Category: News
Misión diplomática de Cuba abandona Ecuador tras ser declarada “non grata”
Associated Press
QUITO (AP) — La misión diplomática de Cuba en Ecuador abandonó el viernes el país al cumplirse el plazo de 48 horas otorgado por el gobierno de Daniel Noboa para que salieran, luego de declarar al embajador y a su delegación como personas “non grata”.
Antes de la salida del personal diplomático, la bandera cubana fue retirada de la embajada ubicada en el norte de Quito.
El Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Cuba confirmó el viernes en un comunicado que su embajada en la capital ecuatoriana “cesa sus funciones como sede diplomática”, por la “imposibilidad de mantener una representación” en el país andino.
Reiteró que lamenta “la acción unilateral e inamistosa” del gobierno de Ecuador que atenta, dijo, contra relaciones bilaterales históricas.
Ecuador declaró el miércoles “persona no grata” al embajador cubano Basilio Antonio Gutiérrez y a su personal diplomático sin exponer los motivos, en una acción que Cuba calificó de “arbitraria e injustificada”.
El presidente cubano Miguel Díaz-Canel cuestionó lo que llamó un gesto “hostil” producto de una “política de clara sumisión de Ecuador a intereses imperiales” de Estados Unidos.
Mientras que Noboa se limitó a reprochar que personal de la misión quemara papeles en la terraza de la embajada en Quito en lugar de enviarlos por valija diplomática.
La decisión de Ecuador se produjo pocos días antes del encuentro entre el presidente estadounidense Donald Trump y varios mandatarios latinoamericanos de tendencia conservadora, entre los cuales figura Noboa.
También ocurre en medio de la presión de Estados Unidos a los países que vendan petróleo a la isla, a la que Trump calificó de “nación fallida”. La tensión con Cuba aumentó tras la captura del exmandatario venezolano Nicolás Maduro, un estrecho aliado de la isla, durante una operación militar estadounidense en Caracas a inicios de enero.
Ecuador ha dejado en claro en los últimos días su cercanía con la administración estadounidense al lanzar operativos conjuntos de lucha contra el narcotráfico.
El país andino enfrentó otro conflicto diplomático en 2024 luego de México rompió las relaciones bilaterales por la irrupción de la policía ecuatoriana a su embajada en Quito. Actualmente mantiene una crisis comercial con Colombia.
Nuevo proceso de reembolsos arancelarios estaría listo en 45 días, dice funcionario
Por MAE ANDERSON
NUEVA YORK (AP) — Los funcionarios del gobierno están cada vez más cerca de concretar un proceso de reembolso para los cientos de miles de empresas que pagaron aranceles que ahora se consideran ilegales.
En un escrito presentado el viernes ante el Tribunal de Comercio Internacional, Brandon Lord, director ejecutivo de la dirección de política comercial y programas de la Oficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza (CBP, por sus siglas en inglés), señaló que el organismo ya trabaja en un nuevo sistema que simplificará el proceso. Indicó que debería estar listo en 45 días y requerirá “una presentación mínima (de documentos) por parte de los importadores”.
El escrito se presenta después de que un juez ordenara al gobierno el miércoles que comience a devolver a todos los importadores los aranceles ilegales que pagaron —con intereses. El juez Richard Eaton, del Tribunal de Comercio Internacional, escribió que “todos los importadores registrados” tienen “derecho a beneficiarse” del fallo de la Corte Suprema que anuló los amplios impuestos a la importación de dos dígitos que el presidente Donald Trump estableció el año pasado en virtud de la Ley de Poderes Económicos de Emergencia Internacional de 1977 (IEEPA, por sus siglas en inglés).
Eaton tendría que aprobar el proceso antes de que avance.
En el escrito, Lord indicó que, hasta el 4 de marzo, más de 330.000 importadores han realizado en total más de 53 millones de registros ante la CBP y pagaron alrededor de 166.000 millones de dólares en aranceles que ahora deben reembolsarse.
El funcionario calculó que, con el sistema actual, los reembolsos tardarían más de 4,4 millones de horas-hombre en completarse, y que no es viable hacer que todos los empleados se dediquen al proceso de reembolso a tiempo completo, porque “las otras funciones y responsabilidades de la CBP se verían gravemente interrumpidas y la agencia no podría seguir cumpliendo adecuadamente su misión, incluido su mandato de protección de ingresos y sus funciones vitales de seguridad nacional”.
Pero afirmó que la agencia confía en poder desarrollar e implementar un nuevo proceso que agilice y consolide los reembolsos y los pagos de intereses. El sistema debería estar listo en 45 días, manifestó.
“Este nuevo proceso requerirá una presentación mínima (de documentos) por parte de los importadores”, escribió. “También minimizará los errores al garantizar cálculos precisos de reembolsos de la IEEPA mediante validaciones del sistema y al permitir un periodo de revisión para que la CBP resuelva cualquier discrepancia con el importador y confirme que no existan otros asuntos de cumplimiento pendientes o que no se adeuden ingresos”.
Lord también señaló que, desde el 6 de febrero, la CBP solo emite reembolsos de forma electrónica, pero la mayoría de los importadores no ha terminado de inscribirse en el sistema electrónico. De los 330.566 importadores que pagaron aranceles, solo 21.423 han completado el proceso de configuración para recibir sus reembolsos electrónicamente.
“Hasta que los importadores completen el proceso para recibir reembolsos electrónicamente, los reembolsos serán rechazados”, indicó.
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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Business news: New Valpo Parks director and Gary schools security director
New Parks Director named in Valparaiso
Tristan Leonhard has been named Parks Director for Valparaiso by Mayor Jon Costas, according to a release.
Leonhard, who joined the department in 2023, most recently served as Acting Director and previously as Assistant Director for the parks. Since joining Valpo Parks, Leonhard has played a key role in advancing major initiatives, including the $10 million Parks RePLAY initiative and the development of Valpo REC, which is transforming the 16-acre former McGill factory site into a multi-generational recreation and enrichment center near downtown, the release said.
Leonhard holds both a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in sports administration from Valparaiso University.
Valparaiso Park Board members Tim Warner, Mark Hardwick, Martin Sonnenberg, Crystal Cartwright and Matt Vessely of 1st Source Bank, Park Director Tristan Leonhard, Valpo Park Board members Vice President Don Clark, Kay Magnetti, President Kevin Cornett and Chuck Gleason of Valparaiso Parks Foundation were on hand for the renaming announcement. (Photo provided by Valpo Parks)
Valparaiso park amphitheater renamed in 10-year partnership
Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso will now be known as the 1st Source Bank Amphitheater, a release said.
Valpo Parks recently announced 1st Source Bank as the official amphitheater naming rights partner, securing the naming rights for a 10-year period, reinforcing the long-standing commitment and relationship between 1st Source Bank and the Valparaiso community, the release said.
The partnership ensures that the amphitheater at Central Park Plaza and downtown Valparaiso remain a vibrant hub for culture, entertainment and community events for the next decade, the release said.
Gary Schools appoints security director
The Gary Community School Corp. recently announced the appointment of Gregory L. Fayson as the district’s new Director of Security.
With more than 24 years of service in law enforcement, Fayson, who recently retired from the Gary Police Department, brings experience in crisis response, youth advocacy, mental health awareness and community partnership to the district’s leadership team, according to a release.
As Director of Security, Fayson will oversee district-wide safety protocols, emergency preparedness and security personnel coordination while working closely with school leaders, local law enforcement and community stakeholders, the release said.
Chair elected for NWI Influential Women Association
The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association recently elected Aida Abuelizam, Director of Customer Experience and Technology Engagement at NiSource, as Chair of the NWIIWA Board of Directors.
Abuelizam has been an active NWIIWA member, currently serving as co-chair of the organization’s mentorship program, a release said. In her current position with NiSource, she drives enterprise-wide initiatives that strengthen customer-centricity and accelerate digital transformation. She holds an MBA from Indiana University Northwest and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Physician joins Franciscan in Crown Point
Family medicine physician Dr. Julie Mora is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Crown Point.
Mora earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, a release said. She completed her residency in family medicine at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois. In addition to English, Mora is also fluent in Spanish.
She is accepting new patients for in-person visits at the Franciscan Physician Network Crown Point Health Center at Franciscan Point, located at 12800 Mississippi Parkway. Virtual visits are also available. Call 219-663-7000.
Mrvan announces conversations schedule
U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, has announced his Community Conversations to be held in Chesterton and St. John on March 9.
According to a release, meetings are set for 2-3 p.m. at Chesterton Town Hall, Community Room, 726 Broadway, Chesterton; and from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the VFW Auxiliary Post 717, 10400 W. 93rd Ave., St. John.
Franciscan Michigan City plans suicide prevention course
Franciscan Health Michigan City is presenting a free suicide prevention course in March.
The entry-level question, persuade and refer, or QPR Suicide Prevention Course, aims to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training, a release said.
Franciscan Health Michigan City is presenting the course from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 31, at the Franciscan Health Michigan City Legacy Campus, 301 W. Homer St.
The course is free, but registration is required by March 24. To register and for more information, contact Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Coordinator Nila Williams at Nila.Williams@franciscanalliance.org.
CLH honors employees with awards
CLH, CPAs & Consultants of Michigan City recently named the 12 recipients of its 2025 R.I.K.I. Spotlight Award, a yearlong employee recognition program designed to celebrate team members, according to a release.
The R.I.K.I. Spotlight program encourages employees to model CLH’s principles — Relationships, Integrity, Knowledge and Innovation. Throughout the year, CLH staff members are invited each month to nominate one colleague who demonstrates the firm’s core values. The 2025 R.I.K.I. Spotlight Award winners are: Seth Bedwell, Senior Accountant; Mackenzie McVay, Administrative Team; Sharon Staback, Administrative Team; Audrey Klibinski, Administrative Team; Kayla Gentry, Staff Accountant; Audrey Byers, Administrative Team; Edward Simokaitis, Manager; Adam Lange, Staff Accountant; Reid Schroeder, Staff Accountant; Alexia Perez, Manager; Ryin Ott, Staff Accountant; and Seth Stemper, Staff Accountant.
Local voice added to state nominating commission
Gov. Mike Braun recently announced new appointments to various state boards and commissions.
Locally, Heather Delgado, of Barnes and Thornburg, was appointed to Judicial Nominating Commission for the Superior Court of Lake County, a release said
Fuentes AP: Rusia dio información a Irán que puede ayudar a Teherán a atacar fuerzas de EEUU
Por SEUNG MIN KIM y AAMER MADHANI
WASHINGTON (AP) — Rusia ha proporcionado a Irán información que podría ayudar a Teherán a atacar buques de guerra estadounidenses, aeronaves y otros activos en la región, según dos funcionarios familiarizados con la inteligencia de Estados Unidos sobre el asunto.
Las personas, que no estaban autorizadas a comentar públicamente sobre el tema delicado y hablaron bajo condición de anonimato, advirtieron que la inteligencia de Estados Unidos no ha descubierto que Rusia esté indicando a Irán qué hacer con la información.
Aun así, es la primera señal de que Moscú ha buscado involucrarse en la guerra que Estados Unidos e Israel lanzaron contra Irán hace una semana. Rusia forma parte del reducido grupo de países que mantiene relaciones amistosas con Teherán, que ha enfrentado años de aislamiento por su programa nuclear y su apoyo a grupos aliados que han causado estragos en Oriente Medio, incluidos el grupo político-paramilitar Hezbollah, Hamás y los hutíes.
La Casa Blanca restó importancia a los reportes de que Rusia estaba compartiendo inteligencia con Irán sobre objetivos de Estados Unidos en la región. La secretaria de prensa de la Casa Blanca, Karoline Leavitt, dijo a los periodistas el viernes que “claramente no está marcando ninguna diferencia con respecto a las operaciones militares en Irán porque los estamos diezmando por completo”.
Leavitt se negó a decir si Trump había hablado con el presidente ruso Vladímir Putin sobre el supuesto intercambio de inteligencia o si creía que Rusia debería enfrentar repercusiones, y señaló que dejará que sea el mismo Trump quien aborde el tema.
Al ser consultado sobre si Rusia irá más allá del apoyo político y ofrecerá asistencia militar a Irán, el portavoz del Kremlin, Dmitri Peskov, afirmó que no ha habido ninguna solicitud de ese tipo por parte de Teherán.
“Estamos en diálogo con la parte iraní, con representantes del liderazgo iraní, y sin duda continuaremos este diálogo”, manifestó el viernes.
Ante la insistencia sobre si Moscú ha proporcionado alguna asistencia militar o de inteligencia a Teherán desde el inicio de la guerra con Irán, evitó hacer comentarios.
Rusia estrechó su relación con Irán al tiempo que buscaba urgentemente misiles y drones para utilizar en su guerra de cuatro años en Ucrania.
El gobierno del entonces presidente estadounidense Joe Biden desclasificó conclusiones de inteligencia que mostraban que Irán suministra a Moscú drones de ataque y ha ayudado al Kremlin a construir una fábrica de drones.
El anterior gobierno de Estados Unidos también acusó a Irán de transferir misiles balísticos de corto alcance a Rusia para su guerra en Ucrania.
The Washington Post fue el primer medio en reportar los detalles sobre la inteligencia de Estados Unidos.
Cuando se le preguntó si la revelación había sacudido la confianza de Trump en la capacidad de Putin para concretar algún acuerdo de paz en la guerra entre Rusia y Ucrania, Leavitt respondió: “Creo que el presidente dirá que la paz sigue siendo un objetivo alcanzable con respecto a la guerra entre Rusia y Ucrania”.
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Los periodistas de The Associated Press Vladimir Isachenkov en Moscú y Michelle L. Price en Washington contribuyeron a este despacho.
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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Nearly 20,000 Americans Have Safely Returned Home From The Mid-East: State Dept
Nearly 20,000 Americans Have Safely Returned Home From The Mid-East: State Dept
Authored by Naveen Athrappully via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),
Nearly 20,000 U.S. citizens have returned safely from the Middle East since Feb. 28, when the Iran conflict broke out, Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary at the Bureau of Global Public Affairs, said in a March 5 statement.
“These figures do not include the many Americans who have safely relocated to other countries or those who have departed the Middle East but are still in transit back to the United States,” Johnson said. “At the direction of Secretary [Marco] Rubio, Department of State charter flight and ground transportation operations are underway and will continue to ramp up with additional flights and ground transports taking place today.”
“Through the State Department’s 24/7 Task Force, we have assisted over 10,000 Americans abroad, including offering security guidance and travel assistance. The State Department will continue to actively assist any American citizen abroad, who wishes to depart the Middle East, to do so.”
Johnson highlighted that the department has set up an online Crisis Intake form for Americans residing in Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.
U.S. citizens completing the form will receive information about upcoming ground transportation and charter aviation options. Americans in the Middle East can contact the State Department at +1-202-501-4444 for assistance.
In a March 5 post on X, the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs said that in the UAE, limited commercial flights are currently operating out of international airports in the country.
“Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed ticket and have been explicitly advised by their airline to do so. There are overland routes to Oman and Saudi Arabia where commercial options to depart the region are operating, but there are reports of congestion,” the bureau said.
In Qatar, the airspace and maritime routes remain closed, but the Salwa land border crossing into Saudi Arabia is currently open, the bureau said.
In Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, the Ben Gurion Airport was scheduled to reopen on March 5 for limited inbound flights, according to a post on X by the agency.
However, “we have no information yet on when outbound flights may become available,” it said. “There are overland routes to Taba, Egypt, where commercial options to depart the region are operating. Americans should strongly consider departing on one of these overland routes if they believe it is safe to do so.”
Americans in Oman should consider leaving as some flights are departing from the nation’s international airports, the bureau said.
According to data from aviation analytics company Cirium, almost 25,000 of the approximately 44,000 flights scheduled to fly in and out of the Middle East between Saturday and Thursday have been canceled.
Firepower to ‘Surge Dramatically’
The Iran conflict, now in its sixth day on Thursday, began after U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes against Tehran on Feb. 28.
Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, said Thursday that strikes on the Iranian Navy have “intensified.”
U.S. forces have, to date, sunk more than 30 of Iran’s ships, including “an Iranian drone carrier ship roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier,” Cooper said.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Thursday that firepower over Iran was about to “surge dramatically.”
“When we say more to come, it’s more fighter squadrons, it’s more capabilities, it’s more defensive capabilities,” Hegseth said. “And it’s more bomber pulses more frequently.”
In an update on the war, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the Israeli army’s chief of the General Staff, said 60 percent of Iran’s missile launchers have been taken out, with 40 percent remaining intact. In addition, 80 percent of Tehran’s air defenses have also been neutralized.
“The threat has not yet been removed. Every missile is lethal and poses a danger,” Zamir said. “We are now moving to the next phase of the operation. In this phase, we will further dismantle the regime and its military capabilities. We have additional surprises ahead that I do not intend to disclose.”
On Thursday, a war powers resolution against Operation Epic Fury failed to pass the House by a vote of 212-219. The resolution aimed to impose guardrails on the United States’ ongoing military operations in Iran. On March 4, the measure failed to pass in the Senate.
After the House vote, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.), speaker of the House, said the United States was conducting a “limited operation” in Iran that is “limited in scope and duration.”
“We are not at war. We have no intention of being at war,” Johnson said, adding that the U.S. mission against Iran was “nearly accomplished.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Tyler Durden
Fri, 03/06/2026 – 14:40
Funeral for Rev. Jesse Jackson draws former presidents, throngs of Chicagoans to send off civil rights icon
A crescendo of voices from the worlds of religion, politics, business, sports and entertainment converged Friday at the South Side’s House of Hope, providing a requiem to the vast reach of the leadership, inspiration and teachings that made the Rev. Jesse Jackson a national civil rights icon.
More than 1,000 people attended the public celebration of life ceremony for Jackson, including former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, who were accompanied by former first ladies Jill Biden and Hillary Rodham Clinton, as well as Gov. JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas and Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts.
Watch live: Rev. Jesse Jackson’s homegoing service in Chicago
Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson was set to perform “A Change Is Gonna Come” and gospel singers Benjamin “Bebe” Winans and his older brother, Marvin Winans, contributed to the hourslong music-filled event.
Jackson, a Baptist minister whose charismatic rhetoric made him a key leader in the nation’s civil rights movement for more than six decades — picking up the baton of civil justice and equality left by the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — as well as a two-time contender for the Democratic nomination for president, died Feb. 17 at age 84.
A private homegoing service, set to include a special musical tribute by Stevie Wonder, will conclude the memorials for Jackson on Saturday.
Religion and politics often mixed throughout the ceremony with speakers frequently citing Jackson’s mantras of “I am somebody” and “Keep hope alive” as a counterbalance to the turbulent, divided political times under President Donald Trump.
The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III of the South Side’s Trinity United Church of Christ called Jackson a “Son of the South, practitioner of good trouble and acolyte of holy mischief” who was a “spiritual artist who painted upon the canvas of democracy with a rainbow coalition of colors that had been marginalized by antebellum myths that dismissed human dignity.”
“May we honor him by daring to keep hope alive? May we honor him by daring to speak truth to power? May we honor him by daring to call out corruption, moral malfeasance, political narcissism, autocratic action, authoritarian behavior and cult-like oligarch spirits masquerading as civic duty?” Moss said. “We offer these prayers of farewell this day and all those who gather in this space, who seek to keep hope alive and know you are somebody may say, ‘Amen.’”
The Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina Catholic Church in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, referenced the Trump movement, saying “While some proclaim ‘Make America Great Again,’” Jackson “fought to make America achieve the greatness that she promised but always fell short of.”
“Jackson not only called us to keep hope alive, but showed us what hope looked like every day,” Pfleger said.
Johnson delivered a rousing sermon-like tribute that recounted a visit he made with Jackson to the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, the site of violent police action against peaceful protesters in 1965 seeking voting rights. He said Jackson understood the bridge was a metaphor for “what’s waiting for us on the other side.”
“We are in the midst of a choice to choose hope over despair, light over darkness, love over hate, because he knew there was too much to gain on the other side of the bridge,” Johnson said.
“On the other side of the bridge, affordable housing as a human right. On the other side of the bridge, health care for all. On the other side of the bridge, safe and affordable cities, accessible transportation, finally, fully funding our public education system,” he said as the crowd jumped to its feet. “It is time to cross the bridge, to build an economy that works for all, Black, brown, white, Asian, young, old. It is time for the ultra rich to pay their fair share in taxes. … Reverend, you cross your bridge. We know our assignment. We’ll see you on the other side.”
Family of Rev. Jesse Jackson honors legacy of civil rights icon
Pritzker said that for Jackson, “each day, each day, was a new opportunity to bring justice in a too often unjust world.”
“Now to the world, Jesse Jackson was an ambassador of hope for the oppressed, who met with kings and queens and presidents and dictators and clergy of all the great religions, but here in Chicago, he was our neighbor. He was our friend,” the state’s two-term Democratic governor said.
“He was politically connected. He knew he shared an affliction common to all those in this room. He loved the political game all the way to the end, and while we know that we shared him with the whole world, Rev. Jackson belonged to Chicago, and Chicago belonged to him. He was ours and we were his,” Pritzker said.
Also in attendance was former Vice President Kamala Harris, the unsuccessful 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, as well as California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland, who, like Pritzker, are considered potential contenders for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.
Actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry was also in attendance along with television’s Judge Greg Mathis. Mr. T, who was wearing clothing displaying the American flag, said, “I’m here to honor the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the preacher’s preacher.”
Donna David of Burnham said she woke up at 5:30 a.m. to attend the services. Usually part of the church’s choir, she said she wanted to sit in the audience to take in the event.
“My father raised me under the mantra, ‘I Am Somebody.’ I carry that around in my spirit,” she said. “We got enough of everything else out here, but we don’t have enough love and togetherness. That’s what he stood for.”
Videos of Jackson attending conventions, rallies and protests were shared on the screen inside the sanctuary and a photo montage played on a loop showing Jackson with notables including presidents, sports stars and entertainers. They were interspersed with black and white images of the Jackson family through the years — with wife Jacqueline at his side.
Jotaka Eaddy, social impact strategist, founder/CEO of Full Circle Strategies, and creator of the #WinWithBlackWomen collective, said it was special “to honor such a giant.”
“When I think about Rev. Jackson, I think about how he moved through the world. He went all over the world but never forgot where he came from,” she said.
Conrad Coleman of Kankakee County brought his 6-year-old son Terrell to the event to witness history. He said his son may not feel the impact now, but will remember that his father brought him to something so memorable. Kamila Whitman of Oak Park brought her 12-year-old son Brian for the same reason.
Jackson was born and raised in South Carolina and it was during his attendance at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College in Greensboro that he launched his role in the growing civil rights movement of the early 1960s when he helped lead local demonstrations and sit-ins with a goal of integrating public institutions.
It was during his time at the Chicago Theological Seminary that Jackson organized students to take part in protests in Selma, Alabama, where he met King, joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and became a King protege.
In Chicago, he opened the SCLC’s Operation Breadbasket with the aim of encouraging Black employment and entrepreneurship using pickets and boycotts as negotiating tools.
It was after King’s assasination on the balcony of the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis in 1968 that Jackson rose to national attention in seeking to become the civil right’s leader’s successor. In 1971, he split with the SCLC’s leadership and launched Operation PUSH, organizing boycotts against national firms as he also looked to raise his personal visibility with an eye toward politics.
His efforts to free a Navy pilot who was shot down in Syria in 1983 helped feed attention to his first presidential bid in 1984 where he sought to lead a “Rainbow Coalition” of disaffected racial and ethnic voters as well as rural residents and backers of gay rights and other progressive causes. Written off initially as a fringe candidate, he finished third for the nomination behind Vice President Walter Mondale and Colorado Sen. Gary Hart.
Four years later, Jackson was back, his earlier run having given his candidacy for president credibility, finishing second behind nominee Michael Dukakis and ahead of future nominee Al Gore and future President Biden.
Jackson played an international troubleshooting role for Clinton, serving as a special overseas envoy.
In later life, Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017 and in April of last year, he was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, a neurological disorder.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/06/funeral-rev-jesse-jackson/
ICE arresta a reportera de noticias en español en Tennessee
Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, EE.UU. (AP) — Agentes del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés) arrestaron a una reportera de un medio de noticias en español en Tennessee, pero los agentes no tenían una orden judicial, según documentos judiciales presentados esta semana por su abogado.
Una presentación judicial hecha el viernes por el ICE refuta la afirmación de que la reportera fue arrestada sin una orden.
Estefany Rodriguez Flores, reportera del medio de noticias en español Nashville Noticias que ha realizado reportajes que critican al ICE, fue arrestada el miércoles durante una parada de tráfico y se encuentra detenida por la división de operaciones de ejecución y deportación del ICE, según documentos presentados ante una corte federal en Nashville. Sus abogados pidieron su liberación inmediata, pero el ICE solicitó a un juez que deniegue la petición.
Rodriguez, ciudadana colombiana, ingresó de manera legal a Estados Unidos y ha vivido en ese país durante los últimos cinco años, muestran los registros judiciales presentados por su abogado. Tiene un permiso de trabajo válido y ha solicitado asilo político y un estatus legal a través de su esposo, quien es ciudadano estadounidense.
Rodriguez estaba con su esposo en un vehículo identificado de Nashville Noticias cuando fue rodeado por varios otros vehículos y ella fue llevada a un centro de detención, reportó el medio en un comunicado.
El ICE no respondió de momento a una solicitud de comentarios.
El ICE programó una reunión con Rodriguez sobre su caso, pero se reprogramó dos veces: la primera porque la oficina estaba cerrada durante una tormenta invernal y la segunda porque un agente no pudo encontrar su cita en el sistema, señalaron sus abogados en documentos judiciales.
Luego se fijó una nueva reunión para el 17 de marzo.
Cuando fue arrestada, a Rodriguez no se le mostró ninguna orden de arresto, sólo un documento de inmigración que le indicaba que se presentara ante el ICE. Su abogado, Joel Coxander, habló con un agente del ICE que indicó que no había una orden de arresto en su contra en el momento de su detención, según sus abogados en documentos judiciales.
Sin embargo, una presentación judicial de un abogado del ICE aseveró que se emitió una orden de arresto válida para Rodriguez el lunes y que su visa que la autorizaba a permanecer en Estados Unidos había vencido. La presentación sostuvo que su arresto y detención “no violan ninguna ley ni reglamento”.
Rodriguez se incorporó a Nashville Noticias en 2022 y ha cubierto temas sociales, familiares, de salud, policiales y de inmigración, subrayó el comunicado del medio.
El comunicado señaló que ella “necesita reunirse con su hija pequeña y su esposo para continuar su proceso legal dentro del marco permitido por la ley”.
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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Vibrant murals to add ‘vitality’ to Naperville’s Block 59, developer says
Hoping to provide a sense of vibrancy and creative placemaking, Block 59 developers have hired two Chicago-area artists to design murals for their restaurants and stores.
One is intended for the side of Five Below, located next to Block 59 in the WestRidge Court shopping center, and the other will be added to the building containing the Velvet Taco, Crisp & Green and Cava restaurants.
The request to add the murals went to the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission this week because the pieces take up more than 25% of each location’s facade, exceeding the threshold in Naperville’s Citywide Building Design Guidelines.
This mural evoking natural elements has been approved for one of the new buildings in Block 59 on Route 59 at Aurora Avenue in Naperville. (Kailey Rorer/Brixmor Property Group)
City staff found no concerns but couldn’t administratively green-light the proposed artworks without commission approval.
Per city code, the unanimous approval granted by the commission is final, and the issue does not need review by the Naperville City Council.
Commissioner comments about the murals were largely positive, although there were questions related to upkeep.
“Murals are beautiful, but there is maintenance,” Commissioner Mark Wright said. “If you don’t take care of them, they can look really bad, really quick.”
Rich Dippolito, vice president of real estate development for Block 59 and WestRidge Court owner Brixmor Property Group, said his company will be responsible for all maintenance and is planning the pieces as a long-term investment.
The developers have had murals in mind for the site for years, but waited to see how Block 59 took shape before seeking approval, Dippolito said. The intent for the newly approved pieces is to create visual appeal for shoppers and diners inside the development.
Both murals are oriented internally, “so when you’re in the space, you really get the feel of it,” he said.
The design of the mural on the Velvet Taco, Crisp & Green and Cava building, created by artist Kailey Rorer, features leaves and natural elements and aims to evoke organic growth, building from the ground up.
The mural planned for Five Below, by artist Alyssa Low, incorporates icons seen in Block 59 and throughout Naperville. Elements include a dog for Block 59 tenant Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar, houses to represent Naperville’s stature as a family-friendly place, abstract shapes depicting Moser Tower and bridges along the Naperville Riverwalk, and a green, winding path connecting it all together — representing the Riverwalk itself.
The wall where the roughly 1,800-square-foot mural will be painted is brick, “so it’s not unattractive,” Dippolitio said. “But it’s kind of plain. We thought that would be a nice place to make a great statement piece and to add some vitality to the overall project.”
As developers move forward on mural creation, they’re also working to complete Block 59’s footprint, with two more buildings to be constructed — hopefully this year, Dippolito said.
The developer could bring forward ideas for more art in the future. But Planning and Zoning commissioners, including Chair Whitney Robbins, said they’re pleased with these two to start.
“I think it looks awesome,” Robbins said. “I think it’s vibrant, it’s fun. This is a family, community location, and I think this all brings it all together.”
Marie Wilson is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/06/block-59-murals-naperville-commission/
ASP Isotopes Signs MOU With Major Nuclear Operator
ASP Isotopes Signs MOU With Major Nuclear Operator
ASP Isotopes announced Thursday that its Quantum Leap Energy (QLE) subsidiary has entered “a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a large publicly traded U.S. energy company that operates nuclear power stations”.
Under the agreement, the utility will evaluate options to provide support and potential financing for QLE’s planned U.S. facilities focused on High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU), LEU+, uranium conversion and deconversion services. Discussions could also lead to long-term enriched uranium supply contracts, according to the press release. QLE’s CEO described the move as an important validation of the need for reliable domestic fuel sources ahead of the 2028 Russian uranium import ban.
We’ve been tracking ASPI’s growth closely. We spotlighted them as “The Next Nuclear Story Stock” last year after their Silicon-28 supply deal and U.S. radiopharmacy acquisition. November brought news of the QLE private placement backed by investors linked to Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. December even covered the regulatory green light for the Renergen acquisition in South Africa. We’ve also detailed the looming HALEU crunch and the 2028 ban in recent fuel-chain reports.
ASP Isotopes Jumps After Investment By Trump’s Boys https://t.co/RJkYtG3MD1
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) November 7, 2025
QLE’s Texas footprint keeps expanding. The company established their global headquarters in Austin, advanced its joint-venture plans with Fermi America (co-founded by former Energy Secretary Rick Perry) for a HALEU research and production site at the 11 GW HyperGrid campus near Pantex, and continues working with TerraPower and South Africa’s NESCA. With a former Constellation Energy executive on the board (Ralph Hunter) and Vistra already scaling its Texas nuclear fleet for AI power demand, it’s worth speculating that this partnership is in coordination with CEG or VST.
We also just covered TerraPower receiving the first NRC construction permit for a commercial-scale advanced reactor in nearly a decade. The company also signed a major agreement with Meta in January for up to eight Natrium units. These milestones directly relate to QLE’s position through their 2025 agreements, under which TerraPower is providing financing for QLE’s planned HALEU enrichment facility in South Africa and committing to long-term offtake.
Despite the growing list of partnerships, QLE has yet to enrich any uranium or break ground on any facilities for research or commercial development in the US. The pieces are falling into place for a domestic nuclear fuel renaissance, but the sector still needs actual production, not just paper commitments.
Tyler Durden
Fri, 03/06/2026 – 14:20
https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/asp-isotopes-signs-mou-major-nuclear-operator
ASP Isotopes Signs MOU With Major Nuclear Operator
ASP Isotopes Signs MOU With Major Nuclear Operator
ASP Isotopes announced Thursday that its Quantum Leap Energy (QLE) subsidiary has entered “a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a large publicly traded U.S. energy company that operates nuclear power stations”.
Under the agreement, the utility will evaluate options to provide support and potential financing for QLE’s planned U.S. facilities focused on High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU), LEU+, uranium conversion and deconversion services. Discussions could also lead to long-term enriched uranium supply contracts, according to the press release. QLE’s CEO described the move as an important validation of the need for reliable domestic fuel sources ahead of the 2028 Russian uranium import ban.
We’ve been tracking ASPI’s growth closely. We spotlighted them as “The Next Nuclear Story Stock” last year after their Silicon-28 supply deal and U.S. radiopharmacy acquisition. November brought news of the QLE private placement backed by investors linked to Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. December even covered the regulatory green light for the Renergen acquisition in South Africa. We’ve also detailed the looming HALEU crunch and the 2028 ban in recent fuel-chain reports.
ASP Isotopes Jumps After Investment By Trump’s Boys https://t.co/RJkYtG3MD1
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) November 7, 2025
QLE’s Texas footprint keeps expanding. The company established their global headquarters in Austin, advanced its joint-venture plans with Fermi America (co-founded by former Energy Secretary Rick Perry) for a HALEU research and production site at the 11 GW HyperGrid campus near Pantex, and continues working with TerraPower and South Africa’s NESCA. With a former Constellation Energy executive on the board (Ralph Hunter) and Vistra already scaling its Texas nuclear fleet for AI power demand, it’s worth speculating that this partnership is in coordination with CEG or VST.
We also just covered TerraPower receiving the first NRC construction permit for a commercial-scale advanced reactor in nearly a decade. The company also signed a major agreement with Meta in January for up to eight Natrium units. These milestones directly relate to QLE’s position through their 2025 agreements, under which TerraPower is providing financing for QLE’s planned HALEU enrichment facility in South Africa and committing to long-term offtake.
Despite the growing list of partnerships, QLE has yet to enrich any uranium or break ground on any facilities for research or commercial development in the US. The pieces are falling into place for a domestic nuclear fuel renaissance, but the sector still needs actual production, not just paper commitments.
Tyler Durden
Fri, 03/06/2026 – 14:20
https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/asp-isotopes-signs-mou-major-nuclear-operator
