GEAR MAG

Russia Cuba

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and was set to meet later in the day with President Vladimir Putin.

Lavrov urged the U.S. to refrain from blockading Cuba, which has struggled to import oil for its power plants and refineries after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened any nation that sold oil to Cubawith tariffs.

"Together with most members of the global community, we are calling on the U.S. to show common sense, take a responsible approach and refrain from its plans of sea blockade," Lavrov said during the talks with Rodriguez.

He promised that Moscow will "continue supporting Cuba and its people in protecting the country's sovereignty and security."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also noted that "Russia, like many other countries, has consistently spoken against the blockade of the island."

Advertisement

"We have our relations with Cuba, and we value these relations very much," Peskov told reporters. "And we intend to further develop them — of course, during difficult times, by providing appropriate assistance to our friends."

Asked whether sending fuel to Cuba could deraila recent warming of tieswith Washington, Peskov responded that "we don't think these issues are linked."

Putin has praised Trump's efforts to mediate an end to the conflict in Ukraine, and Moscow and Washington have discussed ways to revive their economic ties.

Venezuela, one of Cuba's main oil suppliers, stopped selling crude to the island in January after theU.S. captured then-President Nicolás Maduroin a pre-dawn raid and flew him to New York to face drug trafficking charges.

Mexico alsocut off oil shipments to Cubain January, after Trump issued the tariff threat.

Russia's Izvestia news outlet last week cited the Russian embassy in Havana as saying that Moscow was preparing to send humanitarian fuel shipment to Havana in the near future. On Monday, Russian ambassador to Cuba, Viktor Koronelli, said that Moscow was looking into details of organizing assistance to Cuba but offered no specifics.

Cuba's fuel shortages already have forced Russian tourist companies to halt the sales of package tours to the island after the Cuban government said that itwill not provide fuel to planes that landon the island.

In the avalanche's wake, survivors were left scrambling to try and find the rest of their group — and to improvise shelter as they awaited rescue.

The disaster at Castle Peak set off a dangerous, hours-long rescue effort that was hampered by extreme weather conditions that were hammering the skiers: Heavy snow and strong winds from the winter storm roaring through the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains in northern California.

Emergency crews received reports of the avalanche around 11:30 a.m. and "highly skilled rescue ski teams" immediately began racing to the scene — 46 emergency first-responders in all, the sheriff said.

Eleven hours later, six survivors had been rescued with "various injuries," the sheriff's office said, noting two had to be transported to the hospital for treatment. Nine are still missing.

"The search is ongoing, pending weather conditions," the Nevada County Sheriff's Office said late Tuesday.

A race to reach the survivors

The area was under the second highest level, a 4 of 5, of avalanche threat Tuesday, which continued into the early hours of Wednesday.

Blackbird Mountain Guides, the company leading the trip, said the group included 12 clients and four guides who had been staying at the Frog Lake huts since Sunday.

The sheriff's office said a total of 15 people were on the trip, revising the number down. CNN has reached out to Blackbird Mountain guides for clarification.

"The leadership team at Blackbird Mountain Guides is working in full coordination with the Nevada County Sheriff's Office and Nevada County Search and Rescue to support the ongoing rescue operation," the company said in a statement. "Blackbird Mountain Guides is in direct contact with the emergency contacts of the affected clients and guides and is providing them with regular updates as verified information becomes available."

On itswebsite, the company advertises the ski trip to the Frog Lake Huts for those with an intermediate to advanced skill level.

Advertisement

Skiers spend their days navigating the mountain off-trail through steep terrain with the aid of guides, before returning to the huts for dinner, the company says.

Following the first call for help Tuesday, dozens of first responders approached the scene from multiple directions: ski rescue teams from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner's Alder Creek Adventure Center were dispatched, along with rescue crews from surrounding counties.

The rescuers approached the scene on skis and snowcats, with snowmobiles on standby, as they battled the harsh weather in the region, where snow was falling at a rate of 3 to 4 inches an hour Tuesday.

As the time ticked by, the survivors were told to "shelter in place as best they can in the conditions," the sheriff's office said.

The stranded skiers were communicating with rescuers through emergency beacons – including some with the ability to send text messages, Captain Russell Greene of the Nevada County Sheriff's Office toldCNN affiliate KCRA.

The group crafted a makeshift shelter from a tarp, "doing everything they can to survive," Greene said.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's officesaidhe had been briefed on the developing situation and the state was coordinating an "all‑hands search‑and‑rescue effort with local partners and deploying resources to support the active response."

The snow slowed overnight, potentially helping rescue conditions, but on-and-off snow showers are expected through Wednesday as authorities brace for another coming storm Thursday that is expected to bring snow to the region.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNN's Diego Mendoza, Karina Tsui, Danya Gainor, Briana Waxman and Brad Parks contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

Les Wexner is the latest person to be deposed in the House's investigation into the federal government's handling of Epstein's case.

Unlike most previous depositions, however, committee staff and potentially some lawmakers are traveling to Ohio on Wednesday morning to depose Wexner in his home state.

A spokesperson for Wexner declined to comment on the deposition and on whether he would invoke his Fifth Amendment right to avoid answering questions.

Bill Clinton Comes Out Swinging Against Comer For Rejecting Public Epstein Hearing: 'Stop Playing Games'

But if he cooperates with the committee's questioning, Wexner's insight is likely to be key to unlocking information on just how Epstein obtained his vast wealth before dying by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019.

Read On The Fox News App

The 88-year-old businessman is the founder of L Brands, formerly called The Limited, through which he acquired well-known companies Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, Express, and Abercrombie & Fitch, among others.

He was also one of Epstein's first major clients as a financial advisor, with Epstein being granted power of attorney over Wexner's vast wealth.

Wexner also sold his Manhattan townhouse to Epstein, which was later discovered to be one of the locations where federal authorities accused Epstein of abusing young women and girls under 18.

Advertisement

La Olympics Chief Responds After Emails With Ghislaine Maxwell Emerge In Epstein Files

But Wexner has never been criminally accused nor charged in relation to the late pedophile's crimes.

A letter from Wexner to his Wexner Foundation charity dated Aug. 7, 2019, said he ended his relationship with Epstein sometime after the first federal investigation into his crimes emerged nearly 20 years ago.

Wexner also accused Epstein of misusing his vast wealth.

"As the allegations against Mr. Epstein in Florida were emerging, he vehemently denied them. But by early fall 2007, it was agreed that he should step back from the management of our personal finances. In that process, we discovered that he hadmisappropriated vast sums of moneyfrom me and my family," read the letter, obtained by Fox News Digital on Tuesday.

"This was, frankly, a tremendous shock, even though it clearly pales in comparison to the unthinkable allegations against him now. With his credibility and our trust in him destroyed, we immediately severed ties with him. We were able to recover some of the funds."

Wexner is the fourth person appearing before the House Oversight Committee in its Epstein probe.

Click Here To Download The Fox News App

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., previously oversaw the panel through the depositions of former Trump administration Attorney General Bill Barr, ex-Trump Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, who was the U.S. attorney in Florida who signed off on Epstein's infamous 2008 non-prosecution agreement, and convicted Epstein accompliceGhislaine Maxwell.

Maxwell's deposition lasted less than an hour after she invoked the Fifth Amendment, refusing to answer questions unless she was granted clemency by PresidentDonald Trump.

Original article source:Billionaire Victoria's Secret mogul Les Wexner to testify in House Jeffrey Epstein probe

Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy Forecast

Apple Podcasts|Spotify|YouTube

(1:30) - AFC coaching hires we like: Ravens HC Jesse Minter + OC Declean Doyle, Bills HC Joe Brady

(27:30) - AFC coaching hires we like: Raiders HC Klink Kubiak, Chargers OC Mike McDaniel

Advertisement

(47:05) - AFC coaching hires that are fine: Browns HC Todd Monken, Dolphins OC Bobby Slowik, Titans OC Brian Daboll

(1:13:15) - AFC coaching hires that we are skeptical of: Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy, Steelers HC Mike McCarthy, Jets OC Frank Reich

🖥️Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out all episodes of theYahoo Fantasy Forecastand the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family athttps://apple.co/3zEuTQjor atyahoosports.tv

Buehler was in the Padres' clubhouse Tuesday morning after agreeing to a minor league deal with an invitation to big league camp.

"Yeah, it feels a little weird," Buehler told reporters in Arizona after pulling on a brown and gold uniform. "I imagine five years ago it would have felt a lot more weird, but this is a crazy game and this is a great opportunity for me."

The 31-year-old Buehler said he will "come in and try and make the team and contribute in any way I can. I'm a starter, and I want to start, so I'm here to try and make the rotation."

Buehler spent last season with Boston and Philadelphia, whichsigned him in late Augustafter the Red Sox released him. Buehler struggled in Boston, but looked good enough during his brief time with the Phillies to generate interest from the Padres and other teams.

"I threw the ball well over there, and getting the velocity back as well as the delivery has kind of been the big thing," Buehler said. "The second half of last year was relatively successful compared to the first half, and there's stuff we want to continue to build on there."

Buehler earned two All-Star selections and two World Series rings during his 10 years in the Dodgers organization, serving as a mainstay in their rotation whenever healthy and often looking like one of the majors' top starters. He has been particularly good against the Padres in his career, going 7-1 with a 1.67 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 13 starts.

He won Game 3of the 2024 World Series before earning the save in the Dodgers' clinching Game 5 victory at Yankee Stadium, capping his return to uniform with a gritty Fall Classic. He had missed the entire 2023 season and big chunks of 2024 while recovering from his second Tommy John surgery.

But that memorable relief inning in Game 5 to preserve a 7-6 victory over the Yankees was his final appearance for the Dodgers, who allowed Buehler to leave as a free agent fora lucrative deal with Boston. After one tumultuous year back East, he's eager to be back in the NL West with the Padres, who have two openings in their rotation.

"Obviously some familiarity with the division, and living in Southern California is something that my family and I are accustomed to," Buehler said. "A good opportunity to be a part of a really talented ballclub. Looking forward to seeing what we can make of it."

Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove and Michael King already have spots in San Diego's rotation. Buehler will be competing for the final two slots with returnees Randy Vásquez and JP Sears and newly signed Germán Márquez and Griffin Canning.

Advertisement

Buehler said he moved out West during the offseason to prepare for another run at the majors, and "got my body in a little better spot."

Buehler said his delivery is returning to the level and form at which he spent his first six big league seasons with the Dodgers before elbow surgery.

"My elbow and my body has kind of been through some stuff," he said.

The Padres have been remarkably busy over the past week after doing little during the winter to bolster the roster of a team that won 90 games and made the postseason for the fourth time in six years.

General manager A.J. Prellersigned slugger Nick Castellanosalong with Canning and Márquez over the weekend after adding Miguel Andujar a week earlier.

Canning is guaranteed $2.5 million in his one-year contract and can earn an additional $1.5 million. His deal includes a $1 million salary for next year and a $5 million mutual option for 2027 with a $1.5 million buyout. The buyout would escalate based on starts this year: $150,000 each for eight and 10, $200,000 apiece for 12 and 14, $250,000 each for 16 and 20, and $300,000 for 24.

To open a roster spot, outfielder Tirso Ornelas was designated for assignment.

Preller also agreed to a contract extension, keeping the second-longest-tenured baseball boss in the majors with San Diego during the club's probable sale process.

Buehler is 57-29 with a 3.52 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP over his decade in the majors. He has topped 150 strikeouts three times.

AP MLB:https://apnews.com/MLB

A season capped off by theSeattle Seahawkswinning Super Bowl 60 over theNew England Patriotssaw many streaks come to an end. TheKansas City Chiefsdidn't win the AFC West for the first time in a decade.Baltimoremissed the playoffs and parted ways with coach John Harbaugh after 18 years. The team that knocked them out of contention -Pittsburgh- has a new coach in 2026 for the first time since 2007 after Mike Tomlin stepped down.

On an individual level, one of the more remarkable streaks came to an end. For the first time in his 12-year career, wide receiverMike Evansdid not reach 1,000 receiving yards. An injury-marred season limited him to 368 yards in just eight games.

He's not done yet, though.

Evans will return in 2026 for a 13th season, permultiplereports. He turns 33 years old in August and will be a free agent this offseason.

Advertisement

TheTampa Bay Buccaneersselected Evans No. 7 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. He's spent the entirety of his 12-year career with theBuccaneers. Those 12 years featured two second-team All-Pro awards and six Pro Bowl honors.

Evans suffered hamstring and clavicle injuries as well as a concussion in 2025, which kept him out for nine out of 17 games. He'd tied Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice for the most 1,000-yard receiving seasons in a row with 11 entering the 2025 season, but the injuries meant he would not break that long-standing record.

Evans will test free agency for the first time in his career this offseason. Tampa Bay may end up bringing him back; the franchise has $23.9 million in cap space, perOverTheCap.

But the team has young talent at the position inEmeka Egbuka,Jalen McMillan, andTez Johnsonas well as veteranChris Godwinand could decide to spend that money elsewhere.

Mike Evans career stats

Here's how Evans ranks all-time in receiving statistics:

• Receptions: 866 (31st)

• Receiving yards: 13,052 (21st)

• Receiving touchdowns: 108 (10th)

• Scrimmage yards: 13,062 (51st)

Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Best images of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18)makes a catch for a touchdownagainst the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Is Mike Evans playing in 2026? Here's what we know

First responders were dispatched to the Abundant Life Church in Boonville, New York, at around 10:23 a.m. ET after receiving reports of a gas odor, according to New York State Police. Multiple fire departments, ambulance services and law enforcement arrived at the church after the initial call.

According to the Oneida County 911 Center, the explosion happened shortly before 11 a.m. Following the incident, state police said four firefighters and the pastor of Abundant Life Church were transported to local hospitals and were listed in critical but stable condition.

A preliminary investigation indicated that four people were in the church's basement when the furnace activated, triggering an explosion. A firefighter on the first floor was attempting to ventilate the building at the time of the explosion and was thrown against a wall, state police said in anews release.

In a statement, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. said he was deeply saddened by the explosion at the church and was praying for all those impacted.

"Our thoughts are especially with the Boonville firefighters and church members who were injured," Picente said. "I commend the bravery and professionalism of our first responders who rushed toward danger to protect others. Oneida County is in close communication with local officials and emergency services, and we stand ready to provide any assistance needed as the investigation continues."

Boonville is a town in Oneida County, New York, and is about 70 miles northeast of Syracuse.

New York State Police identify injured firefighters, pastor

State police identified the four firefighters and pastor injured in the incident as:

Advertisement

• David Pritchard Jr., 60, the fire chief of the Boonville Fire Department

• Brandon Pitts, 43, the pastor of Abundant Life Church

• Allan Austin, 67, a firefighter for the Boonville Fire Department

• Nicholas Amicucci, 43, a firefighter for the Boonville Fire Department

• Richard Czajka, 71, a firefighter for the Boonville Fire Department

Pritchard, Pitts, Amicucci and Czajka were transported to Upstate Hospital in Syracuse, while Austin was transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica.

Pennsylvania nursing home blast:Gas smell reported hours before explosion, report says

Abundant Life Church sustained 'catastrophic' damage

A post on the church's Facebook page stated the pastor and another member of the congregation were inside the church along with first responders when it exploded.

The church, which was heated by propane cylinders, sustained "catastrophic" damage and was "considered destroyed" following the explosion, state police said.

After 1 p.m., firefighting crews were still hosing down what remained of the church as several members of the church watched. With no nearby hydrants, firefighters relied on their tanker trucks for water.

Drivers were advised to avoid the area, and New York State Route 12 southbound at Potato Hill Road and northbound at Kerwin Road in Boonville was closed.

State police noted that there was no indication of criminal activity in the incident and the investigation remains ongoing.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch:Explosion at upstate New York church injures 5, including firefighters