The increase in maritime Arctic traffic, which received increased attention as President Trump pressured the United States to annex Greenland, has come with a huge environmental cost: black carbon, or soot, released from ships makes the ice melt even faster. In meetings with international shipping regulators this week, several countries are making the case for ships in the Arctic to use cleaner fuels that cause less pollution.
Glaciers and ice and snow covered with soot emitted by ships have a reduced ability to reflect the sun. Instead, the Arctic absorbs the sun’s heat, contributing to its rapid warming. In turn, melting Arctic sea ice could affect weather patterns around the world.
“This ends up in a never-ending cycle of increased warming,” said Sian Pryor, lead adviser at the Clean Arctic Alliance, a coalition of nonprofits focused on the Arctic and shipping. “We need to regulate emissions and black carbon in particular. Both are completely unregulated in the Arctic.”
In December, France, Germany, the Solomon Islands, and Denmark proposed to the International Maritime Organization that ships travelling in Arctic waters use “polar fuels,” which are lighter and emit less carbon pollution than widely used marine fuels, known as residual fuels. The proposal includes steps companies will have to follow that will apply to the geographic area—all ships travelling north of the 60th parallel. The proposal was expected to be presented to IMO’s Pollution Prevention and Response Committee this week and possibly to another committee in April.
A 2024 ban on the use of a type of residual known as heavy fuel oil in the Arctic has had only a modest impact so far, partly because of loopholes.
An icebreaker near a port on the island of Alexandra Land near Nagarskoye, Russia, in May 2021 makes way for a cargo ship with an iceberg in the background.
“Black carbon” is exacerbating other regional issues
Efforts to reduce black carbon, which studies have shown have a warming impact 1,600 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, are coming at a time of conflicting interests both internationally and among littoral countries in the Arctic.
Recently, Mr Trump’s periodic comments about the need to “own” Greenland to strengthen US security have raised a number of issues, from Greenland’s sovereignty to the future of the NATO alliance. Pollution and other environmental issues have been left behind in the Arctic.
Mr. Trump, who has referred to climate change as an “act of fraud,” has also hindered global policies designed to combat it. Last year, the IMO was expected to adopt rules that would impose a carbon fee on shipping, which proponents said would incentivise companies to use cleaner fuels and electrify their fleets where possible. Then Mr Trump intervened and lobbied the nation to vote no. This measure was postponed for a year, its prospects highly uncertain. Given this, it is difficult to see the IMO making rapid progress on the current proposal to limit black carbon in the Arctic.
Internal tensions over such rules exist even within the Arctic countries, which bear the brunt of black carbon and other shipping pollution. Iceland is a wonderful example of this. While the country is a world leader in green technologies such as carbon capture and the use of thermal energy for heating, conservationists say the country has made little progress in regulating pollution in its oceans. This is because the fishing industry, one of the most important industries in the country, is very dominant.
“The industry is happy with profits, unhappy with taxes and not involved in issues like climate or biodiversity,” said Arni Finsson, the board chair of the Iceland Nature Conservation Association.
The cost of using clean fuels or electrifying fleets has also driven resistance, Finsson said.
“I think the government is waking up, but it still has to wait for the fishing industry to agree,” he said.
The country has not taken any position on the pending polar fuel proposal. In a statement, Iceland’s Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate said the proposal was “positive with respect to its objective and basic content” but that further study was needed. Iceland supports stronger measures to combat shipping emissions and reduce black carbon, according to the statement.
More maritime traffic means more soot in the air
Soot pollution has increased in the Arctic, as cargo ships, fishing boats, and even some cruise liners travel more in the waters that connect Iceland, Greenland, Canada, Russia, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and the northernmost parts of the United States.
The number of ships entering waters north of the 60th parallel is expected to increase by 37% between 2013 and 2023, according to the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum made up of eight countries comprising the Arctic region. Over the same period, the total distance covered by ships in the Arctic increased by 111%.
Black carbon emissions have also increased. According to a study by Energy and Environmental Research Associates, ships north of the 60th parallel emitted 2,696 metric tonnes of black carbon in 2019, compared to 3,310 metric tonnes in 2024. The study found that fishing boats were the largest source of black carbon.
It also found that a 2024 ban on heavy fuel oil would lead to only a small reduction in black carbon. Exemptions and exceptions allow some ships to continue using it until 2029.
Environmental groups and concerned countries view regulating ship fuel as the only way to realistically reduce black carbon. This is because it would probably be impossible to get nations to agree to limit traffic. The allure of fishing, resource extraction and short shipping distances is enormous. Ships can save days on some trips between Asia and Europe by sailing through the Arctic.
Nevertheless, the route known as the Northern Sea Route can be crossed only a few months of the year, and even then ships must be accompanied by icebreakers. Those threats, coupled with Arctic pollution concerns, have led some companies to pledge to stay away – at least for now.
“The debate around the Arctic is intensifying and commercial shipping is part of that discussion,” wrote Soren Toft, CEO of Mediterranean Shipping Co., the world’s largest container shipping company, in a LinkedIn post last month. “Our position on MSC is clear. We do not and will not use the Northern Sea Route.”
Something special is unfolding in France’s top soccer division, and at its center is the Alabama-born son of a famous college football coach.
Tanner Tesman is expected to join the U.S. Tanner Tesman, who led the 2024 U.S. Olympic team, is expected to join the U.S. World Cup squad this summer. Olympic team. The Olympic team member was back in the lineup Saturday as Olympique Lyonnais won 1-0 in Nantes, marking their 12th straight victory in all competitions.
Lyon won six straight to finish third in Ligue 1
—the eventual UEFA Champions League berth—along with three in a row to reach the quarterfinals of the French Cup and three straight in the continent’s second-most important club competition, the Europa League, to finish first in the opening round of 36 teams.
To be unbeaten in a dozen matches is a feat, but to avoid not only a defeat but also a draw is astonishing. The streak was in jeopardy this weekend when a red card left Lyon with 10 men for the last half hour, but solid defending and a Nantes shot saved the run off the post, which started on December 11.
Lyon finished sixth in each of the previous two Ligue 1 seasons and have not finished in the top three since 2019.
Tesman missed the first two games with a thigh injury and came off the bench in the next two. Since then, he has started six of the eight and been substituted in the other two. Overall, the FC Dallas native has appeared in 19 of 21 Ligue 1 matches, tying him for third on the team, and starting 16.
American midfielder Tanner Tesman is peaking at the right time for the US men’s national team.
The 24-year-old defensive midfielder is in his second season in France after three with Italian club Venezia. Tesman’s godfather is Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney, who has been best friends with Tesman’s father, PJ, since high school. Run by PJ Sweeney’s Charitable Foundation.
A talented football player and football kicker, Tesman planned to play both sports at Clemson. But before enrolling, he signed a domestic contract with FC Dallas.
His footballing path has taken him to two of Europe’s top five leagues – Italy’s Serie A before relegation in 2021–22 and France’s Ligue 1 over the past two seasons – and up the US ladder. He has since played every minute of four Olympic matches in France for Mauricio Pochettino’s senior squad. Last fall, he started twice and came off the bench twice, scoring in a 5-1 win over Uruguay in Tampa.
With World Cup experience, Tyler Adams Tesman’s role could increase this spring as he recovers from a knee injury. Pochettino is expected to call him up for the late March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta – just a two-hour drive from Uncle Bo.
Strikers elsewhere in France, like Folarin Balogun, saw his 90-minute effort in Nice’s 0-0 draw with Monaco extend his scoreless streak to seven.
Wingback Team Wow (90 poor minutes) was part of fourth-placed Olympique Marseille’s 5-0 embarrassment against new front-runners Paris Saint-Germain. Back at center, Mark McKenzie entered the 81st in Toulouse’s 1-0 loss at Angers, ending his streak of nine straight 90 minutes.
Italy
With a 59th-minute header, midfielder Weston McKennie scored his fourth Serie A goal and seventh overall as Juventus rallied from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Lazio.
Forward Christian Pulisic and second-placed AC Milan were both off this weekend; additionally, since their home stadium is unavailable due to the Winter Olympics, they will play their third consecutive away match in Pisa on Friday.
Midfielder Yunus Musa and Atlanta will host Cremonese on Monday.
In the second section, Jonathan Klinsmann Cesena beat Pescara 2-0 to earn their first clean sheet since November 28, a run of 10 matches.
Mexico
The winger made his first start in late November; Alex Zendejas’ Club America beat Monterrey 1-0 with a stunning goal on his 28th birthday. A foot injury ruled him out for the first four Liga MX Clausura matches before entering the CONCACAF Champions Cup as a sub on Wednesday.
England
Back to center, Chris Richard’s Crystal Palace won 1-0 at Brighton, ending a 12-game winless streak in all competitions since mid-December.
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left back Anthony Robinson Did not play in Fulham’s 2-1 loss to Everton, sitting out the first match since his long-awaited return from injury in mid-December. He is likely to return to second-placed Manchester City on Wednesday.
Midfielder Brendan Aaronson of Leeds bounced back from a four-goal defeat at Arsenal to lead with a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest in 78 minutes, staying six points above the relegation zone.
Striker Haji Wright: Coventry City’s 0-0 home draw with Oxford saw its scoreless streak hit three in a 90-minute effort. Having spent much of the campaign in the second-tier table, the club is in danger of finishing at the top when Middlesbrough visits Sheffield United on Monday. Despite the guaranteed promotion for both teams, Coventry maintains a five-point lead over third-placed Ipswich Town.
Midfielders Aidan Morris and Middlesbrough are expected to start before travelling to Coventry next Monday.
Forward Patrick Agyemeng He made his 21st consecutive start for Derby County in a 2–1 loss to Ipswich Town. The Rams slipped from seventh to ninth place, falling two points short of qualifying for the promotion playoffs.
Germany
Midfielder Malik Tillman played 90 in Bayer Leverkusen’s 1-1 draw at Mönchengladbach, which leaves the club sixth in the Bundesliga and three points off next season’s final Champions League spot.
Monchengladbach midfielder Geo Rena The right wing-back missed his third consecutive match with a muscle injury; Joe Scully was a 79th-minute substitute.
Midfielder James Sands His 16th start as the next to last St. Pauli Stuttgart was a surprise, 2-1. The defender Nohkai Banks played the first half of Augsburg’s 2–0 loss to Mainz.
Forward Damion Downs The scoreless streak since joining Hamburg on loan from Southampton hit 271 minutes in the second half of the 2-0 win at Hedenheim.
Left back in the second division, John Tolkien Holstein Kiel’s 3-1 defeat at Hannover by 90 minutes leaves it two points safe from the relegation playoffs, a third straight shock.
The Netherlands
Right back Sargino Dest played all of PSV Eindhoven’s 2-1 win in Groningen on Sept. 13 and extended the Eredivisie leaders’ streak to 16-0-2 on Sept. 13 and 19-1-2 overall.
Scotland
Back to centre, Auston Trustee, 120 minutes went by as Celtic beat Dundee 2-1 in the round of 16 of the Scottish Cup. Celtic equalised in the dying seconds of stoppage time.
spain
Atletico Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso missed the second match in a row due to a muscle injury. … Wingback Alex Freeman of Villarreal will make his debut against Espanyol on Monday.
Jeffrey Epstein had many relationships with powerful and influential people around the world, some now seeing his reputation tarnished due to his close ties to the sex offender.
Millions of files related to Jeffrey Epstein were recently released (Image: Getty Images)
The latest batch of Epstein files exposed the scandalous billionaire’s ties to the rich and powerful, leaving some embarrassed and others resigned in shame – here are seven of the biggest bombshells you probably didn’t see coming.
The Justice Department announced just a week ago that it had declassified millions of Jeffrey Epstein documents. Uncomfortable details and photos have since emerged, including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg having dinner with Epstein, as well as connections between the billionaire and members of the Donald Trump administration.
The scandal has also affected Britain and Europe. Epstein’s friend Peter Mandelson has resigned from the House of Lords as questions remain over the investigation after it emerged he leaked information to a convicted sex offender.
Below are all the revelations you might have missed in the latest Epstein Files release
Read more: Andrew and Fergie face fresh humiliation as new photos from the Epstein files emerge in the latest batch. Read more: Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigns after Mandelson scandal
Musk and Zuckerberg’s ‘wild’ dinner
Musk and Zuckerberg attended a dinner in California.
Epstein emailed himself a photo of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg after boasting about a “wild” dinner with the tech billionaire pair. The picture shows Musk and Zuckerberg sitting alongside several other individuals.
Epstein texted himself this photo on Monday, August 3, 2015, a day after he met with tech chiefs for a lavish California dinner.
“Where are you?” On August 2, 2015, Epstein asked author Peter Attia, “Where are you?” “I might be in LA, Burbank, on Monday to see the interior of the second BBJ, Tonight’s Dinner with Musk.” [Palantir boss Peter] Thiel, Zuckerberg.” Attia later responded: “Sounds like a wonderful dinner.”
In another email on August 20, 2015, Epstein confirmed to American businessman Tom Pritzker that the dinner had taken place. “I had dinner with Zuckerberg, Musk, Thiel, and Hoffman. Wild,” he said.
Peter Mandelson’s Pauly Epstein Message
Mandelson allegedly leaked government information to Epstein (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Explosive emails from the Epstein files have led to Peter Mandelson, a key architect of New Labour, being ousted from his position in the House of Lords and have prompted police to investigate Britain’s former ambassador to the US.
His downfall came when emails allegedly revealed that Mandelson had leaked internal government information to Epstein when he was business secretary under Gordon Brown. Details include the EU bailout in the wake of the 2008 financial crash.
Such confidential information could have helped bankers earn millions. Epstein, who served a prison sentence after pleading guilty to child sex crimes in 2008, also provides financial advice to Mandelson. In June 2011 he wrote: “If I want to buy this house, which I do, I have to borrow $4 million from the bank at 3 per cent interest. Do you think that’s OK?”
Epstein responded by saying that he was willing to find a deal for her.
Andrew’s escape to New York
Andrew visits Epstein in New York (Image: AP)
The disgraced former Duke of York once claimed that he travelled to New York in December 2010 to end his friendship with Epstein. He asserted that his decision to end his friendship with Epstein was “the right thing to do,” arguing that a simple phone call would have been more appropriate.
Andrew denied being the “guest of honour” at the party celebrating Epstein’s release and instead told journalist Emily Maitlis that there was only a “small dinner party.” But newly released emails in the latest Epstein files reveal that Andrew stayed at the sex offender’s mansion for nine days, during which “girls came over after school,” which may refer to university or college students.
Andrew previously claimed that he saw Epstein three times during his stay. It emerged that Epstein and his assistant also arranged for two people “to show the Duke’s face at one o’clock tomorrow”.
He emailed another businessman, bragging that Andrew was stopping by and asked if he wanted to have breakfast with him. He has consistently denied all the allegations against him.
Norway royal breaks silence on Epstein ties
Princess Mette-Marit apologises for her friendship with Epstein (Image: NTB/AFP via Getty Images)
Norway’s Crown Princess has issued a lengthy apology for her friendship with a convicted sex offender. Princess Mette-Marit, married to the heir to the throne of Norway, was implicated in the latest release of the Epstein Files.
Years of friendship are evident in the messages sent between the princess and Epstein. The Norwegian Royal Family said in a statement, “I want to express my deep regret for my friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. It is important for me to apologise to all of you that I have disappointed.”
“Some of the content of the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I want to be. I also apologise for the position in which I have put the royal family, particularly the King and Queen.”
Epstein visits Buckingham Palace with Russian model
Epstein visits Buckingham Palace (Image: New York State Sex Offender Reggie)
Embarrassing emails revealed that shamed Andrew had invited Epstein and an “attractive” Russian model to Buckingham Palace. The former Duke of York exchanged friendly messages with a convicted child sex offender, mentioning that Buckingham Palace could serve as an ideal location for dinner – considering its “privacy”.
“I am departing now and should reach Scotland by 1800 (6pm),” Andrew said in an email to Epstein on 27 September 2010. “If you could give me a number to call, I would come down and call you. Alternatively, we could have dinner at Buckingham Palace and have plenty of privacy.”
Epstein replied, “Already in London, what time would you like me and [redacted]? We will also need personal time.” The report described the billionaire’s guest as “charming” and a “great friend”.
The messages were sent two months before Andrew left for New York.
Fresh humiliation for Andrew and Fergie
Fergie and Andrew appear in Epstein Files photo (Image: Liverpool Echo)
In a new photo of Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, the pair appear to be getting cosy with each other. The snap showed the two smiling for the camera while accompanied by another man.
The former Duke and Duchess of York hovered over a candlelit cake surrounded by leaflets and documents relating to the Star Fund organisation. It is unclear when the photograph was taken or what occasion was being celebrated. It is also not clear who took the photo of the couple and the person accompanying them at that time.
This image is the latest revelation related to Andrew and Fergie to emerge from the latest Epstein files dump. Both have seen their reputations tarnished as more documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein come to light.
Fergie proposes to Epstein
Fergie emailed Epstein multiple times (Image: UK Press via Getty Images)
Recently released emails between Fergie and the convicted sex offender appear to be largely desperate, including repeated requests for money, a jokey marriage proposal and flattering words that reflect the troubling nature of their friendship.
Fergie praised Epstein in an email sent six months after his release from prison, saying, “You are a legend. I really don’t have words to describe, my love, my gratitude for your generosity and kindness. xx I am at your service. Just marry me.”
Fergie has yet to speak on the emails released in the latest dump, but her spokesperson said last year: “The Duchess expressed regret about her relationship with Epstein many years ago, and as she has always been, her first thoughts are with his victims. Like many people, she was caught in his lies.”
He also claimed, “As soon as she learnt of the extent of the allegations against him, he not only cut off contact but also publicly denounced her, to the extent that he then threatened to sue her for defamation for linking her to paedophilia.”
one of Great Britain’s most exciting medal hopefuls at the Winter Olympics – overcame an early hiccup to seal her place in the big air final.
Despite overcooking the landing on her opening run, Brooks maintained her usual relaxed demeanour, scoring a combined 167 points from her two attempts to qualify in third place.
Although only 19 years old, an Olympic medal is the only accolade from Brooks’ collection, having already won world championships and double X Games gold – both in his preferred slopestyle.
If Brooks wins a medal of any colour in Monday’s final (18:30 GMT), he will become Britain’s youngest Winter Olympic medallist for 78 years.
“The second run, I thought, ‘I want to land it; otherwise, it’s four years until the next one.'”
Asked how it felt to reach her first Olympic final, she said, “I think I’m more relieved that I’ve got the technique down. It’s pretty sick.
“I definitely have more to offer, but I don’t know if it’s worth the jump for it.”
Brooks was too young to compete at the last Winter Olympics four years ago but has since reached the pinnacle of her sport.
In 2023, at just 16 years old, he became Snowboarding’s youngest world champion. Along with her slopestyle gold in Georgia, Cab landed the first 1440 double grab in the women’s event to seal a victory.
Last month, he secured his second title at the X Games, the exclusive event for action sports.
“They see him as legitimately the best ever to do it,” BBC Sport commentator Tim Warwood said before the Games. “He’s a purist’s dream.
“When he’s strapped to a snowboard, you can tell what he was put on this planet to do.”
Brooks’ teammate Maisie Hill, also making her Olympic debut, finished 29th to miss the final.
While Hill’s big air campaign may be over, he and Brooks will return for slopestyle starting February 16.
Just becoming an Olympian marked an incredible feat for the 24-year-old Hill, who almost died in a training accident three years ago.
He broke multiple bones, including his spine and pelvis, and suffered a grade three injury to his liver that bled profusely after crashing into an ice wall during a training session in Switzerland in January 2023.
“Three years ago today I left hospital. I’m pretty proud of myself,” Hill told BBC Sport.
Assessing his run, he added, “I’m pretty stoked; it’s all been going really well in practice.
“I’m so happy to be here. It’s been so much fun. I’ve enjoyed it so much. I feel so blessed.
Mia Brooks is competing in her first Olympics [Getty Images]
GB’s curlers beat hosts Italy to top spot
Bruce Mouat and Jane Dodds successfully created “some drama in the stands” by defeating the hosts and Olympic curling champions Italy 9-6 in the mixed doubles.
Earlier on Sunday, Team GB’s 7-6 loss to Switzerland was Team GB’s first defeat after a brilliant start to the competition, with seven straight wins, sealing their progress to the last four with two games to spare, and the Scottish pair were keen to right that wrong.
They aimed to consolidate their dominance in the competition by securing the top spot in the round-robin table, which would give them a decisive advantage in Monday’s semi-final against either the Italians or Sweden.
The BBC will broadcast the match live at 18:05 GMT, and the final round-robin matches will confirm the British pair’s opponents before Monday.
“We are where we wanted to be, and now we are resting and recovering before the semifinals,” Dodds told BBC Sport.
Bruce Mouat and Jane Dodds are already through to the semi-finals in Cortina [PA Media]
The Italians were motivated to take on the GB pair, their qualification still not secured and they started strongly with two on the first leg.
However, a narrow second from Amos Mosanar and Stefania Constantini—on the ice, where she learned the game as a child— allowed Dodds to make it three games and calm the ecstatic crowd.
The Italians were in good shape in the third but only took one, and it was the same for GB in the fourth, putting them ahead at the interval.
However, Mosaner missed his last throw in the fifth in what proved to be a decisive moment. Constantini could only partially recover the situation, limiting a GB, but that steal allowed Mouat and Dodds to open up a 5-3 lead.
Italy was not done; Noise took three and went back to the front by compiling a fantastic sixth end, which resulted in the quirky venue coming rolling down the wooden bleachers.
However, Mouat and Dodds maintained their composure, taking three in the seventh end and then snatching another in the final end to seal the victory.
The other sheet results soon confirmed the Italians’ place in the final four, much to their upset.
The crowd’s enthusiasm was truly remarkable. “We knew that the crowd would act almost like a third player for them, and coming away with the win was extra special,” Dodds added.
Italy will play the USA on Monday and if they win, the two teams will meet again in the semifinals, with Moat and Dodds facing Sweden. If the Italians lose, they will face the United States, while the British pair will compete against Sweden.
[BBC]
Klibo won the first of a possible six golds
Norway’s Johannes Hosflot Klaebo won the first of a possible six gold medals at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in the 10km+10km skiathlon.
It takes the 29-year-old’s career Olympic gold tally to six, just two shy of the all-time winter record.
It is held by the Norwegian trio of biathlete Ole Einar Borndalen and cross-country skiers Bjorn Dahli and Merit Bjorgen, who are all retired.
Team GB’s Andrew Musgrave was 10th in his fifth Games – well short of his best Olympic finish of seventh in 2018 – with fellow Briton Jo Davies 16th.
After the race, Musgrave expressed his disappointment to BBC Sport.
“I felt it was too fast in the first section and straight away I was struggling – it was hot, and I was overheating.
“The first lap eliminated my chances of a strong finish.”
After avoiding a penalty for cutting a corner on the course, Mathis Desloges won silver. France won their first medal, with Norway’s Martin Löström Ninegate third.
New Delhi: Mrs Bectors Food Specialties’ new plant in Indore had just started production for some US buyers when the US announced 50% tariffs on Indian imports.
With the trade agreement likely to come into force soon, the company is now hopeful that things will gradually recover.
Anup Bector, the MD of the company, stated, “We halted the business under development, but we will now start the project immediately.”
He said that now they also intend to work on the distribution network in the US and open warehouses.
Mrs. Bectors Food Specialities, maker of Cremica and English Oven brand biscuits, exports biscuits and cookies worth about Rs 100 crore to US retailers and had to face a hit of about 5–7% by offering discounts to offset the impact of the tariffs.
While the US is going to provide duty-free access to some Indian bakery products, Bector is waiting for the list.
Tea producers are also celebrating duty-free access, especially due to their tariff advantage compared to competitors from Sri Lanka, Kenya, and China.
Sri Lanka suffered losses due to its ‘oil for tea’ barter agreement with Iran, which resulted in a 25% tariff penalty. Kenya, which enjoyed duty-free access under AGOA, now has to contend with a 10% baseline reciprocity tariff.
“The ‘Golden Letter’ exemption restores the price competitiveness of Indian orthodox and speciality teas against rivals such as Kenya and Sri Lanka.
By securing zero-duty access, while Sri Lanka is stuck at 25% and Kenya at 10%, India effectively becomes the lowest-cost premium producer for the North American market.
While we currently produce small quantities of green and oolong tea, this tariff benefit provides the right incentive for Indian estates to diversify and become a major exclusive supplier to the US.”
This was stated by Ajay Jalan, the Managing Director of Mokalbari Kanoi Tea Estate. Many exporters will get clarity when US buyers return to offices on Monday, especially those offering deep discounts and goods in transit.
Texport Industries’ CMD, Narendra Goenka, is interested in understanding the future of discounts on goods in transit or ready for shipment. Most players in the textile business were offering a 15%–18% discount to retain buyers.
With tensions rising in Iran, some buyers were becoming even more worried, but we somehow managed to retain most of them, although we lost a few orders, which we have to work on,” Goenka said.
Most textile companies have seen their profits take a hit due to heavy discounting so they can retain buyers and have to lay off many workers.
“This will be the first time in many years that the balance sheet will show a loss. We were doing minimal business, but now the volumes will come in a big way,” says Puran Dawar, an Agra-based leather footwear exporter.
In Tiruppur, KM Knitwear CMD KM Subramaniam is looking at enquiries from buyers and is expecting exports to reach last year’s levels after losing almost half of US orders in the last few months due to tariffs. But he is unsure whether buyers will accommodate orders.
“This is a buyer’s market; we may seek compensation through a 3-4% price increase in new orders,” he said over the phone.
With the joint statement signed over the weekend, the companies have a lot more clarity talking to their buyers in the US.
The reduction in additional tariffs from 50% to 18% is expected to ensure that many factory jobs, which would have been lost as buyers moved orders out of India, are now protected.
A lifelong dream led one man to plan an extreme road trip of thousands of miles across multiple continents to see the northern lights.
The journey took him from Saudi Arabia to northern Norway.
In a long journey that would probably defeat most people, 28-year-old Malik Al-Sultan drove more than 5,600 miles from Saudi Arabia to northern Norway to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis – spending thousands of dollars on the trip.
News agency SWNS reported that they planned the long trip for more than a year.
Instead of flying, he chose to travel by road so he could experience other countries along the way.
A man traveled 14,000 miles to share one last beer with his old friend
A Saudi Arabian freelance digital producer drives his Toyota Land Cruiser pickup truck in Europe and Scandinavia on December 20, 2025.
The three-week journey took them through 19 countries, with their final destination being Bodø, Norway.
Over three weeks, the freelance digital creator drove his car, shown above, through 19 countries to his destination. (SWNS)
He said the idea for the trip came about a year before he left.
That’s when he started planning a route, saving money and preparing his vehicle for long-distance travel.
In the five weeks before his departure, al-Sultan spent much of his free time making sure his truck was road-ready and securing the necessary travel documents, he said—including the Schengen visa required for Saudi citizens travelling to much of Europe.
SWNS reported that the cost of their trip, which included fuel, food and hotel stays in each city where they spent the night, totalled about $12,300.
His route took him through countries like Kuwait, Turkey, Serbia, Italy, Germany, and Sweden.
“It made the whole trip worth the trouble.”
En route, he took an unplanned detour to the United Kingdom – where he visited London for the first time and decided to stay for a few days.
“When I reached London and saw it,” said the intrepid traveller, “I decided to stop for a couple [of] days and enjoy the atmosphere.” (iStock)
“First of all, the United Kingdom was not part of the plan,” he said. “But when I visited it, I was amazed by the beauty of the streets. When I reached London and saw it, I decided to stay for a while [of] spending the day and enjoying the atmosphere.”
After travelling some 5,600 miles, Al-Sultan reached Bodo – and was finally able to see the Aurora Borealis lighting up the night sky.
“It was quite a long journey, going through many different cultures and countries,” he said.
“It made the whole trip worth the trouble,” Al-Sultan said.
“Seeing the light surprised me greatly,” he expressed.
The route took them through several countries in Europe and the Middle East, including Kuwait, Türkiye and Germany, before they took an unexpected detour to London. (SWNS)
Al-Sultan said that his journey itself has become as meaningful to him as the final destination.
He said, “I will always remember the two together, because for me, one cannot exist without the other.”
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After soaking in the experience, Al-Sultan said he plans to return to Saudi Arabia – possibly taking a different route home.
“Love their camping setup,” one social media commenter wrote. “It would be nice to sit by their fire and hear their stories.”
Malik Al-Sultan, 28 (pictured above), drove more than 5,600 miles across continents, planning to fulfil a dream. (SWNS)
In another extreme journey that made headlines recently, a man’s long-time friendship inspired him to make a one-day, 14,000-mile trip to say goodbye to a dying friend. Fox News Digital recently reported.
Bob Walker travelled from Jakarta, Indonesia, to Arbroath, Scotland, and back again to spend a few hours with his 82-year-old friend Peter Gould, who had been diagnosed with the disease. terminal cancer in December.
The two men had been friends for more than four decades, having first met while working as aircraft engineers in Papua New Guinea in the 1980s. Despite living in different countries for most of their lives, they remained in close contact over the years.
“I really wanted to [make] travel.”
“There aren’t many opportunities where you can actually say goodbye to people, so I really wanted to do that [make] travel,” Walker said.
On January 16, the friends sat together in Gold’s hometown – sharing their cans favorite beer They reflected on the years they had spent working, travelling, and raising a family.
“I’m very grateful for what Bob did,” he said. “He didn’t need to do that.”
Kelly McGreal is a production assistant on the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.
A 3,300-year-old Egyptian document has resurfaced that suggests Biblical giants are real. Image: British Museum
A 3,300-year-old Egyptian manuscript held by the British Museum has once again found itself at the center of a debate over whether Biblical references to giants were rooted in historical encounters rather than myth.
Associate for Biblical Research A faith-based research group in the United States.
The papyrus, dating from the 13th century BC, is a letter written by an Egyptian scribe named Hori to another scribe, Amenemope. It describes the dangers of travel and war, including an encounter with a group called the Shosu.
According to the text, some of these people were described as measuring “four cubits, or five, from head to toe,” a height that, using the standard Egyptian cubit of about 20 inches, would place them between approximately six feet eight inches and eight feet six inches tall.
Biblical parallels and scholarly skepticism
Proponents of the Biblical link also point to the broader context of Genesis chapter six, which presents the Nephilim as central to the moral fall preceding the story of Noah and the flood.
The passage describes the Nephilim as “mighty, famous men of ancient times” who were born when God saw that “the wickedness of man was great in the earth. “
, leading to the decision to purify creation through the waters of the flood, sparing only Noah and those with him in the ark.
In this text, the giants are not a footnote but part of the explanation of why the flood occurred.
The theme comes up again in Numbers 13:33, where Israelite scouts report encountering “the sons of Anak”, stating,
“We were in our sight as locusts, and so we were in their sight,” reinforcing the idea that unusually large and fearsome figures were remembered as shaping early Biblical history.
Ancient text or exaggerated warning?
Anastasi’s first letter states: “The narrow dirt is infected with shosu hidden under the bushes; some of them are four hands or five hands from head to toe, fierce in the face, their hearts are not soft, and they do not listen to coaxing.”
Researchers at the Associates for Biblical Research argue that this passage is important because the letter emphasises accuracy and real-world dangers, suggesting that it was not intended as fiction.
Other ancient Egyptian sources sometimes cited alongside it include execution texts, which mention “the people of Anak”, and reliefs from the Battle of Kadesh that depict Shoshu figures as unusually large.
However, many historians and Biblical scholars urge caution. Critics argue that Anastasi I is widely understood as a satirical or prescriptive text, with Horus mocking Amenemope’s lack of knowledge of geography and military logistics rather than recording literal ethnography.
According to the Daily Mail, the late scholar Dr Michael Heiser and others said that heights of up to seven or eight feet, though rare, do occur among humans today and require no supernatural explanation.
Mainstream historians identify the Shosu as a nomadic group from the Levant and emphasise that there is no archaeological evidence, such as skeletal remains or sizable dwellings, to support the existence of a race of giants.
The British Museum itself regards the papyrus as a historical document reflecting aspects of military life and travel in the ancient Near East and does not draw conclusions about biblical giants.
As with many ancient texts, the debate ultimately rests on interpretation and on how much importance should be given to a single suggestive line written three millennia ago.
UFC Vegas 113 happens TONIGHT (Sat., Feb. 7, 2026) inside the newly-renamed META APEX venue in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is the first-ever APEX card of the Paramount+ era, and… it’s okay.
Mario Bautista vs. Vinicius Oliveira in the Bantamweight division is the main event tonight. Both of these fighters will be seeking a significant victory to advance to the front of the forming line behind the new 135-pound kingpin, Petr Yan.
Our co-main is Amir Albazi vs. Kyoji Horiguchi and that has title implications, too, perhaps more immediate ones. Horiguchi returned to the Octagon last year and pasted Tagir Ulanbekov (re-live that here). If he takes out the perennially top-ranked Albazi, he might get fast-tracked to a title shot against the new division roost-ruler, Joshua Van.
Rounding out UFC Vegas 113’s main card is Jailton Almeida vs. Rizvan Kuniev. There’s been some wild betting activity on that one. There’s also Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Marc-Andre Barriault (that should be a banger), Dustin Jacoby vs. Julius Walker and Jean Matsumoto versus the undefeated Farid Basharat.
UFC Vegas 113’s “Prelims” are headlined by Alex Morono vs. Daniil Donchenko. There’s also Wang Cong vs. Edourda Moura. Javid Basharat was supposed to fight Said Nurmagomedov. However, Nurmagomedov is out of the fight and he has been replaced on short notice by Gianni Vazquez (full story here).
UFC Vegas 113 Start Date and Time
UFC Vegas 113 airs on Paramount+ tonight, as usual. However, the start times are a little different tonight compared to the previous shows so far this year.
The “Prelims” begin at 5 p.m. ET and the main card goes live at 8 p.m. ET.
You can check out live results, analysis and play-by-play commentary here all night, starting at 5 p.m. ET. Please jump in the comments and chat with fellow fans as all the fights unfold.
UFC Vegas 113 Quick Results
Main card
135 lbs.: Mario Bautista def. Vinicius Oliveira by submission (rear naked choke), round 2 (4:46) — HIGHLIGHTS
125 lbs.: Kyoji Horiguchi def. Amir Albazi by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
265 lbs.: Rizvan Kuniev def. Jailton Almeida won by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
185 lbs.: Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Marc-Andre Barriault won by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
135 lbs: Farid Basharat def. Farid Basharat defeated Jean Matsumoto by split decision with the scorecards reading 29-28, 28-29, and 29-28.
205 lbs.: Dustin Jacoby def. Julius Walker by TKO (punches), round 2 (1:42) — HIGHLIGHTS
‘Prelims’
170 lbs.: Daniil Donchenko def. Daniil Donchenko defeated Alex Morono by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27).
170 lbs.: Nikolay Vertennikov def. Niko Price by KO (punches), round 1 (1:42) — HIGHLIGHTS
115 lbs.: Ketlen Souza def. Bruna Brasil won by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
135 lbs.: Javid Basharat def. Gianni Vazquez was defeated by a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
125 lbs.: Wang Cong def. Edourda Moura won by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).
135 lbs.: Jakub Wiklacz def. Muin Gafurov by submission (guillotine), round 3 (3:59) — HIGHLIGHTS
135 lbs.: Klaudia Sygula def. Priscilla Cachoeira won by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
UFC Vegas 113 Play-By-Play Updates
Main Card
Mario Bautista vs. Vinicius Oliveira
Round 1: Oliveira looked game to test Bautista’s wrestling early on, after landing a few leg kicks. He pushed Bautista into the fence but would end up on the bottom in a scramble. Bautista found it hard to get much out of Oliveira’s butterfly guard, though. Oliveira was very active in elevating Bautista, looking for a leg lock, and throwing upkicks (some quite smartly placed). Bautista wins the round, though, despite not doing any damage.
10-9 Bautista
Round 2: Bautista established his wrestling again early in the round. Oliveira fought him off but appeared to get exhausted. Alternatively, he may have been adopting a “drunken master” style. He landed a few lovely shots but was taken down again. Oliveira did some nice work off his back again. But he started to fade and Bautista was able to get a crucifix. Oliveira bucked out of that, but Bautista then chained his grappling together—beautifully—and finished the sequence with a rear- naked choke. Oliveira tapped quickly.
Official decision: Mario Bautista def. Vinicius Oliveira by submission (rear naked choke), round 2 (4:46)
Amir Albazi vs. Kyoji Horiguchi
Round 1: This was a closer round than I was expecting. Horiguchi scored often with his darting in and out offence. But Albazi looked solid and like he had a strength advantage anytime they locked up. Horiguchi took the round, though, for his activity and the strikes he landed.
10-9 Horiguchi
Round 2: Horiguchi came out like he thought he lost the first round. He was much more aggressive in chasing Albazi with combos. The biggest shots started sneaking through, cutting Albazi and having him briefly wobble. That display of power stopped Albazi from going forwards looking for takedowns.
20-18 Horiguchi
Round 3: Horiguchi caught Albazi behind the ear with a looping shot. That made Albazi do a little dance, but he was able to cover up and get a body lock before Horiguchi could follow up with any more damage. Albazi knew he needed a stoppage, but the best he could do was look for takedowns against the fence.
30-27 Horiguchi
Official decision: Kyoji Horiguchi def. The decision was unanimous (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
Jailton Almeida vs. Rizvan Kuniev
Round 1: Almeida shot in immediately but wasn’t able to complete a takedown. Kuniev managed to stay on his feet the whole round and land a few shots. Almeida didn’t give him enough space to land anything damaging, but Kuniev’s efforts should be rewarded with the 10-9.
10-9 Kuniev
Round 2: Kuniev spent a significant amount of time pressing Almeida against the fence, which elicited chants of “break them up.” Big Dan obliged a few times. Very boring stuff, but Kuniev is the one trying to be aggressive. Almeida seems stalled out.
20-18 Kuniev
Round 3: The boos seemed to have gotten to the fighters in this round. Both showed a little more activity on the feet. But both were worn out enough at this point that neither could offer up much power. Kuniev continued to press his advantage, pushing Almeida into the fence for a very dull shutout on the scorecards (despite Kuniev pointing to the center at the 10-second mark).
30-27 Kuniev
Official decision: Rizvan Kuniev def. Jailton Almeida won by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
Michael Oleksiejczuk vs. Marc-Andre Barriault
Round 1: The first round was as we expected, only without a finish. Both men were very willing to throw down. Oleksiekczuk seemed the more measured, though. He landed the harder shots while pressing forwards.
10-9 Oleksiejczuk
Round 2: Barriault took this round by replicating what Oleksiejczuk did in the first. He started coming forwards and landing big shots. He actually wobbled the pole a few times, though. We’re all tied up now.
19-19
Round 3: This was the closest round of the fight and it saw Oleksiejczuk come back and lead the exchange. Both men slugged it out for this one, and they both proved too durable to go down.
29-28 Oleksiejczuk
Official decision: Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Marc-Andre Barriault won by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Farid Basharat vs. Jean Matsumoto
Round 1: These two fought a very competitive round one. Matsumoto was aggressive in chasing down Basharat. But Basharat was able to catch him and cut him on the counter. Both fighters had their moments in striking and wrestling, but Basharat’s damage earned him the round
10-9 Basharat
Round 2: That’s another close round. Basharat found a lot of success on his feet early on, but then Matsumoto was able to surge back and get the best of him with his wrestling and grappling. Basharat looked exhausted going back to his corner.
19-19
Round 3: Another close third round means this is really anyone’s fight. Both fighters were able to land effective shots and get takedowns and spend some time in control. The fight was a great display of bantamweights who could be in the title mix a year from now. I have it for Basharat, but it’s very, very close.
29-28 Basharat
Official decision: Farid Basharat def. Jean Matsumoto was defeated by a split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
Dustin Jacoby vs. Julius Walker
Round 1: Jacoby effectively used a sprawl and brawl strategy early in the round, but he later surrendered to a significant takedown, during which Walker carried him on his shoulder. Walker wasn’t able to convert that position into a big slam or a prolonged top position. Walker was able to suck up some time on the fence, though, landing knees to Jacoby’s thigh. That gets him the round.
10-9 Walker
Round 2: Jacoby wobbled Walker with a one-two. He then stepped in and dropped Walker with another powerful straight punch. Walker managed to ensnare Jacoby, preventing him from falling to the ground. But Jacoby was able to hurt him with Travis Browne-style elbows. These strikes put Walker down again and forced him into pure survival mode. Jacoby kept striking and was able to finally elicit the TKO.
Official decision: Dustin Jacoby def. Julius Walker, by TKO (punches), round 2 (1:42).
Prelims
Alex Morono vs. Daniil Donchenko: Donchenko tore through Morono in the first, hurting him with leg kicks and then dropping and bloodying him with combos and vicious ground and pound. Morono survived the round. In the second and third rounds, Donchenko slowed down but was still comfortably winning the fight (and hurting Morono with leg kicks). He wins with a 10-8 round in the first. It’s amazing that Morono lasted that entire fight, though.
Official decision: Daniil Donchenko def. Daniil Donchenko defeated Alex Morono by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Niko Price vs. Nikolay Veretennikov: Veretennikov successfully fought inside Price’s range, pushing him against the fence before landing a big right, a huge knee, an elbow, and then punches that knocked Price out cold on his feet.
Official decision: Nikolay Vertennikov def. Niko Price by KO (punches), round 1 (1:42)
Bruna Brasil vs. Ketlen Souza: Brasil won the first round, backing up into space and catching Souza with counters (including some excellent knees). But Souza’s power punching turned the course of the fight. She landed some powerful shots on Brasil in the second round, whose backing up started to read as passivity. Souza’s aggression and big shots continued in the third, giving her the 29-28 win on my scorecard.
Official decision: Ketlen Souza def. Bruna Brasil won by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Javid Basharat vs. Gianni Vazquez: Basharat did what was expected, in the first round, outwrestling the short-notice newcomer. Vazquez rocked Basharat in the second round, forcing him to dig deep to turn the fight back into a wrestling match. In the third, Basharat was able to settle things down again and ride out the decision (a closer one than he would have expected). Vazquez earned a lot of respect in this bout, though. We’ll be seeing him again.
Official decision: Javid Basharat def. Javid Basharat defeated Gianni Vazquez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Wang Cong vs. Eduarda Moura: Cong’s high-powered striking almost finished this fight in round one. But Moura was able to survive until she saw the second. In the second, she got the fight to the ground and threatened submissions for most of the round. In the all-important third round, Cong was able to land some powerful shots and seriously bloody up Moura to earn the 29-28 win on my scorecard.
Official decision: Wang Cong def. Wang Cong defeated Edourda Moura by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).
Muin Gafarov vs. Jakub Wiklacz: Gafarov won the striking battle in the first round and Wiklacz dominated on the ground in the second. Gafurov looked on his way to winning a decision in the third, as Wiklacz seemed to tire. Wiklacz locked on a Hail Mary guillotine, though, which caused a tap right at the final buzzer. A replay was used to determine that Gafurov tapped just before the bell.
Official decision: Jakub Wiklacz def. Muin Gafurov, by submission (guillotine), round 3 (3:59).
Klaudia Sygula vs. Priscila Cachoeria: These two put on a fun fight to start the night. Cachoeira came forwards throwing big shots, but she ended up walking into a wood chipper. Sygula peppered her with combos, splitting her open and slowing her down. Sygula won every round on my card.
Official decision: Klaudia Sygula def. Priscilla Cachoeira was defeated by a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Check out the latest news and notes from UFC Vegas 113: “Bautista vs. Oliveira” by visiting our comprehensive event archive right here.
Recently released files reveal that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was ‘delighted’ to meet a ‘beautiful’ woman associated with Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew has vehemently denied any wrongdoing (Image: US Department of Justice/via AFP)
Fresh details have emerged about a mystery Russian woman Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was ‘delighted’ to meet.
The three million pages of material published last week by the US Justice Department include email exchanges from August 2010, in which Epstein appears to be setting up social schemes involving the then Duke of York and a 26-year-old woman described as ‘beautiful’.
The exchange centred on an email from Epstein in which he tells an account labelled “The Duke” — believed to be referring to Andrew — that he “has a friend with whom I think you might enjoy dinner. ” Epstein’s description of the woman states that she is “26 years old, Russian, smart, beautiful, trustworthy, and yes, she has your email.”
read more: : Embarrassed Sarah Ferguson’s whereabouts now known – and this ‘tragic adventure’ isn’t with Andrew. Read more:Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie warn big royal move ‘could have consequences’
One photo shows Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor lying on the laps of five people, while Ghislaine Maxwell stands above, smiling. (Image: PA)
In response, the former prince replied, “Of course. I am in Geneva until the morning of the 22nd but would be glad to see her. Will she bring you any messages? Please give her my contact details to get in touch.”
He signed the message with “A.” Later in the exchange, Epstein confirmed a date – the evening of August 22, 2010. An email from the woman, dated August 8, 2010, read: “Hi Jeffrey!!! How are you? Jeffrey, I would like your advice. If I go to London (on my way back from Russia) sometime between August 27 and September 5, do you think there will be anyone there, and what are the best dates?”
After replying that he would “check”, Epstein tells the woman that the dates of August 22–24 were the best, with the woman replying that she was “excited” after booking the tickets.
When asked on August 22, the day of the alleged meeting with the former prince, if she was “having fun”, the woman replied, “I had a wonderful night, thank you!”
Three days later, he messaged again: “Hi Jeffrey! How are you? I tried to reach [redacted] but couldn’t; I will find some way to do so. I am now going to Russia, where you too will have to come soon! Thanks again for everything. My journey has truly been a special adventure.”
Emails were leaked as part of new Epstein files drop (Image: DOJ)
The date was set just months after Epstein was released from prison after serving a 13-month sentence for soliciting minors for prostitution. In other emails, Andrew asked Epstein if it was “good to be free?” And Epstein responded by saying that “it’s great to be free from a lot of things.” The occurrence, location, and details of the dinner or meeting remain unconfirmed.
In addition to the emails about the Russian woman, the newly released files also include images showing Andrew in social settings with other unidentified women. In one image, Andrew is seen standing on all fours over a woman who is lying on the floor.
British police have said they are reviewing new information linked to the Epstein files, including claims by a woman’s legal representative that she was flown to the UK and spent the night with Andrew in 2010 before being given a tour of Buckingham Palace and tea. We have contacted the Palace for comment, as Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The former prince left the Royal Lodge on Monday night and is currently living at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate while his permanent home undergoes renovations. It was understood the move would take place in early 2026, but the latest debacle of the Jeffrey Epstein files has accelerated his departure.
Sources close to the royal family also say that although Andrew’s poor judgement required sanctioning, he will remain a member of the family and have a duty of care on a personal level, hence the provision of a home in Norfolk, funded by the king.
read more: : Exotic dancer claims Epstein and Andrew asked for ‘sexual acts’, including a ‘threesome’
American skier Lindsey Vonn crashed seconds into her downhill Olympic race on Sunday after deciding to compete, even though she had torn her left ACL in a crash during a World Cup event in the Swiss Alps a week earlier.
A 41-year-old American who came out of retirement to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics previously confirmed that her ACL was completely torn but said she was confident she could still finish the race with the help of a knee brace.
Seconds into the race, Vonn lost control when she clipped the flag at the edge of the course, flying sideways into the air and hitting her head on the ground. She was responsive but did not wake up. Medical personnel placed him on a stretcher and airlifted him from the course.
Team USA’s Lindsey Vonn crashed onto the big screen during the women’s downhill at the Milan Cortina Winter Games.
In a statement, Team USA stated that Vonn’s “right ski pole broke a gate, causing her to lose her balance and spin out of control.”
After the crash, Vonn can be heard screaming that she can’t take off her skis.
Her father, Alan Kildow, was present in the stands, staring at the ground as his daughter received treatment. Others in the crowd, including Snoop Dogg, watched silently as the star skier was finally removed from the course that held so many of his memories.
Thomas Pronske of Austin, Texas, who was watching the event from the sidelines, told CBS News after the crash, “I hope she’s OK. It didn’t look good. We watched her go down pretty hard, and I’m praying and wishing the best for her. She was the biggest reason I came here. Her comeback story of overcoming adversity is just remarkable… I tore my ACL myself; I know it’s a painful injury… and again, I hope he’s okay.”
Fans react after watching USA’s Lindsey Vonn crash during the women’s alpine downhill skiing at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Thomas’ mother, Maria Pronske, told CBS News that she felt very bad for him with his knee, explaining that she was so inspired by Vonn that she came to watch the show on her birthday with an injured knee. poor thing. I’m so sorry for him. I pray for him, too.”
Krista Kosher, cousin of Jacqueline Wills, another Team USA skier who finished fourth in Sunday’s race, said it was “absolutely devastating to see her teammate being carried off the hill.”
Kosher said, “Lindsay and Jacqueline have been running together for years, and they definitely have a mentor-teacher relationship, and watching your friend lose is really challenging for everyone, but we wish Lindsay and her all the best in her recovery.”
A mountain rescue helicopter is seen saving Team USA’s Lindsey Vonn after she crashed during the women’s downhill at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the Toffen Alpine Skiing Center in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on February 08, 2026.
Charles Christianson, a retired former ski racer from Park City, Utah, says the accident was “absolutely heartbreaking.”
Christianson said, “Everyone is here to cheer on the entire U.S. team and especially to celebrate Lindsay’s incredible career. It’s absolutely heartbreaking, but the truth is, Lindsay couldn’t have had it any other way.” “She knew the risks. Ski racers always accept that, and you saw her determination when she got out of the gate. She was charging. She never doubted what her goal was; it was either to reach the podium or not succeed at all, and this mindset applies to all competitors. So again, the respect of the crowd and everybody here shows how important she is to the sport. We’ll have to see what happens. We wish her the best of luck. However, we wish her all the best.
A Team USA supporter watches after American Lindsey Vonn crashes and is evacuated by helicopter in the women’s downhill event during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
Before Sunday’s race, a Team USA official said that Vonn having a serious crash during the race was their biggest fear. With all the attention on him and his inspirational story, the image of him being taken out of the way during a race was his worst.
Before her retirement in 2019, Vonn had competed with a torn lateral collateral ligament, three tibia fractures and a bone bruise, and still won a bronze medal. He now has a titanium knee, although it is not the joint that is currently injured.
“Getting to these Olympics has been a journey, and some people didn’t believe in it from the beginning,” Vonn said in a social media post late Saturday. “I was retired for 6 years, and because of a partial knee replacement, I got the chance to compete once more. But why? It seems like everyone is asking me that question. But I think the answer is simple… I just love ski racing.
She said, “I’m not unsure about life outside of sports. I’m not looking for meaning or attention or money. “I know who I am and I also know what I’m made of.”
Vonn had set the third-fastest time in a training race on the Saturday before the race—behind her teammate Breezy Johnson. However, the race was stopped due to inclement weather before all racers could take part.
“I think it’s a good race,” said Vonn’s coach, Axel Lund Svindal. “The race is scheduled for tomorrow, and since it is the Olympics, the girls will be pushing themselves harder.” So probably everyone will be faster, which means Lindsay will have to run faster too. But it’s a solid race, and I think she has another gear.”
