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  • Why is Iran pushing back before Geneva talks?

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    Tehran rejects pressure as diplomats prepare to meet in Geneva

    Iran publicly pushed back against U.S. accusations and pressure ahead of a scheduled set of nuclear talks in Geneva. Iranian officials accused the Trump administration of repeating what they called “big lies” about the Islamic Republic’s nuclear intentions while warning that aggressive rhetoric and military posturing risked undermining diplomacy.

    At the same time, the United States has moved significant military assets into the region — the largest such deployment in years, according to reporting — a step Washington says is intended to deter escalation and strengthen its bargaining position before the talks. Iran’s foreign ministry and other officials responded by both warning against threats and signaling that a diplomatic deal remains possible if negotiations are given priority.

    What is at stake

    • The immediate aim: address concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and produce verifiable limits or safeguards.
    • Regional stability: a diplomatic breakthrough could reduce the risk of kinetic conflict across the Middle East, while failure raises the prospect of military confrontation.
    • Global economic impact: any escalation could affect oil markets and investor confidence.

    Why it matters

    The Geneva talks represent a narrow diplomatic window. Heavy U.S. military deployments raise the stakes, creating both leverage and risk. International partners — some warning their citizens to leave Iran — are watching closely. If diplomacy finds traction, it could avert a dangerous cycle of coercion and retaliation; if it fails, the combination of pressure and posturing increases the chance of miscalculation with wide geopolitical and economic consequences.

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  • What happened at Trump’s State of the Union?

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    A record‑long, combative address that sought to set the administration’s agenda

    President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union in recent history, speaking for roughly 108 minutes. The address fused policy proposals, theater and pointed attacks on political opponents. He framed the year as a national “turnaround,” highlighting economic gains, tougher immigration enforcement and a suite of proposals for Congress.

    Lawmakers and observers immediately parsed both substance and style. Key policy items and moments included:

    • A heavy focus on immigration and border enforcement, including calls for new laws and executive actions.
    • Promises to expand retirement saving options for workers without access to employer plans.
    • A renewed defense of sweeping tariff policies and a public rebuke of the Supreme Court ruling that limited the administration’s tariff authority.
    • Multiple high‑profile honors: medals and awards for military personnel and the introduction of Olympic athletes.

    Reactions were sharply divided. Many Democrats staged visible protests in the chamber — some lawmakers boycotted parts of the address or were ejected after interrupting — while Republicans applauded. Fact‑checking organizations and independent analysts flagged numerous false or misleading claims in the speech, particularly on economic and trade assertions. Several Supreme Court justices were notably absent, a move tied in coverage to tensions over the court’s recent tariff decision.

    Why it matters

    The speech was designed to set a narrative for the coming political cycle: to translate the administration’s record into an electoral advantage and to press Congress on a short list of legislative priorities. But the address also highlighted persistent political polarization, raised questions about credibility where fact checks found errors, and underscored ongoing fights over trade, immigration and the use of executive power. How lawmakers respond in the weeks ahead will shape whether the president’s agenda can move from rhetoric to law.

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  • Nearly 200 Ohio fire departments receive funding via grant

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    OHIO — One-hundred-and-ninety fire departments throughout Ohio are being awarded funding through the Small County Volunteer Fire Department Grant.

    Nearly $8 million is being awarded to these departments, spread throughout 49 different counties in the state, for them to purchase necessary equipment, make upgrades to their facilities and improve their training, according to a press release from the Division of State Fire Marshal.

    “These small, volunteer fire departments, many of which serve rural areas of the state, are the backbone of Ohio’s fire service, and the vast majority of them are working with small budgets,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said in the release. “Thanks to the work of the legislature, this grant funding will better equip these departments to do a job that our communities rely on them to do, and that is to be there if and when an emergency strikes.”

    The release states that the grant was just one initiative of several meant to support volunteer fire departments, at a time when the number of volunteers has been declining even as calls have been increasing.

    You can view the full list of departments and award amounts, separated by county, below:

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  • 8 takeaways from Trump’s State of the Union address

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    WASHINGTON — In his first State of the Union address of his second term, President Donald Trump on Tuesday night declared that “our nation is back — bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before.” He also proclaimed that the state of the nation is “strong.”

    Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress — at 108 minutes, a new record long for a State of the Union — touched on a wide range of topics, including the economy, immigration, foreign affairs and the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary. At times, he lashed out at congressional Democrats for not applauding his policies, while Republicans cheered on the president at every turn.

    Here are eight takeaways from the address. For an in-depth recap, visit Spectrum News’ live blog.

    Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., reacts as President Donald Trump gives his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

    Trump defends immigration crackdown, clashes with Dems in attendance

    The president took several opportunities to highlight what his administration has done to reduce illegal immigration. He contended that “zero illegal aliens have been admitted to the United States” over the past nine months through the border.  

    Trump later asked attendees to stand if they believed “the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens” and condemned Democrats for not showing their approval for the statement.  

    “You should be ashamed of yourselves for not standing up,” Trump said. “That is why I’m also asking you to end deadly sanctuary cities that protect the criminals and enact serious penalties for public officials who block the removal of criminal aliens — in many cases, drug lords, murderers all over our country.” 

    Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., was at one point shown pointing her finger back at Trump and appearing to say, “You should be ashamed” in response.  

    Trump blames Democrats for affordability concerns

    After blaming former President Joe Biden for inflation, Trump put the onus on Democrats for affordability concerns.

    “You caused that problem,” Trump said to Democrats, prompting Republican lawmakers to stand and applaud. 

     He called Democratic-led criticism about affordability a “dirty, rotten lie.” 

    The president touted his economic record over the last year. He said inflation has fallen to its lowest level in more than five years, dropping to 1.7% in the last quarter of 2025. He also said gas prices had fallen to below $2 per gallon in some parts of the country. 

     He took credit for declining mortgage rates and a rising stock market.  

    Trump calls Supreme Court tariff decision ‘very unfortunate,’ pledges to use alternatives to impose import duties

    Trump took a measured tone when talking about the Supreme Court ruling issued Friday that invalidated his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose sweeping tariffs on most U.S. trading partners around the globe. 

     “Just four days ago, an unfortunate ruling from the United States Supreme Court. It just came down, very unfortunate ruling,” Trump said.  

    The language was strikingly different from how he described the decision, as well as the justices whom he had appointed and who ruled against his tariffs, in a news conference on the day the decision was announced. 

    Four justices were in attendance at the State of the Union: Chief Justice John Roberts, who authored Friday’s opinion, and Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett. Roberts and Barrett – along with Justice Neil Gorsuch – sided with liberal justices in ruling against Trump’s usage of IEEPA to levy the import duties.  

    Trump has said he plans to impose a 15% global tariff on top of existing import duties, and on Tuesday he contended that “congressional action will not be necessary.” One of the statutes that the Trump administration has said would be used to impose tariffs puts a 150-day cap on their implementation “unless extended by an Act of the Congress.” 

    President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

    President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

    Trump said tech companies will have to ‘provide for their own power needs’

    The president said his administration planned to address concerns over the amount of power used by data centers with a “unique strategy” to make tech companies construct their own electricity infrastructure.  

    “We’re telling the major tech companies that they have the obligation to provide for their own power needs,” he said. “They can build their own power plants as part of their factory so that no one’s prices will go up, and in many cases, prices of electricity will go down for the community.”  

    The president noted that many Americans have been growing increasingly concerned about the power demands of companies involved in artificial intelligence.  

    Trump did not provide details about the logistics of the plan other than calling it a “new rate payer protection pledge.” 

    Trump says Iran has yet to say they will never have a nuclear weapon

    On Iran, Trump noted that his administration is currently in negotiations with the country’s leadership but said they have yet to say “those secret words” that they “will never have a nuclear weapon.” 

    Trump went on to say that his “preference” is to solve the situation with Iran through diplomacy but suggested other options are on the table if that doesn’t work. 

    “But one thing is certain: I will never allow the world’s No. 1 sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “Can’t let that happen.” 

    Trump has been urging Iran to make a nuclear deal with the U.S. and officials from both sides have been involved in talks in Geneva. The president responded to a reporter’s questions at an unrelated event last week by confirming that limited strikes against Iran were an option and has been sending U.S. resources to the area.  

    Trump’s comments on Iran came as he was talking about his efforts to end wars and usher in peace around the world. He started by touting his administration’s strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites this past summer. 

    Trump blames Democrats for partial shutdown of Department of Homeland Security

    As Democrats and Republicans continue to wrangle over immigration enforcement reform to restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security, Trump blamed Democrats for the partial government shutdown, which was in its 11th day. 

    “They have closed the agency responsible for protecting Americans from terrorists and murderers,” Trump said.  

    He demanded the “full and immediate restoration of all funding” for DHS, which oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and “for helping people clean up their snow. We have no money because of the Democrats.” 

    The Northeast has been hit with blizzard conditions in recent days. FEMA helps reimburse local governments for snow removal costs during designated periods of record snowfall. 

    Shortly before the speech Tuesday, legislation to fund the department failed to advance in the Senate yet again as every Democrat present except Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted against it. There has been little sign of movement toward an agreement to reopen DHS since it shut down 10 days ago.

    Trump again expresses voter fraud claims, calls for new requirements

    The president used his address to reiterate his long-held and frequently mentioned qualms with elections in America while pressing lawmakers to pass a Republican bill seeking to implement new proof of citizenship and photo identification requirements to vote.  

    Without citing evidence, Trump claimed that “cheating is rampant” in U.S. elections before going on to call for all voters to show a photo ID and proof of citizenship to vote and an end to most voting by mail.  

    “Why would anybody not want voter ID? One reason: because they want to cheat,” Trump claimed, again without citing evidence.  

    He asserted such a prospect was widely popular, which comes as the White House has been sharing polling on the voter ID issue. 

    Republicans and Trump have been pushing a bill called the SAVE America Act that would require a person to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote and “present an eligible photo identification document before voting.” It passed the House but faces a more difficult path in the Senate, where it would need some Democratic support to overcome the chamber’s filibuster rule.  

    Trump has long claimed there was fraud in the 2020 election despite audits, courts and the president’s former attorney general not finding evidence of widespread fraud. 

    President invokes America 250 to begin, conclude remarks

    In closing out his State of the Union, Trump returned to the theme that he focused on at the start of his remarks: the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.  

    “Less than five months from now, our country will celebrate an epic milestone in American history,” Trump said during the first few minutes of his speech.  

    The U.S. has planned a number of events this year to mark the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. 

    “The revolution that began in 1776 has not ended,” Trump said in concluding his remarks. “It still continues because the flame of liberty and independence still burns in the heart of every American patriot, and our future will be bigger, better, brighter, bolder and more glorious than ever before.”

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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    Christina Santucci, Susan Carpenter, Maddie Gannon

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  • Crew-11 astronaut with mission-ending medical issue identifies self

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — In a prepared statement, NASA astronaut Mike Fincke revealed that it was he who suffered a medical issue onboard the International Space Station that resulted in the Crew-11 mission being cut short.

    What You Need To Know

    • NASA astronaut Mike Fincke thanked his fellow astronauts and NASA’s medical team after he suffered a medical issue onboard the International Space Station
    • It is not know what type of medical issue he suffered while onboard
    • 🔻Scroll down to read his full statement🔻

    The 58-year-old retired U.S. Air Force colonel recapped and thanked his fellow astronauts and NASA flight surgeons when he experienced his medical issue, which he did not reveal what that was.

    “On Jan. 7, while aboard the International Space Station, I experienced a medical event that required immediate attention from my incredible crewmates. Thanks to their quick response and the guidance of our NASA flight surgeons, my status quickly stabilized,” he wrote.  

    Fincke, who was the pilot of Crew-11, and Cmdr. Zena Cardman were scheduled to conduct a six-hour spacewalk the following day, where the pair were going to install a modification kit and cables for a future rollout of a solar array.

    That did not happen.

    The Crew-11 mission was cut short and splashed down back to Earth this past January, a month earlier than when the mission was supposed to end.

    During a press conference, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman only revealed that an unnamed astronaut suffered a “serious medical condition” while onboard the space station.

    Even during a separate press conference with the Crew-11 members, no one revealed the identity of the astronaut or what the medical episode was.

    Fincke was selected to be a NASA astronaut in 1996. The Pennsylvania native is a veteran astronaut, logging 549 days in space with nine spacewalks.

    In his words

    “On Jan. 7, while aboard the International Space Station, I experienced a medical event that required immediate attention from my incredible crewmates. Thanks to their quick response and the guidance of our NASA flight surgeons, my status quickly stabilized.

    After further evaluation, NASA determined the safest course was an early return for Crew-11—not an emergency, but a carefully coordinated plan to be able to take advantage of advanced medical imaging not available on the space station. On Jan. 15, we splashed down off the coast of San Diego after an amazing five-and-a-half-month mission.

    I am deeply grateful to my fellow Expedition 74 members—Zena Cardman, Kimiya Yui, Oleg Platonov, Chris Williams, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, and Sergei Mikayev—as well as the entire NASA team, SpaceX, and the medical professionals at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla near San Diego. Their professionalism and dedication ensured a positive outcome.

    I’m doing very well and continuing standard post-flight reconditioning at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Spaceflight is an incredible privilege, and sometimes it reminds us just how human we are. Thank you all for your support.”

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  • Crowded Republican field lines up to take on Democrat Don Davis

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    It’s a small group at the Nashville Exchange in Nash County on a Monday night, a little more than two weeks before the North Carolina primary election. But each person here is a dedicated Republican and an almost certain voter.

    What You Need To Know

    • Five Republicans are running in North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District primary

    • The district was recently redrawn to benefit the Republican Party

    • The winner of the Republican primary will challenge Democratic Rep. Don Davis


    They are hearing from two of the Republicans running in the state’s 1st Congressional District. It’s a race with national attention because the party thinks it can flip the seat red for the first time in more than 140 years.

    Issues in this district include farming, where tobacco is very prevalent, health care, there’s been a number of hospital closures, and poverty. While there’s been a decline in the poverty rate, eastern North Carolina has some of the highest rates in the state.

    There’s a flood of Republicans running in the primary, which is March 3. The number of candidates makes it hard to predict who could win.

    President Donald Trump, an influential voice in Republican primaries, has not endorsed a candidate.

    “He’s really proven over and over to be a kingmaker in Republican politics,” said East Carolina University political science professor Peter Francia. “If he had decided to endorse one of the candidates, then I think we would be able to say with a lot of confidence that that candidate had a really good chance of winning.”

    Related: A closer look at N.C.’s only toss-up congressional House race

    Of the five Republicans running, the candidate who’s probably received the most attention is Laurie Buckhout.

    Democratic Rep. Don Davis is seeking reelection in the 1st Congressional District. (AP File Photo/David Yeazell)

    She ran for the seat in 2024, losing to Democratic Rep. Don Davis by two points. Despite the loss she has name recognition. She’s a retired Army colonel who recently served as acting assistant secretary of war for cyber policy in the Trump administration.

    Asa Buck is the longtime sheriff of Carteret County and is well-known in parts of the district.

    State Sen. Bobby Hanig represents some of this U.S. House district in the General Assembly and runs a pool cleaning and maintenance business in Currituck.

    Eric Rouse is a construction business owner who lives in Kinston and is a Lenoir County commissioner.

    And Ashley-Nicole Russell is a family law attorney with offices throughout the state.

    “The high number of candidates means there’s always the potential that a candidate doesn’t reach 30%, and in that case we have a runoff,” Francia told Spectrum News 1. “But my suspicion is that there will be a candidate who exceeds 30%.”

    Spectrum News 1 spoke with a number of voters at a poll site in Nash County.

    “I’ve met Laurie a couple of different times and I feel like her service to our country and I know that she has worked for Trump and I believe she is dedicated and loyal,” said JoAnn Everette, who said she voted for Buckhout.

    “Reducing it down to the top two would have been Laurie Buckhout and Asa Buck. I consider both of them to be near equals in different categories,” said Jerry Barnes. “The deciding factor for me was based on who stood the best chance in beating Don Davis and I felt that was Asa Buck.”

    The winner of the Republican primary will take on Davis, who’s vying for his third term.

    Davis is arguably one of the most moderate Democrats in the U.S. House and has a record of winning in the district.

    This November could be Davis’ toughest election because Republicans in the state legislature recently redrew the district boundaries to heavily favor their party’s candidate. It was part of the rare move of mid-decade redistricting that a number of states have taken in the country, started by Texas at Trump’s urging.

    “In this new map I think any political expert would tell you that the Republicans have a very good chance of winning the district this time around,” Francia said about the new 1st Congressional District.

    The district is wide, stretching from the Virginia border to the Democratic area of Rocky Mount and now the Republican stronghold of the Outer Banks.

    “In the 40 years that we’ve lived here we’ve been redistricted a lot of times, so it’s just a matter of OK, what’s coming up next,” said Republican voter Cynthia Carpenter.

    With so many candidates in the Republican primary, this race could be close as the GOP smells a chance to flip a blue seat to try to keep control of the U.S. House in November.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Report: Three of six Tahoe avalanche survivors buried in snow before rescue

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    Three of the survivors of last week’s deadly avalanche near Lake Tahoe were buried under the snow before being dug out by their fellow skiers in the moments after the disaster, according to an initial avalanche occurrence report from the Sierra Avalanche Center.

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  • FFA grows in popularity while the farming industry faces challenges nationwide

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    TRIAD, N.C. — The student organization Future Farmers of America is growing in popularity. The program has more than one million participants nationwide and is celebrating National FFA Week this week, but it comes at a time when farming is facing its share of challenges. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The N.C. Chamber estimates agriculture alone has an $111 billion dollar impact on the state’s economy

    • N.C. has fifth largest FFA membership in the country

    • USDA: number of farms nationwide was at its lowest total in a century in 2024

    • U.S. Senate report: farming has the oldest workforce in the nation, with the average age being nearly 60 years old


    “People kind of don’t realize how big agriculture is,” said Makayla VanMeter, vice president for the senior team of the Davie County High School FFA.

    Agriculture is one of the leading industries in North Carolina. The N.C. Chamber estimates agriculture has an $111 billion impact on the state’s economy. Student leadership organizations like FFA are educating the next generation about the importance of this field.

    “I feel like a lot of people aren’t educated on things that happen in agriculture and how our food is produced and how our animals are handled,” said Lillian Ragan, northwest regional and chapter officer for the Davie County High School FFA. “I think that it’s just something important for everyone to know, whether you’re going into the industry or not.”

    Nearly 90 students participate in the FFA program at Davie County High School in Mocksville. The school has a greenhouse and a barn with a variety of livestock including cows, chickens and pigs. It all helps students learn about topics like animal science, horticulture and agricultural mechanics.

    “It just shows awareness of how deep agriculture is in Davie County, and that it’s not going to go away any time soon,” VanMeter said.

    In Randolph County, the Asheboro High School Zoo School has the only FFA chapter headquartered at a zoo. It’s home to 1,700 animals and 2,800 acres of land. Students are able to work alongside zoo employees on one-of-a-kind projects and take unique courses like animal behavior, zoology and natural resources.

    “When it comes to animals, [we have a] higher diversity, instead of cows, chickens, birds,” said Alex Soto, vice president of the Asheboro Zoo School FFA Chapter. “I get to look at alligators, polar bears and discuss things about those.”

    Both programs are part of more than 370 FFA chapters in 99 counties statewide.

    North Carolina has the fifth largest FFA membership nationwide at just under 49,000 members, but the program’s popularity comes at a time when the agriculture industry is facing challenges.

    A U.S. Department of Agriculture report shows the number of farms nationwide was at its lowest total in a century in 2024 at just under two million. It also shows the amount of acres of farmland has shrunk from 900 million in 2017 to 876 million acres in 2024.

    According to a U.S. Senate Committee on Aging report, farming has the oldest workforce in the nation, with the average age being nearly 60 years old. It shows 40% of U.S. farmland is owned by farmers who are 65 years or older. Experts believe the global population will increase to more than two billion by 2050. If that happens, the report says farmers will need to increase production by 70% to meet the demand. 

    “It’s hard for students to get into the agricultural industry because of the cost associated with it,” said Jesse Ledbetter, agricultural education teacher at Davie County High School. “It’s important for us, as teachers, to show them how they can be profitable and the opportunities through different types of niche markets.”

    Organizations like FFA are helping address these issues. The program prepares high school and middle school students for more than 350 careers in agriculture.

    “It teaches you work ethic,” Ledbetter said. “It teaches you time management. It teaches you how to be efficient and resourceful. I think that the goal of our program is to help those students in any career choice.”

    FFA has more than 794,000 alumni members across the country that help support and mentor current members.

    The Davie County High School FFA chapter will host a plant sale fundraiser at the school on April 18. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Why did the Justice Department sue UCLA?

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    The basis and stakes of the Justice Department’s lawsuit

    The Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit accusing the university of allowing a hostile workplace for Jewish employees. The complaint, lodged by the Civil Rights Division, alleges that university officials failed to protect staffers from discriminatory conduct connected to campus protests and tensions.

    What the suit alleges

    • That targeted harassment and hostile conduct toward Jewish employees occurred in university settings tied to demonstrations and public debate.
    • That campus leaders did not take adequate steps to stop or remediate the behavior, creating an unlawful hostile‑work environment under federal civil‑rights law.

    Why the government took this step

    The DOJ framed the case as enforcement of civil‑rights protections for employees on public campuses. Officials contend the suit is necessary when institutional responses fall short and when workplace protections for a religious group are compromised.

    Broader implications

    • Legal precedent: a successful suit could force new policies and oversight on large public university systems for handling protest‑related harassment.
    • Campus governance: universities may tighten reporting, monitoring and disciplinary measures around protests to reduce legal exposure.
    • Political context: the case arrives amid heightened scrutiny of higher education and is part of a broader pattern of federal challenges to universities over campus speech and safety.

    What remains unclear

    The lawsuit will play out in court where remedies, facts and any institutional defense will be tested. It’s still uncertain what specific policy changes, if any, the university will be required to adopt, and whether similar actions will follow at other campuses facing related tensions.

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  • Why is the U.S. sending military aircraft to the Middle East?

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    Why American forces are being built up near Iran and Israel

    U.S. military deployments to the region have accelerated amid a tense mix of diplomacy and deterrence tied to Iran. Officials say the moves are meant to raise readiness while negotiators and diplomats work to prevent escalation, but the deployments also change the political and military calculus on the ground.

    Why forces moved now:

    • Deterrence while talks continue: senior U.S. officials signaled a preference for diplomacy, even as they publicly warned Tehran that there are limits to what the United States will tolerate. Bolstering forces is intended to deter attacks and give diplomats leverage.
    • Protection for regional partners: American assets have been shifted to reassure allies, including Israel, after heightened regional activity and threats to shipping and bases.
    • Preparedness for contingency options: briefings to congressional leaders and the movement of stealth fighters and other high‑end capabilities are intended to ensure rapid response if diplomacy fails.

    How this affects the situation

    • It raises the immediate risk of miscalculation. More aircraft and ships in proximity increase the chance an incident spirals into a wider confrontation.
    • It pressures Iran politically: visible U.S. posture can strengthen negotiators’ hand but also harden domestic Iranian resistance to concessions.
    • It shapes allied behavior: friends in the region may coordinate more closely with Washington, while others will balance ties to multiple powers.

    Outlook

    Diplomats report talks remain possible if both sides prioritize negotiation; at the same time, the military buildup is a reminder that diplomacy is being conducted under the shadow of credible force. The near‑term trajectory depends on whether the next rounds of negotiations ease tensions or whether incidents on the water or in the skies force a rapid shift from deterrence to action.

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  • Will Spirit Airlines keep flying after bankruptcy?

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    What passengers should expect as Spirit restructures under Chapter 11

    The carrier is moving through a court-supervised reorganisation after filing for Chapter 11, and airline and industry statements indicate a plan to emerge from bankruptcy later this spring or early summer. Under that plan, Spirit has reached terms with creditors that, if approved by the bankruptcy court, would allow it to continue operations while it reorganises its finances and route network.

    Operationally, the airline is signalling a change in strategy rather than a simple shutdown. Company leaders have said they intend to relaunch with a refreshed product mix — including investments in premium seats — and to rebuild relationships with partners and creditors. That means scheduled service is likely to continue during restructuring, but customers should be prepared for short-term changes.

    What this means for ticketed passengers

    • Flight schedules can change. While many flights continue to operate, route adjustments, capacity cuts or temporary suspensions are possible as the airline optimises its network.
    • Protections still apply. Bankruptcy does not automatically erase passenger protections: when Spirit cancels flights it typically offers rebooking or refunds, and consumers retain rights under U.S. DOT rules and carrier policies.
    • Watch for waivers. During major changes airlines often issue travel waivers that permit fee-free rebooking; check the carrier website frequently.

    Practical steps for travellers

    • Confirm your flight directly with the airline shortly before departure.
    • If you need firm travel plans, book options with flexible change/cancellation terms or consider alternative carriers.
    • Save receipts and correspondence if you face cancellations so you can claim refunds or use any offered credits.

    The restructuring aims to keep the carrier flying while it repairs its balance sheet; that preserves service for many customers but also creates a period of higher operational uncertainty. Stay informed through direct airline communications and be ready to adapt plans if schedules shift.

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  • Could a retractable wall in Tampa Bay prevent storm surge flooding?

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The immediate past president of the Shore Acres Civic Association, Kevin Batdorf, has pitched lawmakers on a big idea to install a retractable wall at the entrance of Tampa Bay to protect against storm surge flooding from hurricanes.  

    Batdorf lives in the lowest lying neighborhood in St. Petersburg, Shore Acres, which has experienced repeated flooding from storms in the past five  years. Batdorf said he’s constantly looking for solutions to mitigate the rising problem.

    “Create a floodgate system that crosses from Pinellas County to Manatee or Hillsborough County at the narrowest point that rises 12-to-15 feet high when a storm is coming,” he said. “It would prevent the water from coming into Tampa Bay and save billions of dollars of damage.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Kevin Batdorf has pitched lawmakers on a big idea to install a retractable wall at the entrance of Tampa Bay

    • Batdorf wants the 14 mile long wall to be 12-to-15 feet high to prevent storm surge flooding from hurricanes  

    • State Senator Nick DeCeglie said “it’s a great concept” but he’s skeptical it could actually be implemented

    • Sen. DeCeglie said he’s focused on more realistic solutions which include stormwater and seawall infrastructure improvements


    “In the Netherlands, they had a similar situation to us,” he said. “Meaning they were inundated by rising tides, changing climate. So they had their engineers come up with a solution.”

    State Senator Nick DeCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, represents District 18, which covers most of Pinellas County. Senator DeCeglie said “it’s a great concept” but he’s skeptical a 14 mile long retractable wall in Tampa Bay could actually be implemented.

    “Something like this would be billions and billions of dollars,” he said. “My question is immediately, what about the coastal communities? How does the water interacting with a dam, essentially, how does that impact areas North of the Bay? South of the Bay? That water has to go somewhere.”

    DeCeglie said he’s focused on more realistic solutions and has been working on a permitting bill this session to make it easier for homeowners to install flood barriers.

    “What we can actually accomplish in the near mid and long term is infrastructure improvements,” he said. “Whether that be stormwater, whether that be seawalls.”

    Batdorf said he realizes there are big challenges with his idea from jurisdictional, funding and environmental.

    “I think it’s going to be the State of Florida and the federal government that are going to have to come in and do the engineering and frankly, pay for it,” he said. “FEMA’s paying out billions of dollars in claims, there’s money available to stop paying those claims.”

    “There are going to be environmental concerns and I get that it’s going to disturb the environment by installing it,” he added. “But I think it’s going to enhance the environment for sea life. Once it’s built, becomes a natural reef.”

    Batdorf points out Tampa General Hospital and the City of St. Petersburg have purchased an Aqua Fence to prevent flooding and he wants to do the same for residents on a much larger scale.

    “This idea is just common sense. If there’s a wall of water coming in, you put something up to stop it from coming in,” he said. “You see all these other entities putting up barriers to keep water out. Here’s a barrier to keep it out of everybody’s home.”

    Batdorf has announced he’s going to run in the St. Petersburg mayor’s race but has not yet officially filed.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Poll: Ohio voters support local library services, funding

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    OHIO — A recent poll released by the Ohio Library Council shows that a majority of Ohio voters support local library services and the funding to keep them going. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Through Public Opinion Strategies, the poll included interviews with 800 registered Ohio voters in addition to an oversample to reach a total of 496 township residents

    • More than 90% say public libraries are important to their local community 

    • OLC noted that if an amendment abolishing property tax passes, it’s likely libraries will lose out on a large chunk of funding, resulting in the loss of resources

    Through Public Opinion Strategies, the poll included interviews with 800 registered Ohio voters in addition to an oversample to reach a total of 496 township residents. The margin of error on the 800 sample of voters is +/- 3.95%, and for the township sample is +/- 5.02%.

    The OLC noted that across Ohio, public libraries rely on locally approved property tax levies. Those tax levies account for more than half of their overall funding across the state. 

    Recently, a constitutional amendment was proposed to eliminate property taxes statewide, which could begin as early as 2027 if passed. The amendment was proposed by “Citizens for Property Tax Reform,” and the group is currently gathering signatures for the November ballot.

    OLC said since no other funding source has been identified, it’s likely public libraries would lose out on a large amount of funding. Other consequences could include reductions in hours and potential branch closures, weakened community partnerships and the loss of local control. 

    The poll, conducted in January, found the following:

    • 92% say public libraries are important to their local community 
    • 87% say they get their money’s worth from library services for the taxes they pay
    • 87% believe they get their money’s worth in services from their local libraries for the taxes they pay, including 83% of Republicans, 85% of Independents and 93% of Democrats
    • 71% believe libraries provide many of the most basic services people rely on in their daily lives
    • 69% can recall a specific time their library helped them personally
    • 64% say they or a family member used a library service within the past few months
    • Residents consistently ranked libraries among the highest-rated local public services

    OLC said an independent analysis also showed that $1 invested in Ohio’s public libraries returns more than $4 in value to residents and more than $3 billion in direct economic impact statewide.

    “They are locally supported, widely used and deeply trusted,” OLC wrote in a statement. “Protecting them means protecting the local services residents rely on.”

    To read more about the poll, click here.

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Douglas County adopts law requiring stores to report theft — but drops fines for failing to do so

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    Douglas County commissioners passed a measure Tuesday that requires hundreds of retail stores in unincorporated parts of the county to file a report with law enforcement when thieves rip them off.

    But unlike an initial version of the law that was made public in December, the county will levy no fines on retailers for failing to do so — instead leaving any decision about punishment to a local court.

    The first version of the law called for fines of $50, and all the way up to $1,000, for businesses that failed to report a crime. That caused some unease in the business community that Douglas County was overreaching.

    Commissioner Abe Laydon said during the business meeting Tuesday that the ordinance was not meant to punish retailers but to keep the community safe.

    “This is the most prosperous county in the state of Colorado — we don’t want us to become a target for organized crime,” he said. “When we tolerate organized retail theft, we normalize lawlessness.”

    The latest rendition of the ordinance increased the time — from 24 hours to 96 hours — that businesses will have to report a theft. It also allows a retailer to report a crime via an online form rather than have police called to the scene.

    That was enough to allay concerns from Chris Howes, the president of the Colorado Retail Council. In an attempt to make the measure more palatable to local businesses, he said his organization had some “fruitful discussions” with the county after the law was first unveiled.

    “We don’t feel it punishes retail,” he said. “The focus on retail crime is overall going to be a benefit to us.”

    District Attorney George Brauchler said he wants to get the message across that “we do not tolerate thieves.”

    “If you come here to steal from us, plan on staying,” he said in a statement Tuesday. “Business owners and citizens alike should know that we will continue to protect their property rights.”

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  • Anna Maria City Pier set for comeback after $2 million county approval

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County commissioners have approved a grant of up to $2 million to help rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier. In total, it’s a $7 to $8 million project.

    Anna Maria City Mayor Mark Short said right now, the city is paying for the work, but will soon receive money from FEMA, the state and the county.

    Members of the community can’t contain their anticipation for when the rebuilt pier will be complete.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County commissioners approved a grant of up to $2 million to help rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier — part of a $7 to $8 million total project
    • The mayor says the pier is coming back stronger built with solid cement pilings and reinforced connections designed to better withstand major storms
    • Local business owners and residents say the pier is a vital landmark and gathering place, and its return will boost both community spirit and local businesses

    Kitchen Manager Michael Rain has been working at The Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria for 17 years.

    “I love it,” he said. “Love the people I get to meet that work here. They’re fun.”

    What wasn’t fun, he said, was dealing with the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Right across the street from his restaurant, the iconic Anna Maria City Pier was significantly damaged.

    But now it’s being rebuilt, with help from the Manatee County commissioners’ grant.

    The pier is special to many people in the community, including Rain.

    “I grew up coming out here visiting my cousin, fishing on the pier. So that’ll be exciting,” he said.

    He says a rebuilt pier will also be good for business.

    “I believe so, especially locals from in town,” he said. “You get to come out and it gives them just one more thing to do while out here.”

    Short said they’re not just rebuilding the pier, but it is coming back stronger than ever.

    Short said the walkway this time around is being built with solid cement pilings. The prior walkway, built after Hurricane Irma, was constructed with precast pilings that had a hole in the middle. In addition, they will all be connected by cement bents and stringers.

    He said they’re focused on making this new pier more resilient than the last.

    “Now, there’s never a guarantee,” Short said, adding the rebuilt pier is on track to be completed by the end of the year. “We do believe that this walkway will survive a significant storm.”

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Surplus food from the St. Pete Grand Prix to be distributed to those in need

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — With the festivities around the St. Pete Grand Prix come a lot of food, but not all of it gets prepared and served.

    That’s where Positive Impact St. Pete steps in. They’ll be taking the surplus food and getting it to those in need.

    Executive Director Karen Rae said that before the partnership, much of the food her organization now collects would have been thrown away.

    “It’s such a blessing to be able to take food that otherwise would go to waste and provide it to our neighbors who may not have food on their dinner tables if not for this partnership,” she said.

    Rae said this is the third year they’ll collect the extra food and that they’ll be able to serve hundreds more families than they’re typically able to in the immediate days after the race.

    Still, she hopes the community understands the need is constant.

    “It’s one of our biggest weekends, but food insecurity affects families year-round,” she said. “So we are out here every single week, year-round, ensuring our neighbors have groceries.”

    This is a relationship Rae hopes continues for many years to come.

    The organization distributes food every weekend at Tangerine Plaza in St. Pete.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Why is the US threatening Anthropic?

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    Tension over military access and safety limits U.S. defense officials and lawmakers have escalated pressure on Anthropic, a developer of the Claude AI models, demanding greater access for military use and warning of consequences if the company does not make changes. The dispute centers on a clash…

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  • How did Martin Short’s daughter die?

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    A sudden, tragic loss and immediate fallout

    Martin Short’s only daughter, Katherine, died by an apparent suicide at age 42. Authorities responding to the scene indicated the wound appeared to be self‑inflicted, and dispatch audio released publicly shows first responders treating the incident as such. Katherine had struggled with mental‑health issues in recent years; reporting notes she used a service dog to assist with those challenges.

    The actor’s family issued a brief statement expressing profound grief, and colleagues and friends have poured out tributes. Within hours of the announcement, scheduled public appearances tied to Short — notably a comedy show with longtime collaborator Steve Martin — were postponed as the family and the performer began to process the loss.

    Why this matters beyond the family
    This is a high‑profile reminder of the real and complex toll that mental illness can take, even on people with access to care and public support. The combination of an unexpected death, a widely known entertainer in mourning, and details about prior mental‑health struggles has prompted renewed public conversation about suicide prevention, access to services, and the pressures faced by families of those who live with psychiatric conditions.

    Immediate consequences and public response
    – A wave of tributes from fellow actors and industry figures.
    – Postponement of live events connected to Short.
    – Renewed media attention on mental‑health resources and suicide prevention.

    It’s still unclear whether all aspects of Katherine’s care and supports were in place in the days before her death, and the family has asked for privacy as they grieve. The broader reaction—public sympathy, industry pauses, and calls for attention to mental‑health services—underscores how celebrity tragedies can refocus national attention on prevention and support systems.

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  • Army pilot wounded in Maduro raid gets Congressional Medal of Honor during State of the Union

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    WASHINGTON — A helicopter pilot wounded in the raid that captured then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro received the Congressional Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday evening.

    Trump said Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, who appeared using a walker, was the pilot of the lead CH-47 Chinook helicopter that descended on the “heavily protected military fortress” that held Maduro during a raid that, while successful, left seven U.S. service members with gunshot wounds and shrapnel-related injuries.

    President Trump honors National Guard members shot in Washington at State of the Union

    “While preparing to land, enemy machine guns fired from every angle, and Eric was hit very badly in the leg and hip, one bullet after another,” Trump said, adding that Slover “absorbed four agonizing shots, shredding his leg into numerous pieces.”

    Months of covert planning led to the brazen operation that plunged the South American country’s capital into darkness as troops infiltrated Maduro’s home and whisked him to the United States to face drug trafficking charges.

    Trump’s description of Slover’s actions that night offer a new, detailed glimpse into the military action that has been largely shrouded in secrecy since it was carried out in the early hours of Jan. 3.

    As Slover prepared to land his helicopter, he was confronted with “two machine gunners who escaped the wrath of the previous planes,” according to Trump.

    “Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of those lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eliminate the threat,” Trump said, “saving the lives of his fellow warriors from what could have been a catastrophic crash deep in enemy territory.”

    The president said “the success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Eric’s ability to take searing pain.”

    Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of Joint Special Operations Command, presented Slover with the Medal of Honor in the gallery overlooking the House chamber.

    Slover was in his dress uniform and used a walker to steady himself. Trump said the soldier was still recovering from his wounds.

    Trump also said 10 other service members who took part in the operation will be receiving medals at a private ceremony soon to be held at the White House.

    In addition to Slover, Trump also presented the Medal of Honor to retired Capt. E. Royce Williams, a Navy pilot who shot down multiple Soviet jets during the Korean War, upgrading his existing award of a Navy Cross.

    Trump called the 100-year-old former fighter pilot “one of the last living legends.”

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    Konstantin Toropin

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  • Polk County receives federal funding for Kathleen Road extension

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Planning is moving forward on the long-awaited Kathleen Road extension in Lakeland.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County continues to plan the extension and widening of Kathleen Road in Lakeland to US 98

    • For years, drivers have been hoping for an extension of Kathleen Road to relieve traffic congestion

    • A new U.S. House appropriations bill now includes $3 million to complete the design and permitting process for the extension project


    Residents say it is needed as the area continues to grow.

    “Well, we’ve been hearing about 15-20 years, that they were going to go four lanes,” said Marie Yale, owner of K&K Nursery, located just off of Kathleen Road.

    Kathleen Road is a north-south route through north Lakeland. Much of the road is two lanes.

    For years, drivers have been hoping for a widening and extension of Kathleen Road to U.S. 98 to relieve traffic congestion.

    That was especially the case when construction at the new Fox Branch Ranch development started in 2024.

    A new U.S. House appropriations bill now includes $3 million to complete the design and permitting process for the extension project. Polk County officials confirmed they are receiving those funds.

    Rep. Laurel Lee (R, FL-15) said in the funding request, “This is needed to reduce congestion on an already failing roadway. The State would receive a substantial benefit from the widening and extension of this roadway to the north,” according to her website.

    Yale is hopeful it will help as long as construction doesn’t impact her business.

    “I would hope they would take us into consideration to help people get to us so that we can stay in business,” Yale said.

    Polk County officials confirmed the project is still in the planning phase. Construction likely won’t start for another three or four years, but officials say the federal funding helps move it forward. The project is also in the county’s long term transportation plan.

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    Tim Wronka

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