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Former CIA Officer Criticizes Agency's Handling of Havana Syndrome Investigation A former CIA officer has publicly criticized the agency’s investigation into Havana Syndrome, a mysterious illness affecting U.S. intelligence personnel. Marc Polymeropoulos, who served the agency for nearly three decades, alleges that the CIA failed to provide adequate medical care after he was struck in 2017 during a mission in Moscow. He claims the agency dismissed his symptoms as psychosomatic and refused to acknowledge the severity of his condition, leaving him with long-term health issues and a sense of betrayal. Polymeropoulos described the incident as a “terrifying” experience, noting he woke up with vertigo, a severe headache, and tinnitus. He emphasized that the symptoms were unlike any physical trauma he had endured in combat zones like Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite his medical needs, he says the CIA did not offer proper treatment, leading to his eventual retirement due to disability. “I did some very interesting things for the U.S. government, always with the idea that they would have my back if I got jammed up,” he said. “I just needed to get medical care when I came back, and they wouldn’t even do that.” The former officer is among a group of victims who have long sought vindication for their conditions, which they attribute to a previously unknown weapon linked to Havana Syndrome. Polymeropoulos claims the CIA’s investigation into the incidents essentially ended in 2022, with officials pushing a conclusion that the illnesses were psychosomatic or caused by environmental factors. He alleges that some superiors mocked the victims, which he found deeply troubling after witnessing the personal impact of the syndrome on fellow officers during a posting in Central Asia. Dr.#white_house #cia #marc_polymeropoulos #stanford_university #david_relmann

Four-peat denied: Gamecocks fall to Texas in SEC title game, 74-59 South Carolina’s quest for a fourth consecutive Southeastern Conference title ended in a 74-59 loss to No. 4 Texas in the SEC tournament championship game on Sunday. The Longhorns, led by their strong offensive performance, capitalized on 14 turnovers by the Gamecocks and shot 54% from the field to secure the victory. Texas’s dominance was evident early, as the Longhorns surged to a 14-0 run in the first four minutes, fueled by five key plays that set the tone for the game. Despite a brief rally by South Carolina, which narrowed the gap to nine points in the second quarter, Texas quickly extended its lead. A 10-0 run midway through the period pushed the deficit to double digits, marking the Gamecocks’ largest halftime deficit in an SEC tournament game since 2008. The Longhorns maintained control in the third quarter, though a late 6-0 surge by South Carolina cut the lead to 13 points heading into the final period. However, Texas held firm, converting five of its last six field goals to seal the win. For South Carolina, the loss ended their bid for a fourth straight SEC title. Joyce Edwards led the Gamecocks with 13 points but also committed five turnovers, tying for the most individual turnovers on the team. Maddy McDaniel added 10 points, while Texas forward Madison Booker dominated with 18 points. Both teams are projected as No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament, with Texas likely to compete in the Fort Worth region and South Carolina in the Sacramento region. The full NCAA Tournament bracket will be announced on March 15.#south_carolina #texas #madison_booker #sec_tournament_championship_game #maddy_mcDaniel

SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Finals: South Carolina vs. Texas in 2026 Showdown The 2026 SEC Women's Basketball Tournament concludes with a high-stakes matchup between No. 1 seed South Carolina and No. 3 seed Texas. The Gamecocks, led by their undefeated regular-season record, face off against the Longhorns, who entered the tournament as last year’s runners-up. South Carolina’s victory over LSU earlier in the season solidified their position, while Texas’ win against Ole Miss secured their place in the championship. The rivalry, marked by a dramatic 20-point loss to South Carolina in the 2025 final, adds tension to the contest. The final game will take place on Sunday, March 8, at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. The matchup between the top-ranked Gamecocks and third-seeded Longhorns begins at 3 p.m. EST. ESPN will broadcast the championship game live, with streaming options available through the network. Fans can tune in for a rematch of teams that split their regular-season meetings, with South Carolina claiming the last encounter on January 15 and Texas securing an earlier win on November 27. The historical rivalry between the two programs highlights the stakes. South Carolina holds a 6-4 series edge overall, with a 2-0 record in Columbia and a 3-2 advantage at neutral sites. Texas, however, has dominated games played in Austin, winning both matchups. The Longhorns’ last victory over South Carolina came on November 27, 2025, with a score of 66-64, while the Gamecocks’ most recent win was on January 15, 2026, by a margin of 68-65. The final showdown promises to be a defining moment for both teams, with the SEC title on the line.#south_carolina #texas #sec_womens_basketball_tournament #bon_secours_wellness_arena #espn

Texas Claims First Women's SEC Tournament Title with Dominant Win Over South Carolina The Texas Longhorns secured their first women’s SEC tournament championship with a decisive 78-61 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday. The game, played in Greenville, South Carolina, saw Texas take control early, building a 14-0 lead within the first five minutes and never allowing the Gamecocks to reclaim the momentum. The Longhorns’ dominance extended throughout the contest, with their lead never dropping below double digits as they claimed the title. South Carolina, the three-time defending SEC tournament champion, faced its most significant defeat in the tournament’s history. The Gamecocks, who had dominated the conference for the past three years, struggled to respond to Texas’ early aggression. Coach Vic Schaefer’s team, ranked No. 4, showcased resilience and precision, with standout performances from key players. Tournament MVP Madison Booker led the charge, scoring 18 points and averaging 20 points on 61% shooting across the tournament. Booker’s second-half contribution of 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting underscored Texas’ ability to maintain its intensity. The victory marked a historic moment for Texas, as Schaefer became the first coach to win a women’s SEC tournament title at two different schools. His previous success with Mississippi State in 2019 now joins this milestone, highlighting his impact on the program. Schaefer emphasized the team’s focus on toughness and resilience, noting that Texas’ early dominance set the tone for the entire game. “We belong in the SEC,” Booker said, reflecting the team’s confidence in their ability to compete at the highest level. South Carolina’s coach, Dawn Staley, acknowledged the challenge of overcoming Texas’ early lead.#south_carolina_gamecocks #texas_longhorns #vic_schaefer #madison_booker #dawn_staley

Red Wings recall John Leonard from Grand Rapids under emergency conditions The Detroit Red Wings have recalled forward John Leonard from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions. Leonard, 27, has recorded four points (2-2-4) in nine games with the Red Wings during the 2025-26 season. The 5-foot-11, 192-pound forward has also skated in 34 games with the Griffins this season and ranks among the team leaders with 27 goals (1st), 41 points (1st), three power play goals (T5th), three shorthanded goals (1st), eight game-winning goals (1st), 116 shots (3rd), and a 23.3 shooting percentage (1st). Leonard spent the entire 2024-25 campaign with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers, tallying 61 points (36-25-61), a plus-21 rating, and 22 penalty minutes in 72 regular-season games. He represented the club at the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic and earned a place on the AHL’s Second All-Star Team. Leonard also recorded 14 points (8-6-14) and 18 penalty minutes in 18 postseason contests, helping the Checkers reach the 2025 Calder Cup Finals. Originally selected by the San Jose Sharks in the sixth round (182nd overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Leonard has registered 21 points (8-13-21) and four penalty minutes in 79 regular-season games with the Sharks, Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes, and Red Wings since 2020-21. He has also compiled 212 points (110-102-212) and 72 penalty minutes in 283 AHL games with the San Jose Barracuda, Milwaukee Admirals, Tucson Roadrunners, Checkers, and Griffins. Leonard is the older brother of Ryan Leonard, who was selected by the Washington Capitals in the first round (8th overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. A native of Westwood, N.J.#detroit_red_wings #john_Leonard #grand_rapids_griffins #american_hockey_league #calder_cup_finals

Paloma Valencia gana las consultas presidenciales | Elecciones Presidenciales Colombia | EL PAÍS América Colombia Bogotá - 08 mar. 2026 - 23:37CET La senadora del Centro Democrático, Paloma Valencia, ha ganado la Gran Consulta, un mecanismo interpartidista en el que compitieron nueve candidatos de la centroderecha. Con más de 2,2 millones de votos en el 72% del escrutinio, Valencia se posiciona como la principal aspirante del partido para las elecciones presidenciales del 31 de mayo. Su triunfo le otorga el apoyo del 46% de los colombianos que han participado en las tres consultas realizadas, consolidando su camino hacia la presidencia, algo que nunca antes había logrado una mujer en Colombia. El resultado sorprende por la magnitud de los votos obtenidos, ya que los sondeos de febrero anticipaban su victoria en la consulta de la derecha, pero no su capacidad para reunir casi la mitad de todos los sufragios. En este proceso, el exconcejal de Bogotá Juan Daniel Oviedo se destacó con el 16,7% de los votos, superando a otros candidatos como el exsenador Juan Manuel Galán, el exministro Juan Carlos Pinzón y la periodista Vicky Dávila. Valencia ahora enfrentará a candidatos fuertes en la primera vuelta. A la izquierda, Iván Cepeda, apoyado por el Pacto Histórico de Gustavo Petro, lidera las encuestas y se perfila como un rival serio. A la derecha, el ultra Abelardo de la Espriella, un abogado penalista, podría robarle votos a Valencia al atraer a las bases uribistas. La primera batalla electoral será contra este outsider, cuya presencia agrega incertidumbre al proceso.#paloma_valencia #centro_democrtico #bogot #elecciones_presidenciales_colombia #lvaro_uribe

Government lacks intent to achieve gender parity in courts: Ex-CJI #Ex-CJI #Government_lacks #lacks_intent #achieve_gender #gender_parity

Resultados elecciones 8 de marzo 2026: boletines y ganadores de consultas, Senado y Cámara Colombia celebró este domingo las elecciones del 8 de marzo, en las que los ciudadanos decidieron la distribución de las fuerzas políticas en el Congreso y participaron en consultas presidenciales. La jornada electoral se cerró con el preconteo de votos, revelando los primeros ganadores de las consultas interpartidistas, así como el liderazgo en las elecciones al Senado y la Cámara de Representantes. La exalcaldesa Claudia López obtuvo la victoria en la Consulta de las Soluciones, con el 8,14% de los votos, lo que equivale a 360.039 sufragios. En la Gran Consulta por Colombia, la senadora Paloma Valencia se consolidó como ganadora con el 46,55% de los votos, es decir, 1.978.062 votos. Ambas candidatas lideraron sus respectivas consultas, destacándose en las regiones de Bogotá, Antioquia y el Valle del Cauca. En el ámbito electoral, el Ministerio de Defensa alertó sobre acciones terroristas durante la jornada, incluyendo un ataque con drones en un puesto de votación en Meta y la posible trashumancia en el Norte de Santander. Se incautaron COP 3.600 millones en delitos electorales, un 34,7% más que en 2022, y se capturaron 50 personas, un 525% más que en el año anterior. Además, se interceptaron ocho buses con 120 colombianos que intentaban cruzar a Colombia desde Táchira. Los boletines de preconteo mostraron que en las consultas interpartidistas, Claudia López, Paloma Valencia y Roy Barreras lideraron en sus respectivas listas. En la Gran Consulta por Colombia, Valencia obtuvo el 47,16% de los votos, seguida de Juan Daniel Oviedo y Juan Manuel Galán. En la Consulta de las Soluciones, López lideró con el 8,09%, mientras que en el Frente por la Vida, Barreras obtuvo el 3,62%.#claudia_lopez #paloma_valencia #ministerio_defensa #pacto_historico #centro_democrtico

World Baseball Classic: Japan Defeats Australia, Team USA Dominates Pool Play The 2026 World Baseball Classic entered its second week of pool play, with Japan securing a crucial victory over Australia and Team USA continuing its strong performance against Great Britain. Shohei Ohtani, the tournament’s standout player, remained a focal point for Japan as they advanced to the knockout stage, while the United States showcased its depth with a dominant showing. Japan, the reigning champions from the 2023 final, faced Australia in a high-stakes matchup on Sunday. The game, played at the Tokyo Dome, saw Japan rally from a deficit to claim a 4-3 win. Shohei Ohtani, despite going 0-3 in the contest, drew a leadoff walk in the seventh inning and remained a key threat. Japan’s offensive surge included a two-run homer by Masataka Yoshida in the seventh, a pinch-hit RBI double by Teruaki Sato, and a bases-loaded walk to Seiya Suzuki. Chihiro Sumida earned the win with three scoreless innings of relief, while Australia’s Jon Kennedy took the loss. Japan’s victory ensured their place in the quarterfinals, with Australia needing to defeat Korea on Monday to advance. Team USA, meanwhile, continued its dominance in pool play with a 10-2 victory over Great Britain. The U.S. squad, featuring 22 MLB All-Stars—the most of any team in the tournament—dominated both sides of the field. Stars like Paul Skenes, Cal Raleigh, and Aaron Judge contributed to the rout, with the Americans entering the tournament as favorites (-105) over Japan (+350) at BetMGM. The U.S. will face the winner of the Korea-Australia matchup in the quarterfinals. The tournament, held across Tokyo, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Miami, and Houston, will conclude with the final at loanDepot Park in Miami on March 17.#japan #australia #world_baseball_classic #shohei_ohtani #team_usa

Nicaragua vs Israel Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Baseball Classic | Pool Stage Nicaragua enters their matchup against Israel in the 2026 World Baseball Classic with renewed optimism following a strong recent performance. Despite being defeated in their previous game, the team remains in a position to secure their first-ever WBC victory. The loss to the Netherlands was particularly painful, as Nicaragua was just one out away from clinching the win before Atlanta Braves star Ozzie Albies hit a three-run homer to put the score at 3-1, ending their hopes. Manager Dusty Baker, a veteran in the sport, faces the challenge of reinvigorating his squad after such a setback. The upcoming match against Israel is viewed as a critical opportunity for Nicaragua to make a statement. While Israel boasts a proven MLB talent in Harrison Bader, their pitching struggles have been evident. In a recent game against Venezuela, Israel’s pitchers allowed 11 runs, raising concerns about their ability to contain Nicaragua’s offensive threats. This weakness could be exploited by the Central American team, which has shown resilience in key moments. Baker’s experience and strategic acumen are expected to play a pivotal role in guiding Nicaragua through this high-stakes encounter. The manager’s ability to rally his players and adjust tactics will be crucial, especially given the pressure of the tournament. Analysts believe that Nicaragua’s best chance to secure a win lies in this matchup, making them a strong contender. With a solid game plan and the right mindset, the team is positioned to capitalize on Israel’s pitching vulnerabilities. The prediction for the Nicaragua vs Israel game leans heavily toward Nicaragua emerging victorious.#israel #world_baseball_classic #nicaragua #dusty_baker #harrison_bader