quarter. This represented a 1.5% increase and exceeded analyst projections of $1.52 billion.
Management reported that consumer demand and market share trends for Tylenol showed improvement throughout December.
Meanwhile, the essential health division, featuring oral care products like Listerine and first-aid supplies including Band-Aid, produced $1.15 billion in quarterly revenue. This marked a 6.1% year-over-year growth rate, surpassing the average analyst forecast of $1.12 billion.
Overall company revenue for the fourth quarter climbed 3.2% to reach $3.78 billion, beating the consensus estimate of $3.68 billion among financial analysts.
Per-share earnings on an adjusted basis came in at 27 cents, exceeding analyst expectations of 22 cents per share.
The workforce reduction initiative is projected to generate approximately $250 million in pre-tax restructuring costs and related expenses during 2026, according to company statements.
Cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks lowered its yearly earnings outlook on Tuesday, citing increased expenses from a series of company acquisitions designed to strengthen its artificial intelligence security offerings. The announcement caused the firm’s stock price to drop approximately 7% during after-hours trading.
The technology company revealed Tuesday it had purchased Israeli cybersecurity firm Koi, adding to its acquisition streak that included buying CyberArk Software last July in its biggest transaction ever, followed by the Chronosphere purchase in November. These deals are part of the company’s strategy to better defend against cyber threats powered by artificial intelligence.
Acquisition-related expenses soared to $24 million during the second quarter, a significant jump from the $10 million recorded in the same period last year, according to Palo Alto Networks.
Although these purchases help expand the company’s market opportunities, executives have recognized the difficulties of successfully merging larger acquired firms like CyberArk, which demand extensive reengineering and organizational changes.
The company revised its adjusted earnings per share projection for fiscal 2026 to a range of $3.65 to $3.70, down from the previously anticipated $3.80 to $3.90.
Despite the profit reduction, Palo Alto Networks increased its yearly revenue expectations to between $11.28 billion and $11.31 billion, surpassing earlier projections of $10.50 billion to $10.54 billion.
Businesses are increasing their security infrastructure investments as they respond to a series of major cyberattacks targeting prominent corporations, including F5 and UnitedHealth Group.
The company stated that both quarterly and annual projections incorporate the financial impact of the CyberArk and Chronosphere acquisitions.
For the upcoming third quarter, Palo Alto Networks projected revenue between $2.94 billion and $2.95 billion, exceeding Wall Street analysts’ average prediction of $2.60 billion based on LSEG data.
The company’s quarterly adjusted earnings per share forecast of 78 to 80 cents fell short of analyst expectations of 92 cents.
Second-quarter revenue increased 15% to $2.59 billion, meeting analyst projections.
The company’s adjusted earnings per share of $1.03 exceeded analyst estimates of 94 cents for the quarter ending January 31.
California officials are gearing up for a legal battle against the Trump administration’s recent modifications to federal childhood vaccination guidelines, according to the state’s top prosecutor.
Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Tuesday that his office is developing a lawsuit to contest the policy changes implemented under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Bonta leads the legal team for the nation’s most populated state.
During a Tuesday interview, Bonta also indicated he might consider collaborating with the Trump administration to reduce extensive federal protections that shield pharmaceutical companies from lawsuits related to alleged vaccine harm.
The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Legal action from California would intensify pressure on the current administration, as healthcare professionals and public health authorities have cautioned that these policy shifts may result in declining immunization rates across the country.
Since assuming his role, Kennedy has dramatically altered established vaccination policies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released an updated immunization framework that eliminated blanket recommendations for vaccines protecting against rotavirus, flu, meningococcal disease, and both hepatitis A and B. The new approach emphasizes that families should discuss vaccination decisions with their doctors through what officials term “shared clinical decision-making.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics, along with other prominent medical associations, has already filed legal challenges aimed at blocking the revised vaccine schedule. Their lawsuit contends the overhaul lacks legal authority and scientific backing. The litigation seeks to remove Kennedy’s appointed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and reverse their determinations.
Speaking with reporters Tuesday, both Bonta and Connecticut’s Attorney General William Tong criticized Kennedy’s stance on vaccines. Regarding potential litigation, Bonta stated his “team is mobilized” and is “looking at what the complaint looks like, where to file, what our standing is, all the, all the things we have to have locked in.”
Bonta declined to share specific details about the planned legal action, including its expected filing date. Tong similarly indicated urgency, saying “we’re scrambling our jets.” A representative from his office later confirmed Connecticut is collaborating with California on a possible multi-state court filing.
Current federal law requires most individuals seeking to sue vaccine manufacturers to present their cases to a specialized vaccine court operated by HHS. This system aims to resolve claims efficiently while limiting financial awards and reducing company liability.
Kennedy and his supporters have long criticized this program, partly because HHS attorneys defend these cases instead of pharmaceutical companies directly. Prior to leading HHS, Kennedy represented clients claiming vaccine-related injuries and played a key role in organizing large-scale legal action against Merck regarding its Gardasil vaccine. Federal judges sided with Merck in numerous instances.
While Bonta expressed doubt about sweeping legal protections Congress has granted to certain industries, including vaccine producers, he emphasized his reluctance to support Kennedy’s anti-vaccine positions.
“I like the facts. I like science. I don’t want to give any airtime to his– I mean, just conspiracy bullshit,” Bonta said.
“Can there be an example of a pharmaceutical company that did something wrong, and hurt people based on the facts, and they’re enjoying absolute immunity when they should have accountability? Yeah, that’s possible,” Bonta added.
