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DOGE slashes nearly $1M for alpaca farming in Peru, other questionable grants in latest wasteful spending cut

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on Tuesday announced the cancelation of $4.5 million in grants, including one for alpaca farming in Peru, another for reducing social discrimination of recyclers in Bolivia and another for promoting cultural understanding of Venezuelan migrants in Brazil.

The Inter-American Foundation, an agency given a $60 million budget to issue foreign grants, was reduced to its statutory minimum — one active employee, according to a statement from DOGE. 

Grants that were canceled in the process included $903,811 for alpaca farming in Peru, $364,500 to reduce social discrimination against recyclers in Bolivia, and $323,633 to promote cultural understanding of Venezuelan migrants in Brazil, according to DOGE.

Other big ticket grants that were slashed included $813,210 for vegetable gardens in El Salvador, $731,105 to improve the marketability of mushrooms and peas in Guatemala, $677,342 to expand fruit and jam sales in Honduras, $483,345 to improve artisanal salt production in Ecuador and $39,250 for beekeeping in Brazil.

DOGE, led by Elon Musk, is a temporary organization within the White House created via executive order earlier this year.

President Donald Trump tasked the organization with optimizing the federal government, streamlining operations, and slashing spending — and gave them just 18 months to do it.

As of March 4, DOGE’s website claims 2,334 contract terminations totaling $8 billion in savings, 3,489 grant terminations for roughly $10 billion in savings, and 748 lease terminations totaling about $660 million in lease savings.

It also claims to have saved about $105 billion from a ‘combination of fraud detection/deletion, contract/lease cancelations, contract/lease renegotiation, asset sales, grant cancelations, workforce reductions, programmatic changes and regulatory savings.’

DOGE critics allege the organization has too much access to federal systems and should not be permitted to cancel federal contracts or make cuts at various agencies.

It canceled numerous diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at federal agencies, consulting contracts, leases for underused federal buildings, and duplicate agencies and programs.

The Inter-American Foundation did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on Tuesday.

Fox News Digital’s Eric Revell contributed to this report.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
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Starbucks poaches Nordstrom CFO as executive shake-up continues

Starbucks announced Tuesday that Nordstrom CFO Cathy Smith will join the company as its new chief financial officer, replacing longtime veteran Rachel Ruggeri.

The executive change is the latest for Starbucks after Brian Niccol joined the company as chief executive in September with the goal of turning around slumping coffee sales.

So far, noteworthy departures during Niccol’s tenure have included the company’s North American CEO, North American president, chief supply officer and the former chair of the board. Meanwhile, many executives with ties to Niccol from his time leading Chipotle Mexican Grill and Yum Brands’ Taco Bell have joined the company.

Smith, 61, joins Starbucks after two years at Nordstrom, which is also based in Seattle and recently announced a $6.25 billion deal to go private. Throughout her decades-long career, Smith has also served as CFO for Bright Health Group, Target, Express Scripts, Walmart International, GameStop, Centex, Kennametal, Textron and Raytheon.

Smith is expected to start next month, Niccol wrote in a letter to employees.

Ruggeri has served as chief financial officer for Starbucks since 2021. Excluding two brief stints at other companies, she has worked at the coffee chain since 2001.

“I’m personally grateful for the partnership we’ve had over the last 6 months since I joined Starbucks,” Niccol said in the letter. “Thank you, Rachel, for all you have done for our business, our culture and our partners.”

Her departure is without cause, the company said in a regulatory filing. Ruggeri will stick around to help with Smith’s transition into the role, according to Niccol.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS
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Tracking latest NFL free agency rumors ahead of new league year

The NFL’s new league year will begin on Wednesday, March 12 at 4 p.m. ET. At that time, free agents can officially sign new contracts for the 2025 season and beyond.

Of course, there will be plenty of action before that day arrives. NFL teams are attempting to re-sign some of their own stars, considering using the franchise tag ahead of the March 4 deadline and assessing potential trades that could improve their roster or provide them with extra draft capital.

Plenty of big-name players will change places during the 2025 NFL offseason. Deebo Samuel has already been traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Washington Commanders in a deal that can’t be finalized until the new league year. Aaron Rodgers is also expected to move onto the third team of his career as he looks to erase a disappointing two-year stint with the New York Jets from his memory.

USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates and the latest rumors about players who will be available in NFL free agency and via trade below.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

NFL free agency rumors

Rams trading guard Jonah Jackson to Bears for sixth-round pick

Date: March 4
Source: ESPN’s Courtney Cronin

The Rams gave Jackson, a marquee free agent signing in 2024, permission to seek a trade after he played just four games during his lone season in Los Angeles. The Rams found a taker, as the Bears sent a 2025 sixth-round pick to Los Angeles for the veteran guard’s services.

Chicago’s entire starting interior offensive line was set to hit free agency in 2025, and they needed help along the front after Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times as a rookie. New Bears head coach Ben Johnson worked with Jackson for four years with the Detroit Lions, so that familiarity should make Jackson an ideal plug-and-play option at guard.

Cowboys avoid franchise tag, sign Osa Odighizuwa to extension

Date: March 4
Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter

The Cowboys were set to slap Odighizuwa with the franchise tag if they couldn’t agree to a long-term extension before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline. The parties agreed to a four-year, $80 million contract with $58 million in guarantees to allow Odighizuwa to stay in Dallas.

Odighizuwa racked up 60 pressures (third-most among defensive linemen, per PFF) in 2024 while recording a career-high 4.5 sacks. He and Micah Parsons will be charged with leading Dallas’ pass rush once again in 2025.

Eagles to release DB James Bradberry as a post-June 1 cut

Date: March 4
Source: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler

The Eagles already released Darius Slay, designating him as a post-June 1 cut. They are now parting with another veteran in Bradberry, whose release with a post-June 1 designation will save the Eagles $2.1 million in cap space.

Bradberry was a second-team All-Pro in 2022 and started 16 games in 2023. He racked up 13 pass defenses and an interception while playing cornerback. He was slated to move to safety for the 2024 season but missed the whole campaign with a lower-leg injury.

Cowboys expected to place franchise tag on DT Osa Odighizuwa

Date: March 4
Source: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport

The NFL’s franchise tag deadline will pass at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 4. Ahead of that, the Cowboys are expected to place the tag on defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. The $25.122 million tag is expected to be a ‘placeholder,’ per Rapoport, as the two sides have ‘had in-depth talks on a long-term extension.’

Odighizuwa had a career-high 4.5 sacks in 2024 and finished third among defensive linemen with 60 pressures. The 26-year-old graded as Pro Football Focus’ 12th-best pass rusher among interior defenders.

Vikings unlikely to place franchise tag on QB Sam Darnold

Date: March 3
Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter

Tagging Darnold would cost the Vikings $40.242 million for the 2025 NFL season. That number is unpalatable considering it would eat up nearly two thirds of Minnesota’s $62.85 million in available cap space and the Vikings have 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings to become the team’s long-term starting quarterback.

The Vikings remain interested in re-signing Darnold, per Schefter, but will face competition for his services on the open market. The 27-year-old had the league’s sixth-highest passer rating last season (102.5) and led the Vikings to a 14-3 record.

Bengals place franchise tag on Tee Higgins

Date: March 3
Source: Tee Higgins

Higgins simply posted the word ‘tag’ on X (formerly Twitter) to announce he had been slapped with the franchise tag for a second consecutive offseason.

Higgins is set to make $26 million on his second consecutive one-year tenure. The Bengals will now be tasked with trying to sign both him and Ja’Marr Chase to lucrative, long-term extensions.

Eagles releasing Darius Slay as a post-June 1 cut

Date: March 3
Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter

The Eagles entered the 2025 offseason with three defensive starters set to hit free agency. They are going to make it four, as the team is planning to release Slay, a 34-year-old veteran, ahead of free agency.

Slay had 13 pass defenses in 2024 but failed to log a regular-season interception for the first time since his rookie season in 2023. The emergence of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean evidently made the veteran expendable.

The Eagles will save $4.3 million by making Slay a post-June 1 cut. That could help Philadelphia in its efforts to keep pending free agents Josh Sweat, Milton Williams and Zack Baun.

Sean McVay won’t rule out Cooper Kupp returning to Rams

Date: March 3
Source: Jourdan Rodrigue, The Athletic

The Rams told Kupp they were going to trade him during the 2025 NFL offseason. However, McVay didn’t close the door on reversing that decision if the team can’t find a trade partner for the veteran receiver.

‘I would never speak in absolutes,’ McVay said when addressing the potential for Kupp to return.

The 49ers fetched a fifth-round pick in a recent trade for Deebo Samuel. The Rams may be seeking similar compensation for Kupp, who is set to have a $29.78 million cap hit in 2025.

Jets shopping WR Davante Adams; will release him if not traded

Date: March 2
Source: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport

The Jets aren’t just moving on from Rodgers during the 2025 NFL offseason. They are also expected to part with veteran receiver Adams, for whom they traded ahead of the 2024 NFL trade deadline.

Adams will have a $38.2 million cap hit in 2025, so trading him may be complicated. The Jets are expected to release him if they can’t find a taker for the 32-year-old wide-out, per Rapoport.

Justin Fields ‘has edge’ over Russell Wilson with Steelers

Date: March 2
Source: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler

The Steelers don’t have a quarterback under contract heading into the 2025 NFL offseason. Their two starters from 2024 – Fields and Wilson – are set to be free agents, along with third-string quarterback Kyle Allen.

Fowler reports Pittsburgh has the soon-to-be 26-year-old Fields ahead of Wilson, 36, in its pecking order at quarterback. However, both remain options for the team, and Fields may draw more interest than Wilson on the open market.

The Jets and Raiders are believed to be interested in Fields, per Fowler.

Cowboys could use franchise tag on DT Osa Odighizuwa

Date: March 2
Source: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler

The Cowboys are trying to agree to a long-term extension with Odighizuwa, the team’s best interior pass rusher. If they can’t agree to a multi-year contract, Fowler reports Dallas will use the franchise tag on Odighizuwa ahead of the March 4 deadline to do so.

Odighizuwa had 4.5 sacks for the Cowboys in 2024 and ranked third among interior defensive linemen with 60 pressures, per Pro Football Focus. If franchised, the 26-year-old would be set to play on a one-year, $25.1 million contract in 2025. Dallas has just under $3.9 million in available cap space, according to OverTheCap.com.

49ers ‘open to trading’ WR Brandon Aiyuk

Date: March 1
Source: Michael Silver, The Athletic

The 49ers traded starting receiver Deebo Samuel during the 2025 NFL combine. Could they also trade Aiyuk? San Francisco appears interested in the possibility, though Silver isn’t sure teams would be willing to trade for Aiyuk on a big-money contract as he recovers from a torn ACL.

49ers general manager John Lynch was asked about the Aiyuk trade rumors at the combine.

‘Yeah, that typically happens with really good players,’ Lynch said, per 49ers Webzone. ‘I remember, I think two years ago, having similar conversations. You get calls, and you always listen to calls.’

49ers trade Deebo Samuel to Commanders

Date: March 1
Source: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport

The 49ers gave Samuel permission to seek a trade ahead of Super Bowl 59. About a month later, they dealt him to the Commanders, who made the NFC championship game last season, for a fifth-round pick.

Samuel had a down year by his standards, logging 51 catches for 670 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. All marked his lowest totals since the 2020 season, during which he played just seven games.

Samuel has one year remaining on the three-year, $71.55 million extension he signed with the 49ers in 2022. He is due to make $21.7 million in 2025, per NFL.com.

Giants interested in QBs Aaron Rodgers, Sam Darnold

Date: Feb. 28
Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter

The Giants were among the teams interested in pursuing Matthew Stafford before he agreed to a restructured contract with the Rams. With Stafford off the table, New York is considering Rodgers – who will be released by the Jets – in its search for a veteran quarterback, per Schefter.

The Giants also hold an interest in Darnold, a player who they considered signing as a backup to Daniel Jones during the 2024 NFL offseason. They ultimately signed Drew Lock to a one-year, $5 million deal while Darnold landed with the Vikings.

Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Sam Darnold among Raiders QB options

Date: Feb. 28
Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter

The Raiders were among the teams connected to Matthew Stafford but will have to pivot with the veteran returning to Los Angeles. That could involve chasing one of Darnold, Fields or Wilson as free-agent stopgaps, per Schefter.

Wilson has an obvious connection to the Raiders after spending a decade with Pete Carroll in Seattle. Fields and Darnold represent younger alternatives, with the former possessing excellent mobility and athleticism and the latter coming off a breakout Pro Bowl season under the tutelage of Kevin O’Connell.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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What leading teams need to bolster roster as NHL trade deadline approaches

The NHL trade deadline is at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, and a lot of big moves have already happened.

The Colorado Avalanche moved Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes and acquired Ryan Lindgren from the New York Rangers.

The Rangers acquired J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks, who used the first-round pick they received to land the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor.

Last weekend, the defending champion Florida Panthers acquired defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks.

More big moves are surely on the horizon. Here are leading teams’ needs heading into the trade deadline:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Washington Capitals

With back-to-back blowout wins coming out of the 4 Nations Face-Off break, it looked like any move the Capitals made might mess with chemistry. But then they lost three in a row and had a sloppy shootout win. They likely could use a bottom-six center.

Carolina Hurricanes

They need Rantanen to re-sign, especially after last year’s deadline acquisition, Jake Guentzel, left during the summer. But if Rantanen doesn’t sign before Friday, it doesn’t mean he’ll be traded. The Hurricanes gave up Martin Necas to get him; would they be able to get someone of his caliber back if they trade Rantanen?

New Jersey Devils

They need secondary scoring and that was true even before Jack Hughes left Sunday’s game with an injury. Hughes and Jesper Bratt have 70 and 68 points, respectively, and captain Nico Hischier has 47. Then it drops off after that.

Toronto Maple Leafs

A third-line center would help, as would another player for their second power play unit.

Florida Panthers

The Jones trade addressed their biggest need: a right-shot defenseman to fill the gap after the offseason departure of Brandon Montour. With Matthew Tkachuk on long-term injured reserve, the Panthers could use another scoring winger in case he’s limited in the playoffs.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Their eight-game winning streak just ended. Their top six forwards are impressive, but their depth has been eroded by salary cap concerns since their Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021. They should make a move to shore that up.

Columbus Blue Jackets

They’re the story of the NHL, sitting in a playoff spot while honoring the memory of Johnny Gaudreau. GM Don Waddell should do what he can to guarantee a playoff spot, maybe adding someone with postseason experience.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Winnipeg Jets

Like the Capitals, they’ve played very well, and not much is needed. They could use a depth defenseman who kills penalties. The Jets’ penalty killing ranks 15th.

Dallas Stars

The Stars already added forward Mikael Granlund and defenseman Cody Ceci. But with Nils Lundkvist out for the season and Miro Heiskanen rehabbing, Dallas could use another defenseman.

Minnesota Wild

They just added Gustav Nyquist, who had 75 points two seasons ago. At some point, they hope, Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek will return.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche have already improved their goaltending, and Necas has been a good pickup. It would be helpful if they could find an upgrade at No. 2 center. GM Chris McFarland wasn’t sounding optimistic about Gabriel Landeskog returning.

Vegas Golden Knights

They have a pretty solid lineup, but you can always count on them doing something big at the deadline.

Edmonton Oilers

GM Stan Bowman told the Daily Faceoff that he doesn’t need to upgrade his goaltending. They could use more depth at forward and defense.

Los Angeles Kings

The Kings rank 22nd in the league in offense. They should pursue another scorer.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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WATCH: Tearful Kyrie makes foul shots before exiting with knee injury

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving left Monday night’s game in obvious pain after suffering a knee injury in the first quarter of a 122-98 loss to the Sacramento Kings.

Late in the first quarter, Irving drove to the basket and was fouled by the Kings’ DeMar DeRozan. He landed awkwardly on his left leg as he fell to the court and immediately called out for assistance.

Irving remained on the floor for several minutes before being helped to the free throw line, where he made two free throws and left the court with 2:35 remaining in the quarter.

The Mavericks did not provide any postgame update on the severity of the injury to Irving’s left knee.

‘Just unlucky,’ coach Jason Kidd said. ‘I hope that he’s healthy, that it’s not serious.’

All things Mavs: Latest Dallas Mavericks news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

A nine-time All-Star, Irving is averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game.

The Mavericks (32-30) are already playing without center Anthony Davis, whom they acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for leading scorer Luka Doncic. Davis played one game for the Mavs on Feb. 8 before suffering a groin injury that’s kept him out ever since.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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Pressured by Trump’s Gaza plan, Arab countries meet in Egypt to discuss alternative proposal

Arab leaders convened in Cairo on Tuesday for an emergency summit aimed at presenting a counterproposal to President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan. The summit was held to discuss Egypt’s $53 billion comprehensive reconstruction blueprint for Gaza.

Before Trump proposed resettling Gazans outside the enclave, Egypt and other Arab states had shown little interest in Gaza’s reconstruction. However, given that Egypt has ruled out accepting displaced Palestinians for ‘national security’ reasons, it now finds itself compelled to devise its own plan.

With a $53 billion price tag, the plan is positioned as an alternative to Trump’s vision, and key details have already been shared by Arab media outlets. While Egypt proposes a temporary committee to manage Gaza for six months, Palestinians have made it clear that they will not accept any governing body that isn’t Palestinian or any foreign forces within Gaza. The plan is projected to take at least four and a half years. 

The Egyptian plan is divided into two phases: the first, lasting two years and costing around $20 billion, and the second, spanning two and a half years with a $30 billion allocation. The funds will primarily go toward rebuilding residential areas devastated by conflict. 

Importantly, the plan does not call for the displacement of Gaza’s residents, as Trump’s proposal does, and stresses the importance of Palestinian-led reconstruction efforts, and that the Palestinian Authority will collaborate with Egypt and Jordan to train a police force for Gaza. But Hamas has already rejected the plan, and the Palestinian Authority has made it clear that it will not engage in reconstruction efforts as long as Hamas maintains control.

‘The Saudis will fund Gaza if there’s a path to a Palestinian state and Hamas is gone,’ Ghaith Al-Omari, senior fellow at the Washington Institute and former executive director of the American Task Force on Palestine told Fox News Digital, ‘Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar want something from the Israelis in return, whether it’s an end to the war or security agreements. They’ll insist on a role for the Palestinian Authority, even if symbolic, for diplomatic reasons. The question is whether the current Israeli government can meet these demands.’

‘A militarized Hamas cannot remain in Gaza – the strip must be demilitarized, and Hamas must no longer be in control. The Emiratis are even more extreme on this issue,’ Danny Zaken, a senior commentator for Israel Hayom newspaper, told Fox News Digital, ‘The final draft of the Egyptian plan will avoid directly addressing Hamas. Instead of stating that Hamas will be removed and disarmed, it will say that ‘qualified Palestinian security forces will maintain order with Egyptian backing.’ This approach aims for unanimous approval without addressing Hamas’ fate, but the reality is that it has no practical validity, because in that case the plan has no financial backing,’ he explained.

Al-Omari observed, ‘Arab League summits tend to be a lot of posturing. Who’s going to take care of security? The PA can’t handle that – they’re too weak. No Arab country wants to send troops to Gaza, but they’re also under pressure from the U.S. to contribute.’

An Egyptian diplomatic source told Fox News Digital that Egyptian construction firms are ready to begin work, but the real challenge is political. ‘Egyptian construction companies are very capable, and they can rebuild Gaza in three years – if there is political will, mainly from Israel and the U.S.,’ the source said.

While Egypt is eager to lead the reconstruction process, its ambitions have created friction with key Gulf states, which are expected to finance much of the effort. Zaken, noted, ‘The Saudis are concerned because the Egyptians want to control the entire process: Who gets the money, who oversees the reconstruction, who the contractors are for demolition and rebuilding? And even new housing and hotels. The other partners worry about corruption in the process.’

A former U.S. foreign service official warned Fox News Digital that Egypt’s ability to manage such funds is a concern. ‘The Gulf, which is expected to pay for it, is sick and tired of Egyptian corruption. If they fund the reconstruction, they will demand major oversight to ensure the money doesn’t get lost in Egypt’s power structure,’ the source said.

Meanwhile, Jordan, which has played a key diplomatic role, has managed to avoid direct involvement in the reconstruction debate. Following King Abdullah’s meeting with Trump, Jordanian officials felt that the pressure had shifted to Egypt and other Arab states. ‘The Jordanians were very happy with the outcome of the meeting with Trump. They feel that the pressure to accept [a] million Gazans is off them,’ Al-Omari said.

At the same time, the broader political future of Gaza remains uncertain. Al-Omari noted that despite the ongoing reconstruction discussions, the primary concern for Arab leaders is how to navigate Trump’s unpredictable stance on Gaza. ‘Frankly, the main thinking in Arab governments right now is how to engage in a covert process with Trump to walk him back from this. No one expects immediate results, but they do hope that this will move Trump away from the idea of depopulating Gaza,’ he said.

For now, all eyes are on the summit. However, as one former diplomatic source put it, ‘There’s no real plan yet – just ideas. Everyone is trying to shape it in their favor, but until Hamas’ fate is resolved, we’re all just talking in circles.’

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
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Vance visits Capitol Hill to urge senators to confirm Elbridge Colby for Pentagon No. 3 post

Vice President JD Vance visited Capitol Hill to offer a message of support for his ‘friend,’ Elbridge ‘Bridge’ Colby, President Donald Trump’s contentious nominee for the Pentagon’s No. 3 spot, undersecretary of defense for policy. 

In so many ways, Bridge predicted what we would be talking about four years down the road, five years down the road, 10 years down the road. He saw around corners that very few other people were seeing around,’ Vance said in opening remarks Tuesday at Colby’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

‘If you look at his long career in defense policy, he has said things that, you know, frankly, alienated Democrats and Republicans. He’s also said things that I think both Democrats and Republicans would agree with,’ Vance continued. 

The vice president praised Colby as a ‘good man’ and an ‘honest man.’ 

‘You need people who are going to tell you the truth. We’re going to look you in the eye who are going to disagree,’ Vance said. 

The vice president’s presence demonstrates how seriously the White House is looking to shore up support for Colby, whose restraint-minded views have given pause to some more hawkish senators.

It is the second confirmation hearing Vance has attended after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who the vice president also has a close relationship with.  

Colby said in his own opening remarks, ‘There is a real risk of major war, and we cannot afford to lose one. I recognize these realities in my bones. It is my great hope that we can get through the coming years peacefully, with strength in ways that put us and our alliances on a stronger and more sustainable footing.’

‘I’m willing and ready to engage with those who disagree with me and adapt my views based on persuasive arguments and the fact is that I value our alliances deeply, even as I think they must be adapted, and that I love our great country, and will put its interests first and foremost.’

Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker, R-Miss., questioned Colby on his previously stated position, ‘America has a strong interest in defending Taiwan, but Americans can survive without it.’ 

‘our views on Taiwan’s importance to the United States seems to have softened considerably,’ Wicker told Colby. 

Colby disputed that point, arguing he had been shooting a warning flare that the U.S.’ ‘military balance has declined’ with regard to China.

‘What I have been trying to shoot a signal flare over is that it is vital for us to focus and enable our own forces for an effective and reasonable defense of Taiwan and for the Taiwanese, as well as the Japanese to do more,’ said Colby.  

‘So my position in terms of the value of Taiwan is consistent. But what I’m very fearful of, Senator, and I think this is agreed across administrations of both parties, is that, you know, the military balance has declined. So I’m trying to avoid a situation of which, because we are not adequately prepared.’

Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the committee, pressed Colby on his views on Russia and Ukraine. 

‘In November 2023, you said, ‘The invasion of Ukraine is an evil act by the Russians, and I morally support the Ukrainian defense.’ Do you still agree with that statement?’ asked Reed, D-R.I.

‘I think I stand by my record, but at this point, I think, there’s a very delicate diplomatic process going on where the president is rightfully trying to resuscitate the peace process. And I don’t think it’d be appropriate for me to weigh in,’ said Colby. 

Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, D-N.Y., pressed Colby on whether Russia was an ‘adversary’ or an ‘ally’ to the U.S. 

‘Russia presents a significant military threat to Europe, and there are significant military threats to the homeland as well,’ said Colby. ‘We can… diminish, you know, the potential for direct confrontation with Russia in the same way with China.’

Colby’s confirmation process has rankled Iran hawks, and at least Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., has privately expressed skepticism. Wicker previously told Roll Call that Colby’s nomination poses ‘a concern to a number of senators.’ 

Colby, who worked at the Pentagon during Trump’s first term and was a lead author on the 2018 U.S. National Security Strategy, has long asserted the U.S. should limit its resources in the Middle East and refocus on China as the bigger threat.

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‘She’s really this dumb’: House Dem ripped after calling Trump ‘enemy of the United States’

Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett was ripped by conservatives on social media this week after claiming President Donald Trump is ‘occupying the White House’ and is an ‘enemy to the United States.’

‘Unfortunately, we have someone that is occupying the White House, and as far as I’m concerned, he is an enemy to the United States,’ Crockett said on MSNBC on Sunday. ‘I don’t know what it’s going to take to get people to wake up.’

The Texas congresswoman also suggested that Trump is a ‘dictator’ in her cable news appearance.

Conservatives on social media quickly pushed back against Crockett.

‘Almost sounds like this ‘defender of democracy’ would support an insurrection,’ Fox News host Laura Ingraham posted on X. 

‘When are we going to hold members of Congress accountable for their words and actions?’ retired professor Carol Swain posted on X. 

‘Dangerous election denier stuff here,’ former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., posted on X.

‘By all means, continue this leaderless, tired charade and keep losing elections,’ Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., posted on X. 

‘Yeah, she’s running in 2028,’ Red State writer Bonchie posted on X. 

‘Jasmine Crockett labeled Trump as an enemy of America while simultaneously saying she doesn’t understand anything that’s going on,’ conservative influencer account Gunther Eagleman posted on X. ‘She’s really this dumb.’

‘The unquestioned leader of the Democratic Party,’ CNN commentator Scott Jennings posted on X. ‘Keep going!’

Fox News Digital reached out to Crockett’s office for comment but did not immediately hear back.

Crockett has become one of the most prominent faces of the Democratic Party, opposing Trump’s agenda and the DOGE efforts of Tesla CEO Elon Musk. 

Crockett recently sparked a frenzy on social media when she told a reporter outside the U.S. Capitol that if she could tell Musk one thing it would be, ‘F— off.’

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How a $5 million fix turned Paramount Pictures’ ‘Sonic’ into a billion-dollar franchise

Sonic the Hedgehog may be able to run faster than the speed of light, but his film franchise nearly came to a screaming halt in 2019.

A less-than-three-minute trailer released early that year to tease the film’s release, which was just six months away, was widely panned by fans who took to social media to rail against Paramount’s character design. Dubbed “Ugly Sonic,” the blue creature that appeared on film was a far cry from the iconic video game speedster.

Cinematic Sonic, version 1, had more realistic facial features, including human-like teeth, and his body proportions were deemed inconsistent with the character fans grew up with in the ’90s.

“The trailer goes out, and I think it became the most viewed trailer in the history of Paramount Pictures. Which is amazing,” said Toby Ascher, who acquired the rights to Sonic and produced the film franchise. “The only problem was that 90% of people hated the trailer because of the design of Sonic.”

“All of a sudden we went from trying really, really hard to make a really, really faithful video game adaptation to being next in line of the people who had ruined video games for everyone. It just was a disaster of epic proportions,” Ascher added.

The studio pivoted, opting to redesign the title character and push the film’s release back three months to February 2020. The fix cost Paramount around $5 million but resulted in a franchise that has generated nearly $1.2 billion at the global box office. The studio hopes to build on that momentum with a fourth installment in the film franchise, set to debut in 2027.

“The Sonic franchise owes its box office success and longevity to a monumental decision early in the development of the first films’ marketing campaign,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore. “A re-design of a main character is no small thing. … These decisions can make or break what is every studio’s dream of having a single film turn into a long-term revenue generating franchise. The return on investment by turning an ‘ugly’ Sonic into a beautiful revenue generating franchise is undeniable.”

Ascher first acquired the rights to Sonic the Hedgehog in 2013, a time in Hollywood when video game-inspired films had failed to resonate with audiences.

“When we first started working on Sonic, making a video game adaptation was, like, a really bad idea,” he told CNBC.

No film based on a video game property had, to that point, managed to earn a positive rating from review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. It wasn’t until 2019 that a video game-based film generated a “fresh” rating on the site, indicating more than 60% positive reviews.

“I don’t think anyone in town really thought making a Sonic movie was a good idea,” Ascher said. “But, I think our strategy was that we had grown up with these games. We’ve grown up with these characters, and we wanted to treat them like any other character. We wanted to give them real emotional arcs, and real emotional stories where you could relate to them.”

Ascher noted that previous video game adaptations typically focused on worldbuilding rather than character development.

“What we’ve been able to do is inject into the franchise heart, and I think that that’s what’s made it different,” said Neal Moritz, Ascher’s producing partner and producer of franchises like “The Fast and the Furious” and “21 Jump Street.”

Both Ascher and Moritz noted that while the filmmaking team behind the first “Sonic the Hedgehog” film overhauled the main character’s design, the story remained pretty much the same.

The filmmaking team was blindsided by audiences’ reactions to the first trailer, but were resolute in trying to resolve the issue rather than shelve the film or release it in its current form.

Moritz said he made an “impassioned speech” to the heads of Paramount and Sega to allow the filmmakers to fix the mistake.

As Moritz recalls, he told executives: “We really screwed up here, but there’s an incredible amount of interest and what we need to do is fix it … We need some more money and we need some more time. If you give that to us, I think we could turn this thing around.”

“I give both Paramount and Sega a lot of credit,” Moritz said. “They said ‘OK.’”

In the redesign, the team brought back Sonic’s iconic white gloves and classic red shoes. They reinfused the character with some of his cartoon roots, and six months after the first trailer, Paramount released a new iteration.

“The fans saw that we were trying to be really genuine in our love for this franchise,” Ascher said, noting that in the wake of the first trailer the team began engaging more with fans and focus groups to drum up feedback and inspiration.

The new trailer was well-received by fans, and three months later “Sonic the Hedgehog” opened to $58 million at the box office. The feature went on to collect $146 million domestically before the pandemic shuttered theaters. Globally, it pulled in $302 million.

The Sonic franchise has continued to thrive in the following years, with each follow-up feature outperforming the last.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 2” snared $190 million domestically and $403 million globally, while “Sonic the Hedgehog 3″ tallied $235 million stateside and $485 million worldwide.

“That’s a big jump,” said Marc Weinstock, Paramount’s president of worldwide marketing and distribution. “I get excited that every new movie does better than the last one, which is rare.”

Following the success of the second “Sonic” film, the studio’s then-president and CEO of Paramount Pictures, Brian Robbins, greenlit a “Knuckles” series based on the franchise for the company’s streaming service, Paramount+, as well as a third Sonic film.

Sonic was becoming multi-platform, much like Robbins and Paramount had done for franchises like “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “A Quiet Place,” “Spongebob Squarepants” and “Paw Patrol.”

The “Knuckles” show generated more than 11 million global viewing hours in its first 28 days on Parmount+.

The theatrical success also rocketed Sonic from a $70 million licensing business to one that generates more than $1 billion in retail revenue annually, according to Ivo Gerscovich, Sega’s senior vice president and chief business and brand officer of Sonic the Hedgehog.

“The great thing about Sonic — and the success of Sonic from the very beginning — is that we basically have listened to the fans from day one,” Robbins, now co-CEO of Paramount, said. “The fans are fanatical about this franchise and love this franchise and know this franchise. Because of that, they’ve become really key in shaping the franchise … They evangelize it.”

Fans inspired the casting of Keanu Reeves as Shadow, an archrival of Sonic, in the third Sonic film. And the filmmaking team says it continues to look to fans to inspire which characters it will add to the films and series next.

Ascher and Moritz both teased that the fourth Sonic film with again feature a new fan-favorite character, but said the team will continue to expand the franchise’s universe at a slow pace.

“If all of a sudden we bring every character, they are not going to get the time that the audience needs to understand them and relate to them and really fall in love with them,” Ascher said. “So, as we bring characters in, whether it’s film or it’s TV, the most important thing is that they have a good story that really showcases the character in an incredible way.”

Disclosure: Comcast is the parent company of NBCUniversal and CNBC. NBCUniversal owns Rotten Tomatoes and is the distributor of “The Fast and the Furious” films.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS
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SEC power rankings: Sorting playoff contenders ahead of spring practice

Another national championship game came and went without any participation from the SEC. For the first time in years and years, the conference will head into the regular season behind the Big Ten in the hypothetical ranking of the Power Four leagues.

Things seem poised to change. While the Big Ten has several powerhouse teams, no Bowl Subdivision conference can match the depth of contenders the SEC will bring to the table.

This list includes Texas, Georgia, LSU, Alabama and Tennessee. Other teams with genuine College Football Playoff hopes include Texas A&M, Florida and Mississippi.

And just behind this top group are several teams more than capable of double-digit wins and playoff contention. Auburn, South Carolina and Oklahoma could upend the status quo and be one of the three or four SEC teams to make the 12-team playoff field.

Here’s our pre-spring SEC power rankings, led by the Longhorns:

1. Texas

Arch Manning takes the controls after backing up Quinn Ewers. To get his game going, the Longhorns have to rebuild a receiver corps dinged by graduation and attrition. Another sticking point is a defensive front that won’t have the same production along the interior. Overall, though, Texas is built to win the SEC and the national championship.

2. Georgia

Georgia must get things going in the running game to help Gunner Stockton thrive as the full-time starter. He played fairly well in relief of Carson Beck but remains a question mark. There are also some positions to fill on the defensive side but the Bulldogs’ track record under Kirby Smart eases any major concerns over that side of the ball. Once again, Georgia is a major threat to win the whole thing.

POWER SHIFT: Big Ten pre-spring power rankings have new look

LOOKING AHEAD: Our way-too-early college football Top 25 for 2025

3. LSU

Maybe LSU hasn’t earned the benefit of the doubt under Brian Kelly. But you have to admire the collection of talent on offense with Garrett Nussmeier at quarterback and portal additions set to occupy big roles at receiver and up front. What LSU needs is a big step up on defense, and there’s reason to think that’s a possibility given another offseason to get comfortable in coordinator Blake Baker’s system.

4. Tennessee

Nico Iamaleava has to take control of the offense with changes at running back, receiver and the line. Improvement from the second-year starter will help Tennessee bridge the gap as new faces break into the starting lineup. In the interim, the Volunteers can lean on a defense that should again be one of the best in the SEC.

5. Alabama

A pretty miserable debut for Kalen DeBoer should yield a more consistent showing in 2025 even if the Crimson Tide will miss quarterback Jalen Milroe’s explosiveness as a runner and in the downfield passing game. Ty Simpson is the favorite to step into Milroe’s shoes as the new starter. What you have to like about this team is a defense that carried much of the load in 2024 and stands ready to do the same come September.

6. Florida

Amazingly, given where this program stood last October, the Gators are a legitimate playoff contender capable of playing for the SEC crown. The offense has a rising star in quarterback DJ Lagway and will benefit from transfer additions that includes former UCLA receiver J. Michael Sturdivant. If the defense continues to progress after last year’s in-season improvement, the hype around Florida will be more than justified.

7. Mississippi

Once again, Mississippi will lean on a strong portal class to stay near the top of the SEC. But the losses are severe enough to wonder if Lane Kiffin’s recruiting haul will be enough to keep the Rebels in the mix. Kiffin gets the benefit of the doubt. Austin Simmons flashed in his brief opportunities at quarterback. He’ll be asked to fill the big shoes of Jaxson Dart.

8. Auburn

After a very first two seasons under Hugh Freeze, Auburn is ready to add multiple wins and potentially factor into the SEC race. Oklahoma quarterback transfer Jackson Arnold will benefit from the change in scenery, especially with Cam Coleman and Georgia Tech transfer Eric Singleton on the outside. Whether this is an eight-win team or something more depends on the work coordinator DJ Durkin does with this defense.

9. Texas A&M

A&M will continue to challenge for the SEC championship game but can’t be counted among the best in the conference given the question marks on the defensive line and in the secondary. Mike Elko’s defensive background helps erase some of the doubts lingering around the Aggies’ defense, however. A&M needs quarterback Marcel Reed to continue his development.

10. South Carolina

There are holes all over the defense – almost everywhere except at end, where sophomore Dylan Stewart is set for All-America accolades. There are also question marks about the offense with Mike Shula replacing former coordinator Dowell Loggins. If things click, the Gamecocks could build on last year’s nine-win finish and move even higher in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

11. Oklahoma

This could be the breakout team in the SEC if the offense flourishes under a pair of additions from Washington State in coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterback John Mateer. The Sooners desperately need to rebuild at wide receiver and stay healthy up front. If the offense rebounds, Oklahoma has the defense to be one of the most balanced teams in the conference.

12. Missouri

Look for Missouri to benefit from another relatively easy schedule to win eight or more games and contend for a home in the Top 25. The Tigers open with six games in a row at home and draw SEC road games against Auburn, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma and Arkansas. But is there more to this team than just an easier schedule? The talent level has dropped despite another solid trip through the portal for coach Eli Drinkwitz.

13. Vanderbilt

A repeat bowl bid seems very likely given the return of quarterback Diego Pavia and the way the defense has risen up the SEC rankings after coach Clark Lea’s decision to take over play-calling duties. Pavia is joined on offense by running back Sedrick Alexander and all-conference tight end Eli Stowers.

14. Arkansas

It’s hard to take Arkansas too seriously given the amount of uncertainty on the depth chart, especially on defense. The offense should be better in coordinator Bobby Petrino’s second year, with quarterback Taylen Green set for noticeable improvement as the established starter. At this point, the program’s place under Sam Pittman is pretty easy to predict: Arkansas will win as few as four but no more than seven games.

15. Kentucky

The Wildcats are in a clear state of regression. Is this the year the bottom really falls out for coach Mark Stoops’ program? It wouldn’t be Kentucky without a new transfer quarterback; this time, it’s former Texas A&M, Auburn and Incarnate Word passer Zach Calzada. The defense is a major concern given the losses from last year’s unit, which ranked 13th in the SEC in yards allowed per play.

16. Mississippi State

On the flip side to the debate over which team should lead the SEC, there’s little controversy over which team should bring up the rear. Mississippi State is still looking for a conference win under coach Jeff Lebby. One bonus for the Bulldogs: Blake Shapen returns after starting the first four games at quarterback before a season-ending injury.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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