New UCLA coach Bob Chesney will direct his first football season in a historic venue the Bruins have long called home.
UCLA announced on Saturday that the Bruins will play the 2026 season at the Rose Bowl amid ongoing litigation of the university’s right to potentially break its lease and play home games at SoFi Stadium.
“We know how much game day means to Bruins — to our students, alumni and fans who plan their autumn around Saturdays together,” UCLA vice chancellor for strategic communications Mary Osako said in a statement. “Our priority is delivering a strong season experience for our student-athletes and our community, and we have great momentum in our football program.
“During this unprecedented time in college athletics, UCLA will always be guided by what’s best for our student-athletes and the Bruin community.”
The California Post was the first to report UCLA’s decision to play another season at the Rose Bowl.
While the lawsuit states UCLA has formally notified the Rose Bowl that it is “moving on” and that “there’s no way we’re staying long term,” the school has never publicly announced plans to move its home games to SoFi Stadium.
“While we continue to evaluate the long-term arrangement for UCLA football home games, no decision has been made,” Osako said in a statement to The Times in October.
After a judge denied UCLA’s request to settle its legal dispute with the Rose Bowl operators and city of Pasadena via arbitration, it seemed unlikely the legal issues would be resolved in time for UCLA play the 2026 season anywhere but the Rose Bowl.
The city of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Co. filed a lawsuit in October to force UCLA to honor its contract and play games at the stadium through the 2044 season.
The complaint and subsequent filings have alleged that the university has been working to play its home games at SoFi Stadium, calling the move “a profound betrayal of trust.” Rose Bowl officials have since added SoFi Stadium and its operator, Kroenke Sports, to the lawsuit.
UCLA’s lease runs through June 30, 2044, and Pasadena officials say taxpayers have invested more than $150 million in stadium renovations while recently refinancing an additional $130 million in bonds for capital improvements.
The iconic Rose Bowl opened in 1922, is a national historic landmark and boasts ample tailgating opportunities, but some fans have complained about the aging venue’s uncomfortable seating and lack of modern amenities.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Friday as it proceeds toward trial.
Welcome to the Olympic Edition of the Sports Report, an L.A. Times newsletter published every morning during the Winter Olympics. To sign up to receive it via email (it’s free), go here and select the Sports Report. If you’ve already signed up for the Sports Report, you will receive the Olympics edition as well.
Welcome to your daily review and preview of this year’s Milan-Cortina Olympics. My name is John Cherwa and I’m your tour director for the Games as the U.S. surpassed the gold total of its last five Winter Olympics early Saturday. The U.S. men’s hockey team could add to that mark.
It’s been two pretty good Olympic hockey tournaments. And the U.S. could win both of them. On Friday, the U.S. men beat Slovakia, 6-2, in the semifinals and will meet Canada for the gold on Sunday. The better game was Canada and Finland. Our once-friendly neighbor to the north fell behind 2-0, tied the game with 9½ minutes to go and then won with 35 seconds left. We’ll preview that game more tomorrow.
And, who can forget the U.S. women beating Canada, 2-1, in overtime in a gold-medal quality game.
The ninth gold for the U.S. was in the men’s freestyle halfpipe Friday when, as we predicted in yesterday’s newsletter, Alex Ferreira got the gold on his last run. It completed the lifetime gold, silver, bronze trifecta for the 31-year-old from Colorado. The U.S. also had the bronze until the last run when Nick Goepper was bumped to fourth.
The only other U.S. medal of the day was Corinne Stoddard’s bronze in the women’s 1,500 meters in short track speed skating. South Korea was first and second. The Netherlands won the men’s 5,000 relay. The U.S. did not make the finals.
It’s kind of a light day, so let’s do some random thoughts on the TV coverage.
Snoop Dogg attends mixed doubles curling in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on Feb. 6.
(Fatima Shbair / Associated Press)
Snoop Dogg was fresh and exciting in Paris. The act isn’t as fresh or exciting in Italy. Snoop and buddy Martha Stewart remind me of CBS’ Gayle King’s unofficial “I’m Privileged and You’re Not Tour” where she goes to awards shows, Broadway plays, Jeff Bezos’ wedding, Bad Bunny in Puerto Rico and into “space.” Well, Snoop and Martha seem almost as privileged, getting into all the best places that you or I couldn’t. Just saying, for a reported $500,000 a day for Snoop, it wasn’t as good as Paris. No idea how much Martha is making, but she’s not likely being paid in garden vegetables.
I’ve heard the Captain and Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together” more times the last two weeks than in all of 1975, when it was No. 1 for four consecutive weeks.
Do you think an NBC executive made the wrong decision to put the women’s figure skating on NBC and the U.S.-Canada women’s hockey game on USA? I do. You could have shown the game, use the time between periods to cut to the figure skating and it would seem as if you had the pulse of the Games. And the hockey game was over before the medal skaters took the ice.
Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir on figure skating get our vote for best analysts.
Kenny Albert (hockey) and Dan Hicks (skiing) have been the best play-by-play announcers.
Did you know that most of the Games are being called from Connecticut and not Italy? Sports called from stateside are curling, biathlon, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, Nordic combined, speedskating and most freestyle skiing. And a lot of the studio shows were also from Stamford. (In fairness, this newsletter is being done from Florida. But Thuc Nhi, Sam, Kevin and Robert are in Italy.)
The Games have been a ratings success for NBC with numbers almost double what they were in 2022 in Beijing. The time difference between the U.S. and Italy was six hours and it worked to the benefit of U.S. viewers.
Mike Tirico is very good at whatever he does. Glad to see they gave him some afternoon time.
When Hoda Kotb interviewed the “Blade Angels” on Friday, I told those around me she would tell them that she loved them. I was right.
Best Thing to Watch on TV today
The gold medal chances of the U.S. women’s curling team died on the last shot in the last frame when Switzerland, holding the hammer, knocked the U.S. rock out of the house and got two points to win, 7-4. Switzerland will now play Sweden, a 6-3 winner over Canada, for the gold while the U.S. will play Canada for the bronze. On the men’s side, Switzerland won the bronze by beating Norway, 9-1. Britain plays Canada for the gold.
No surprise that Norway picked up a gold and silver in the biathlon men’s 15-kilometer mass start. Campbell Wright of the U.S. was 29th.
Besides the U.S. gold in freestyle skiing halfpipe, Germany won the women’s ski cross. The U.S. did not make the final. And, China got gold and bronze in the men’s aerials. Christopher Lillis was the top U.S. athlete in eighth.
Favorite photo
U.S. forward Jack Eichel celebrates after scoring in the second period of a 6-2 win over Slovakia in the men’s hockey semifinals Friday at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Times photographer Robert Gauthier is at the Winter Olympics. Each day, Times newsletter editor Houston Mitchell will select a favorite photo from the many Gauthier has taken.
Saturday’s Olympic TV and streaming schedule
MULTIPLE SPORTS 8 p.m. — “Primetime in Milan” (delay): Cross-country skiing, bobsled, figure skating, freestyle skiing and more. | NBC
BIATHLON 10:30 a.m. — 🏅Women’s 12.5-kilometer mass start (re-air) | USA
BOBSLED 8 a.m. — Four-man bobsled, runs 1-2 | USA 10 a.m. — Two-woman bobsled, Run 3 | NBC 12:05 p.m. — 🏅Two-woman bobsled, final run | Peacock 12:15 p.m. — 🏅Two-woman bobsled, final run (in progress) | NBC 2:15 p.m. — Two-woman bobsled, runs 3-4 (delay) | NBC
CURLING 🏅Women’s bronze-medal match 5:05 a.m. — U.S. vs. Canada | Peacock 7:20 a.m. — U.S. vs. Canada (delay) | USA 🏅Men’s gold-medal match 10:05 a.m. — Britain vs. Canada | CNBC Women’s bronze-medal match 1 p.m. — U.S. vs. Canada (re-air) | CNBC
FIGURE SKATING 11 a.m. — Exhibition gala | Peacock 11:55 a.m. — Exhibition gala (in progress) | NBC 12:50 p.m. — Exhibition gala (in progress) | NBC
FREESTYLE SKIING 8:45 a.m. — 🏅Men’s skicross, finals (delay) | USA 9:15 a.m. — Mixed team aerials, final (re-air) | USA 10:30 a.m. — 🏅Women’s freeski halfpipe, final | NBC 1:30 p.m. — Mixed team aerials, final (re-air) | NBC
HOCKEY 🏅Men’s bronze-medal game 11:40 a.m. — Finland vs. Slovakia | USA
SPEEDSKATING 6 a.m. — 🏅Men’s and women’s mass start, semifinals and finals | Peacock 7 a.m. — 🏅Men’s and women’s mass start, semifinals and finals (in progress) | NBC
In case you missed it …
Check out the following Milan-Cortina Olympics dispatches from the L.A. Times team on the ground in Italy:
That concludes today’s Sports Report Olympic Edition newsletter. If you have any feedback, ideas for improvement or things you’d like to see, email newsletter editor Houston Mitchell at houston.mitchell@latimes.com. To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here and select the Sports Report.
Newspaper front pages feature Peru’s new interim president Jose Maria Balcazar in Lima on Thursday. Congress elected Balcazar as the new interim president during an extraordinary session. But he is also on trial for financial irregularities. Photo by Paolo Aguilar/EPA
Feb. 20 (UPI) — Peru’s interim President Jose Maria Balcazar was summoned to continue his trial over alleged misappropriation of funds from the Lambayeque Bar Association just one day after assuming the presidency.
The case adds legal pressure to a temporary administration already shaped by political uncertainty.
Peru’s Public Ministry alleges that during his tenure as dean of the Lambayeque Bar Association from 2019 to 2022, Balcazar committed irregularities in managing the institution’s financial income and expenditures.
Prosecutors also allege he ordered profits to be deposited into his personal bank accounts, El Comercio newspaper reported.
Balcazar, a lawmaker from the leftist Peru Libre party, assumed the interim presidency Wednesday following the removal of his predecessor Jose Jeri. News of the court summons emerged only hours after his inauguration.
The first hearing is scheduled June 16, with additional sessions set for June 23 and June 30, either virtually or at the Lambayeque Superior Court in Chiclayo, according to judicial authorities.
A judge ordered the president’s mandatory attendance and warned that failure to appear could result in him being declared in contempt and subject to a nationwide arrest warrant.
On the day lawmakers elected Balcazar, the Lambayeque Bar Association issued a statement opposing his candidacy and warning of multiple allegations against him, RPP Noticias reported.
The association expelled Balcazar permanently Aug. 13, 2022, citing violations of its statutes and code of ethics. It said his conduct caused “serious harm to his own professional association and, consequently, to the dignity and distinguished image all Peruvian lawyers must preserve.”
Balcazar has consistently denied the accusations, saying they lack legal basis.
He also has faced other investigations and complaints over several years. During his time as a judge and later as a congressman, he was the target of allegations including suspected judicial misconduct, fraud, identity impersonation and bribery, along with other questions raised about his professional conduct.
In his first remarks as president, Balcazar sought to downplay the impact of his legal cases, saying “it is not difficult to govern a country” and adding his administration will focus on ensuring “unquestionable” elections scheduled for April.
Separately, former President Pedro Castillo, who is serving an 11-year, five-month sentence for rebellion after his failed 2022 attempt to dissolve Congress, has requested a presidential pardon from Balcazar.
Castillo’s former defense minister and attorney Walter Ayala formally delivered it to the presidential office.
During Castillo’s administration, Balcazar emerged as one of his most visible defenders. He supported Castillo’s government and questioned investigations that involved officials close to the executive branch, local outlet Peru21 reported.
President Donald Trump’s description earlier this month of the UK–Mauritius agreement on the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands as “an act of great stupidity” briefly turned the world’s attention to the remote archipelago.
While most of the coverage and debate focused on the US military base on Diego Garcia island, little attention has been given to the sordid story of US and UK involvement in ongoing crimes against humanity against the islands’ Indigenous people – the Chagossians.
The Chagossians, whose island homeland is in the middle of the Indian Ocean, are largely descended from formerly enslaved East Africans. More than 60 years ago, US officials decided that the largest island, Diego Garcia, would be a suitable location for a remote military base.
The US saw the Chagossian population as a problem, as they wanted the island “clean” of inhabitants. Over the next decade, they secretly plotted with the UK – the colonial power governing Chagos – through a manufactured story based on racism and lies, to force the islanders from their home.
One US admiral, Elmo Zumwalt, said the islanders “absolutely must go”. To scare them into leaving, UK and US personnel gassed their dogs. From 1967 to 1973, the UK proceeded to force all the Chagossians – as many as 2,000 people – from all the islands, not only Diego Garcia. The US built and has now operated the Diego Garcia base for more than 50 years.
Today, the Chagossians live in exile, largely in the UK, Mauritius and the Seychelles. Many remain in poverty and have been prevented by the UK and US from returning to live in their homeland, even though generations have continued to campaign to do so. The islands, apart from the US military base, remain abandoned.
The story of US involvement in this forced displacement has been gradually uncovered, including through a congressional inquiry, the work of the academic David Vine, and the indefatigable struggle of generations of Chagossians to uncover the truth and return home. In 2023, Human Rights Watch found that the UK and US were responsible for crimes against humanity and had a duty to provide reparations – an opportunity to right their wrongs.
As a result, the US State Department for the first time acknowledged “regret” for what had happened to the Chagossians. Subsequently, the UK and Mauritius agreed in principle to a treaty to recognise Mauritian sovereignty over the islands, although the UK will maintain formal control of Diego Garcia island and the US military base will remain.
Forgotten in this settlement are the Chagossians. The treaty talks about historical wrongs, but the crimes are ongoing. The Chagossians are still prevented from returning home: Their islands – apart from the base – remain empty. Some Chagossians hope that the treaty will allow them to live on some of the islands, though this will depend on Mauritius fulfilling its obligations. The treaty itself provides no guarantee of their return and says nothing about the reparations owed to the Chagossians.
The US still appears opposed to Chagossians returning to Diego Garcia, even though the base occupies at most half the island. No Chagossian we’ve spoken to wants the base to close; instead, they would like the opportunity to work there. The US has kept a very low public profile in the negotiations – at least until President Trump’s comments – hiding behind the UK.
But the agreement’s terms make it clear that the US has been influencing the negotiations. The US “regret” for the treatment of the Chagossians has yet to translate into ensuring the Chagossians can return to Diego Garcia.
The treatment of the Chagossians is a crime in which the US has been implicated for more than 50 years, and to which Trump has inadvertently drawn attention. Having acknowledged regret, the US and UK governments should now ensure that their actions align with their obligations under international law, including working with Mauritius to enable the Chagossians to return to their homeland and providing appropriate reparations. Until that happens, the injustice remains unresolved.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.
Derrick Taylor won four City Section titles coaching basketball at Taft High. He won a Southern Section 3A title coaching at St. John Bosco and a Division II state championship with the Braves. So when he decided to come out of retirement and coach at Blair this season, you knew something good might happen.
On Friday night, Blair continued its run in the Southern Section Division 4 playoffs by upsetting No. 1-seeded Bonita 79-71. Jaleel Hunter had 14 points and 20 rebounds.
Blair lost its top player, Tim Anderson, who transferred to Pasadena. The team started 0-4. Now the Vikings are 21-9 and playing in the Division 4 quarterfinals on the road against Trabuco Hills on Tuesday.
Taylor lost his job at Taft in 2023 after guiding the Toreadors to an Open Division title. He briefly was going to coach at Gardena Serra, then stepped down for health reasons.
Things quickly have turned around for Blair, but it comes as no surprise to those who’ve seen what Taylor can do.
This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.
In a game of fine margins, Mouat and Dodds were repeatedly an inch or two away from where they needed to be.
They started with the hammer – theoretically advantageous in allowing a team to control a match – and had a shot in the first end to take three points.
However, Dodds’ effort was fractionally out and the Italians stole one. It would be a recurring theme as Constantini and Amos Mosaner dictated the contest.
The British pair levelled, before the hosts edged back ahead in a cagey third end and pinched another in the third. Again, it was a near-miss from Dodds.
That had Italy 3-1 ahead at the interval and GB chasing.
One in the fifth was less than they wanted but a big mistake by Mosaner in the sixth opened the door. Was this going to be the moment the momentum shifted?
It wasn’t. Constantini – a picture of tranquility throughout – played a perfect shot to ensure the Italians edged two clear again with two to play.
GB needed a big score, and deployed their powerplay, but again could only take one and were left needing a steal to even force an extra end.
They couldn’t. And they were left to face the nightmare scenario of another Games in which they have finished in fourth place and without a mixed doubles medal.
“We spoke last night about how lucky we are to be playing at the Olympics as best mates,” Mouat added. “We are two people that grew up together and never really knew where we could go with curling. It has been pretty special with Jen.
“I’m obviously pretty gutted but I’m so proud of us for sticking at it.”
In Beijing, they responded the right way, with women’s gold and men’s silver. What will they do this time?
The world’s most popular cryptocurrency has fallen nearly 20 percent in value since the start of 2026.
Published On 5 Feb 20265 Feb 2026
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Bitcoin has dropped below $71,000, adding to a week of losses that have wiped out all of its gains since United States President Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024.
The world’s most popular cryptocurrency fell more than 7 percent on Thursday, continuing a steep downward slide that began in mid-January.
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Bitcoin, which is famed for its wild price swings, was trading at about $70,900 as of 04:30 GMT.
The latest slide takes the value of the digital asset down by nearly 20 percent since the start of the year.
Bitcoin hit $100,000 for the first time in December 2024 and breached that level again in February and May 2025. But the asset has largely been on a downward trajectory since October, when it hit an all-time high of more than $127,000.
Bitcoin and other digital currencies racked up explosive gains after President Trump’s re-election raised expectations of Washington adopting a light touch to regulating digital assets after years of regulatory crackdowns.
Trump had pledged to turn the US into the world’s cryptocurrency capital during his re-election campaign, and launched his own crypto firm, World Liberty Financial, along with his sons, before winning the vote.
Shortly after taking office, Trump announced the establishment of a strategic crypto reserve that would include Bitcoin and four other cryptocurrencies.
But a Trump-backed bill to regulate the trading of cryptocurrency has stalled in the US Senate amid disagreement between banks and cryptocurrency firms, casting doubt over the industry.
US Democratic Party lawmaker Ro Khanna said on Wednesday that he would investigate World Liberty Financial after The Wall Street Journal newspaper reported that representatives of an Abu Dhabi official signed a $500m deal to buy a 49 percent stake in Trump’s fledgling cryptocurrency venture.
Equities and commodities markets also saw losses on Thursday, with silver dropping as much as 16 percent and benchmark stock indexes in Hong Kong and Japan down about 1.3 percent and 0.7 percent, respectively.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
Jordan on Monday became the latest Arab nation to proclaim that it won’t let its territory be used in a war against Iran. Last week, we noted that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also told the White House that their bases and airspace will be off limits for any attack on Iran. These decisions, if they hold, could greatly affect how the U.S. conducts any offensive actions against Iran. Meanwhile, reports have emerged that the U.S. and Iran might hold talks in Turkey on Friday. More on that later in this story.
“I held a phone call with His Excellency the Iranian Foreign Minister, Dr. Abbas Araghchi, discussing the situation in the region and the efforts being made to de-escalate tensions,” Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi explained on X. “I emphasized the necessity of adopting dialogue and diplomacy as the path to reaching a peaceful resolution for the nuclear issue and ending the tension. I also reaffirmed Jordan’s steadfast position on the necessity of respecting the sovereignty of states, and that Jordan will not be a battlefield for any party in any regional conflict, or a launchpad for any military action against Iran, and it will confront with all its capabilities any attempt to breach its airspace and threaten the safety of our citizens.”
بحثت مع معالي وزير الخارجية الإيراني الدكتور عباس عراقجي في إتصال هاتفي الأوضاع في المنطقة والجهود المبذولة لخفض التصعيد. أكدت ضرورة اعتماد الحوار والدبلوماسية سبيلا للتوصل لحل سلمي للملف النووي وإنهاء التوتر. كما أكدت موقف الأردن الثابت في ضرورة احترام سيادة الدول، وأن الأردن لن…
Such a move could further limit Trump’s military options in the region. Muwaffaq Salti, in central Jordan, has been a critical base housing U.S. tactical jets and other aviation assets for years. F-15E Strike Eagles based there played a key role in defending against a massive Iranian missile and drone barrage on Israel in April 2024. Over the past few weeks, Muwaffaq Salti has also seen an influx of at least 12 additional F-15E Strike Eagles and air defense systems amid mounting pressures with Iran. These join F-15Es already there, as well as A-10 Thunderbolt II close support jets and possibly American F-16 Vipers. Taking these assets out of the fight, or not allowing overflights by other aircraft, reduces the U.S. and allies’ ability to strike targets in Iran. It is unlikely to factor into the possibility of defending against the large number of missiles and drones Iran could fire in retaliation for any attack.
There is also the possibility that his statements are for consumption by a home audience wary of war with Iran, especially if that means fighting on the side of the Israelis. It’s also possible that messaging is intended to keep them from being struck by Iran in a massive retaliatory strike, but U.S. access to basing and airspace may be clandestinely allowed, even if to a limited degree. We just don’t know. Regardless, these are possibilities we suggested after Saudi Arabia and UAE made their comments about not getting involved.
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan. (Google Earth)
As we predicted, a flight of six E/A-18 Growlers landed at the Jordanian base on Jan. 31. They arrived after a journey from Puerto Rico, where they had taken part in the operation to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. You can read more about what the Growlers would bring to the table for any conflict with Iran here.
The U.S. is sending additional Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems to the Middle East for increased protection from any Iranian attack, The Wall Street Journal reported. Now the flight appears to be heading from Kadena Air Base in Japan, which has an air defense unit operating Patriots. Online flight trackers suggest that the cargo jets are moving some of that equipment to the Middle East.
U.S. air defenses are far more limited in capacity than many realize and we have seen these exact kinds of reshuffling of assets unfold prior to a crisis erupting multiple times before in the region. You can read more about the limited supply of Patriot and THAAD batteries in our past report here and what measures are being taken to at least begin to rectify this problem here. Just how much airlift work it is to move these batteries around is pretty daunting in itself.
US Air Force C-17A Globemaster III #AE07FD as RCH850 is en route to Isa AB, Bahrain (OBBS) from Spangdahlem AB, Germany (ETAD).
This aircraft picked up its cargo in Kadena AB, Japan (RODN) on the 31st.
#USAF United States Air Force – Middle East Activity 2 February 2026 – 1320z
U.S. Air Force Airlifter activity appears to be shifting from Robert Gray Army Airfield (Fort Hood) to Kadena Air Base, Japan. There are currently six in-progress flights originating from Kadena, and… https://t.co/OuXPiP0gGIpic.twitter.com/gPixbzKJgx
There also appears to be a flight of six Vermont Air National Guard F-35A stealth fighters headed to the region. The jets moved east from the Caribbean, where they also took part in the Maduro capture. We were the first to report that they landed in Lajes, Portugal, and were possibly slated to head to Jordan. However, the F-35s were diverted to Rota, Spain, and it remains unclear when they will leave or where they will go.
Even if the F-35s are bound for the East, there still has not been the kind of influx of tactical aviation needed to sustain any operation of scale. There also doesn’t appear to be any immediate bolstering of aircraft at Diego Garcia, as we have seen in prior tensions with Iran and its Houthi proxies in Yemen.
Recent satellite imagery shows three Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling jets, a Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol jet, and perhaps two Air Force Special Operations Command MC-130J Commando IIs. Satellite imagery from today shows many of these assets have moved on or were on missions away from the base, with just what appeared to be a pair of P-8s and a heavy airlifter, possibly a C-5, present. However, the buildup at the Indian Ocean island could accelerate at any time.
Activity at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean is heating up showing 3 US Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers, a US Navy P-8A Poseidon and 2 possible MC-130J Commando IIs.
A P-8 was deployed there for the majority of the summer while USAF B-2s idled nearby.
Complicating the move of materiel to the Middle East, a KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling tanker reportedly suffered a mishap at Moron Air Base in Spain. That jet was one of several refuelers scheduled to gas up the F-35s as they flew east. Videos emerged showing the crew aborting the flight shortly after.
The Pegasus appears to still be on the runway, which has backed up logistics. We have reached out to U.S. Air Forces Europe-Air Force Africa (USAFE) for more details about the mishap, the status of the aircraft, and the extent to which this is causing delays in getting military supplies to the Middle East.
The buildup of naval forces continues as well. Late last week, the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Bulkeley arrived in the eastern Mediterranean, a U.S. Navy official told us, joining the Arleigh Burke class USS Roosevelt in that body of water. The destroyers can serve as air and missile defense pickets against incoming Iranian missiles.
Last week, we were the first to report that the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black arrived in the Red Sea, becoming the 10th ship in the CENTCOM region. It joins the aircraft carrier USS AbrahamLincoln and its three escort Arleigh Burkes, two independently deployed Arleigh Burkes, and three Littoral Combat Ships. You can read more about these moves and what they could mean for a possible attack on or from Iran in our story here.
Israel’s IDF said today that “a joint exercise was conducted between a U.S. Navy destroyer and Israeli Navy vessels. The drill was held as part of the ongoing cooperation between the Israeli Navy and the U.S. 5th Fleet in the Red Sea arena. The destroyer docked at the port as… pic.twitter.com/Nl1XlYJJRA
The exact position of the Lincoln CSG is unclear at the moment; however, the Iranians have been flying one of their drones over the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman to surveil U.S. warships in the region.
✈️ An IRGC drone identified as SEP2501, continues its mission to conduct live monitoring of the U.S. Navy fleet in the Sea of Oman. Additionally, it was reported that last night also an IRGC drone was deployed over the Arabian Sea to observe U.S. Navy activities. #Iran#USpic.twitter.com/re7vCTJ9X7
While a lot of aircraft are heading toward the Middle East, it looks like there is one less E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) jet in the region. Last week, it was reported that a BACN was heading to Souda Air Base in Crete, a common route for deployments to the Middle East. However, flight trackers reported that another E-11A forward deployed to the Middle East has left.
There may be another E-11A heading to the Middle East now, though it is too early to say just where it might end up.
USAF: E 11A BACN 22 9047 BLKWF01 now heading east.
The E 11A it acts as an airborne communications relay, linking aircraft and other forces pic.twitter.com/HrQlyfoMxb
E-11As are highly specialized communications gateway nodes. You can find out more about BACN and its history in this past War Zone feature. It’s also worth mentioning that the BACNs spent many years exclusively deployed to the Middle East during the Global War on Terror.
Trump on Monday told reporters that talks with Iran were ongoing
“We have ships heading to Iran right now, big ones … and we have talks going on with Iran,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “We’ll see how it works out.”
Washington and Tehran are also still working toward negotiations. White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi “are expected to meet on Friday in Istanbul together with representatives of several Arab and Muslim countries to discuss a possible nuclear deal,” Axios reported, citing sources. The talks, if they happen, mark a rare face-to-face exchange between the two sides in the wake of President Donald Trump’s threats against the Iranian regime.
The U.S. leader demands that Iran end its nuclear program and ship its enriched uranium out of the country, limit its ballistic missile capabilities, and sever ties with armed proxies in the Middle East. In return, the United States will not attack Iran and remove crippling sanctions.
The Istanbul summit “will focus on trying to put together a package deal that prevents war. The official stressed the Trump administration hopes Iran will come to the meeting ready to make the needed compromises,” Axios added.
Iran’s foreign ministry says it is reviewing the terms for resuming talks with the United States, after both sides signal readiness to revive diplomacy over the nuclear issue.
Iran’s foreign ministry says it is reviewing the terms for resuming talks with the United States, after both sides signal readiness to revive diplomacy over the nuclear issue.#Iran#USpic.twitter.com/sR7iIkbC5W
Iran may even agree to suspend or shut down its nuclear program to ease tensions, The New York Times reported.
Iran is willing to suspend or shut down its nuclear program to ease tensions, but prefers a U.S.-backed plan for a regional nuclear power consortium.
Officials said Ali Larijani recently delivered a message from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to Vladimir Putin, offering to send Iran’s… pic.twitter.com/5WvOKgyw1J
Though they have expressed a willingness to negotiate, the Iranians have thrown up a major roadblock. Top Khamenei advisor Ali Shamkhani stated that Iran will not ship its stockpile of enriched uranium out of the country. That stance, if it holds, could render discussions moot.
First Ali Bagheri, Larijani’s deputy at the SNSC, and now Ali Shamkhani, Khamenei’s representative on the Defense Council, says #Iran‘s regime will not ship its stockpile of enriched uranium out of Iranian soil. If this is the Iranian position, the talks will be over before they… https://t.co/fS7cCd4XCi
One reason Iran may be open to talks is that it is “increasingly worried a U.S. strike could break its grip on power by driving an already enraged public back onto the streets, following a bloody crackdown on anti-government protests,” Reuters reported, citing six current and former officials. “In high-level meetings, officials told Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that public anger over last month’s crackdown — the bloodiest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution — has reached a point where fear is no longer a deterrent.”
The unrest began in Iran on Dec. 28 over rising prices and a devalued currency that saw the rial crater now to basically nothing, as well as a devastating drought. The ongoing harsh treatment from the regime fanned the flames. By some estimates, as many as 30,000 protestors have been killed.
Khamenei is blaming the massive uprising against him on Trump, who last month urged that the protests continue and said, “help is on its way.“
“The fact that we call the recent sedition #American Sedition is not just because of the complex hidden security information; what makes it clear that this was an American move is the statements of the President of the United States himself,” he stated on X. “First, he referred to the few thousand rioters as the people of Iran. Then he said, ‘Go forward, go forward, I’m coming!’”
اینکه به فتنه اخیر میگوییم #فتنه_آمریکایی، فقط بخاطر اطلاعات امنیتی مخفی پیچیده نیست؛ آنچه واضح میکند این حرکت آمریکایی بود، سخنان خود رئیس جمهور ایالات متحده است. اولاً که به چندهزار اغتشاشگر میگفت مردم ایران. بعد هم گفت بروید جلو، بروید جلو من دارم میآیم!
Meanwhile, the rhetoric from Khamenei’s military leaders continues to be heated.
The Islamic Republic “is fully prepared to confront and give a revengeful blow to the enemy, in case of any military mischief against the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Chairman of the Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said, according to official Iranian media. “Escalation in the region will have grave consequences for the US and its allies,” he added, emphasizing that “Iranian forces only think of victory, without any fear of the enemy’s rumbling and apparent arrogance.”
Still, Iranian authorities on Sunday walked back announced plans for live-fire exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported.
“The naval forces of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have no plan to carry out as reported by some media outlets earlier this week,” an Iranian official told the news outlet.
The walkback happened after U.S. Central Command issued a warning to Iran over the exercise.
“CENTCOM will ensure the safety of U.S. personnel, ships, and aircraft operating in the Middle East,” the command stated on X. “We will not tolerate unsafe IRGC actions including overflight of U.S. military vessels engaged in flight operations, low-altitude or armed overflight of U.S. military assets when intentions are unclear, highspeed boat approaches on a collision course with U.S. military vessels, or weapons trained at U.S. forces.”
In Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country remains on high alert and is prepared for a strike from Iran.
Israel “is ready for every scenario,” Netanyahu said in a speech to the Knesset in response to Iranian threats. “Whoever attacks us will face unbearable consequences.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu on Iran: “There are still challenges ahead of us. Whoever attacks us will bear consequences that are unbearable for them.” pic.twitter.com/u8dzYT9nEa
While Trump has shown a willingness to negotiate, it should be noted that the White House was in talks with Iran ahead of last June’s Operation Midnight Hammer attack on Iran’s nuclear weapons facilities. It remains to be seen whether a new round of face-to-face negotiations takes place, but the buildup for a potential conflict does not seem to be stopping.
Ever since Hunter Greene stepped foot on campus at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High as a 14-year-old freshman, everyone has predicted stardom in baseball. But one day, it will be remembered how much he has done to help inspire and encourage the next generation of students to follow their dreams.
Greene, the No. 2 draft pick of the Cincinnati Reds in 2017, has become a member of the team’s starting rotation while continuing to serve as a role model for others.
On Saturday, he returned to Notre Dame to present two scholarship awards from his foundation given annually to a boy and girl who demonstrates character and commitment to their community. It’s the seventh and eighth scholarships since he began the annual presentation four years ago.
Donors list for the Hunter Greene Scholarship Fund at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame.
(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)
Even in high school, Greene was seen as someone who could be a leader in helping others. He embraced that role and has continued as a professional baseball player, whether it’s at his former school or helping youth around the country.
Notre Dame held an alumni baseball game, where former major leaguers Brendan Ryan and Brett Hayes were among the participants.
Greene did not play, but what he continues to do off the field is admired and much appreciated.
This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.
Israel says it will reopen the Rafah crossing on Sunday after nearly two years — but only for restricted, tightly controlled movement of people. Humanitarian aid remains barred. Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reports from Rafah as Israel retains full security control.
He had the assembled media pack giggling away as he told certain newspaper journalists he had been seeing their faces in his sleep, such is the interest around potential transfers at Parkhead.
And it is not only the media he has charmed, but his players, too.
Where they were finding ways to lose under Nancy – and Rodgers to a lesser degree – Celtic’s much-maligned squad are now grinding out results, albeit the 10-man reigning Premiership champions could not beat current leaders Hearts at the weekend.
Nevertheless, the upturn in performances and results since Nancy’s calamitous tenure has been stark, and that is without key starters Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota.
Midfielder Benjamin Nygren, who scored his 14th goal of the season against Utrecht, was asked about the impact O’Neill has had.
“He’s making a big difference,” the Sweden international said.
“He knows the club, he’s been here. He knows how it works here and he’s loved by everyone around the club.
“I think he brought in a lot of confidence, so we’ve been a lot better since he came back.”
Harrison Ford’s character in Apple TV’s Shrinking has Parkinson’s disease, leading some fans to question whether the 83-year-old actor has the condition in real life
Shrinking: Harrison Ford stars in season two trailer
Fans of Shrinking have been questioning whether Hollywood legend Harrison Ford has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease following the third season premiere on Apple TV.
The iconic actor has brought to life numerous memorable characters throughout his illustrious career, including Han Solo, Indiana Jones, Jack Ryan, and Jacob Dutton in the Yellowstone franchise.
His most recent role is Dr Paul Rhoades, an elderly therapist and gruff mentor to Jimmy Laird (portrayed by Jason Segel ) in Apple TV’s popular comedy-drama series.
The critically praised show made its return this Wednesday (28th January) with an hour-long premiere episode, featuring Paul navigating life after receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
However, some viewers are questioning whether Paul’s storyline reflects a genuine health issue for the cherished film star. Here’s what we know, reports the Express.
Does Harrison Ford have Parkinson’s disease?
No, Harrison Ford does not suffer from Parkinson’s in reality, and the 83 year old cinema icon is widely believed to be in good health.
Parkinson’s disease results in progressive damage to parts of the brain over what can be many years. The condition causes uncontrollable tremors, rigid muscles and slowed movement, whilst also impacting cognitive abilities including memory, emotional wellbeing and sleep patterns.
Ford was recently forced to pull out of presenting at the 2025 Academy Awards after being diagnosed with shingles. However, Entertainment Tonight quickly confirmed he was “doing okay and resting at home”.
The star has kept fit and well into his 80s through regular exercise and a healthy diet.
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Apple TV+ members can save £30.88 by paying for a year up front.
Speaking to Ellen DeGeneres in 2020, he revealed he cycles and plays tennis, but doesn’t “work out like crazy”. His diet consists mainly of fish and vegetables.
Although Ford doesn’t have Parkinson’s himself, his authentic portrayal of Paul, whose condition has progressively deteriorated over the past two seasons of Shrinking, has won widespread acclaim.
One particularly impressed viewer is Back to the Future legend Michael J Fox, a Parkinson’s campaigner who received his diagnosis in the early 1990s. He appears in a cameo role as Gerry in Shrinking’s third season premiere and recently disclosed that Ford’s performance “brought him to tears”.
“That’s one thing that’s amazing about Harrison,” Fox told Vanity Fair. “I don’t have to convince him I have Parkinson’s, but he had to convince me he had Parkinson’s.
“What I wasn’t prepared for was how much of his own understanding of the disease he brought to it.
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“I mean, I recognised Parkinson’s in his eyes. The things I was feeling, I recognised in the way he was expressing himself.”
Ford heaped also praise on his co-star, describing Fox as “generous, supportive, open, just a wonderful person”, before adding, “[and a] pretty goddamn good actor too”.
“It’s a daunting disease and also a daunting job to represent it in an appropriate way. It was a very important experience for me to have,” he continued. “Michael is an extraordinarily powerful person.”
Shrinking season 3 continues Wednesdays on Apple TV.
