FLUSHING, Queens — A ferocious four-alarm fire tore through a mixed-use building in Flushing on Monday afternoon, killing four people — including a young child — and forcing desperate residents to leap from upper floors to escape the flames, fire officials said.

The blaze erupted shortly before 12:30 p.m. March 16 in a three-story structure at 44-49 College Point Boulevard near Avery Avenue, according to the New York City Fire Department. The building housed commercial businesses on the ground floor and residential apartments above.

FDNY officials described the fire as fast-moving, fueled in part by windy conditions that day. Flames originated on the first and second floors and quickly spread, engulfing much of the structure by the time firefighters arrived just four minutes after the initial 911 call.

Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, including the child. A fourth person succumbed to injuries after being transported to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens. At least 12 others were injured, including several who jumped from third-floor windows in a bid to flee the inferno. Five firefighters also suffered non-life-threatening injuries while battling the blaze.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as thick black smoke poured from the building and residents screamed for help. Some trapped on upper levels had no choice but to jump, landing on sidewalks and pavement below. Emergency responders treated multiple people for jump-related injuries, burns and smoke inhalation at the scene and nearby hospitals.

Investigators have not yet determined the official cause of the fire, but neighbors pointed to a vacant apartment allegedly occupied by squatters as a focal point. One resident, speaking anonymously to reporters, said the unit where the blaze may have started was supposed to be empty.

“The apartment was vacant. Nobody was supposed to be living there. They were squatting,” the neighbor, a 30-year-old woman who declined to give her name, told the New York Daily News.

The presence of unauthorized occupants in the allegedly vacant unit has raised questions about building safety, illegal occupancy and potential fire hazards in the densely populated Flushing neighborhood. City officials have not confirmed whether squatters were directly involved in starting the fire or if the blaze originated in that specific apartment, but the detail has drawn attention amid ongoing concerns about squatting in New York City’s housing-strapped boroughs.

FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, speaking at a news conference near the charred building, called the incident “devastating” and praised first responders for their rapid arrival and heroic efforts under extreme conditions.

“This was a very challenging fire due to the speed of spread and the number of people who needed rescue,” Kavanagh said. “Our members did everything possible to save lives, but sadly, we lost four today, including a precious child.”

The victims’ identities have not been publicly released pending family notifications and medical examiner confirmation. Officials described the child as young, though an exact age was not immediately available. Some reports indicated a 3-year-old boy was among the deceased, but authorities have not verified that detail.

The building, a mixed-use property common in Flushing’s commercial-residential corridors, sustained heavy damage. Structural engineers were assessing stability late Monday, and parts of College Point Boulevard remained closed into Tuesday as cleanup and investigation continued.

Mayor Eric Adams expressed condolences in a statement, calling the deaths “heartbreaking” and vowing a thorough probe.

“Our first responders ran toward danger once again to save lives,” Adams said. “We will support the families affected and work to prevent such tragedies in the future.”

The fire highlights persistent challenges in Queens, where older buildings, overcrowding and occasional illegal conversions contribute to fire risks. Flushing, a vibrant immigrant hub, has seen multiple serious blazes in recent years, often linked to electrical issues, cooking accidents or unauthorized modifications.

Neighbors gathered near police tape Monday evening, some holding candles and photos, as grief rippled through the tight-knit community. One local shop owner nearby said the smoke was visible for blocks and the sirens seemed endless.

“It happened so fast,” the owner said. “One minute everything was normal, the next the whole building was on fire.”

As of Tuesday morning, March 17, the FDNY’s fire marshal unit continued its origin-and-cause investigation. Arson has not been ruled out, though no criminal charges have been announced. Officials urged anyone with information to contact authorities.

The tragedy comes amid broader discussions about housing enforcement in New York City, where vacant properties sometimes attract squatters seeking shelter in a market with soaring rents and limited affordable options.

Community leaders called for stronger inspections and support for vulnerable residents. “This isn’t just about one fire — it’s about making sure every building is safe, especially for families and children,” one advocate said outside the scene.

Fire officials reminded residents to install and maintain working smoke detectors, create escape plans and avoid unauthorized occupancy that can compromise building safety systems.

As investigators comb through the wreckage, the Flushing community mourns four lives lost in an instant — a stark reminder of fire’s indiscriminate danger in one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

CLEVELAND — A powerful sonic boom that shook homes, rattled windows and startled residents across Northeast Ohio on Tuesday morning was almost certainly caused by a meteor entering Earth’s atmosphere, the National Weather Service in Cleveland confirmed.

The loud explosion-like sound occurred shortly before 9 a.m. EDT on March 17, 2026, and was reported from Cleveland and surrounding communities including Akron, Olmsted Falls, Parma and areas extending into parts of Pennsylvania and New York. Witnesses described the noise as a deep, thunderous boom or explosion that felt like it came from directly overhead, with some saying it shook buildings and set off car alarms.

The National Weather Service’s Cleveland office quickly attributed the event to a meteor after analyzing data from NOAA’s Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM), which detects bright flashes in the atmosphere — including those from meteors disintegrating at high speeds. GLM imagery around 1301Z (9:01 a.m. EDT) showed a distinct flash consistent with a meteor airburst, officials said.

“It’s a sonic boom from a meteor coming in,” NWS Cleveland meteorologists posted in response to public inquiries on social media. “We have not heard of anything exploding on the ground.”

Brian Mitchell, observing program leader at NWS Cleveland, told local media that satellite data pointed clearly to an atmospheric entry event. “The imagery suggests a meteor hit the atmosphere and caused the boom we all heard and felt,” he said.

Multiple news outlets, including Cleveland 19, WKYC (News 5 Cleveland) and the Akron Beacon Journal, reported the phenomenon, with many residents sharing videos and photos captured by security cameras, doorbell devices and dash cams. One viewer-submitted image to News 5 showed a bright streak of light against the morning sky, consistent with a daylight fireball.

In Olmsted Falls, school district officials posted footage from a bus garage camera capturing the meteor’s brief but brilliant flash. “CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Tens of thousands of people heard and felt an explosion all over Northeast Ohio,” Cleveland 19 reported, highlighting the widespread nature of the sighting.

The American Meteor Society (AMS) and NASA fireball reporting networks often receive hundreds of submissions for such events, though no formal AMS confirmation for this specific incident was immediately available Tuesday afternoon. Experts note that meteors traveling faster than the speed of sound — typically those entering at 25,000 to 160,000 mph — can produce sonic booms when they decelerate abruptly in the denser lower atmosphere, fragmenting in an airburst.

Daylight meteors are rarer than nighttime ones because the bright sky makes them harder to spot, but when they occur, the accompanying sound can be dramatic. The event drew comparisons to previous Ohio fireballs, including a March 14-15 doorbell camera capture in Pickerington of a bright meteor accompanied by a sonic boom, and earlier 2026 sightings over Lake Erie and other regions.

No injuries or property damage were reported from the boom itself. Authorities in Cleveland, Akron and surrounding counties fielded numerous 911 calls initially suspecting explosions, gas leaks or aircraft incidents. Fire departments in at least six communities dispatched units to investigate possible house explosions, but all reports proved unfounded.

“People were understandably alarmed,” one Cleveland resident told FOX 8 News. “It sounded like something hit the roof or a bomb went off nearby. My dog went crazy.”

Social media erupted with posts under hashtags like #Boomnow, #meteor and #Cleveland, with users sharing their experiences. “I thought it was thunder but way louder and no storm,” one person wrote on Instagram. Another added, “Windows rattled like an earthquake — then nothing.”

Meteor experts explained that the object likely fragmented high above Northeast Ohio, producing the widespread acoustic shockwave without significant ground impact. Most meteors burn up completely, scattering tiny meteorites over wide areas or none at all if small enough.

The timing — a clear Tuesday morning with good visibility — allowed many to witness the flash even in daylight. Reports indicated the meteor appeared as a brief, intense white or bluish streak, possibly with a tail, before the boom arrived seconds later as the sound traveled from the disintegration point.

Local astronomers and the Cleveland Astronomical Society encouraged residents with footage to submit it to the AMS for detailed trajectory analysis. Such data helps scientists understand meteoroid sizes, speeds and origins — often from asteroid belt fragments or cometary debris.

This event underscores the frequency of near-Earth objects entering the atmosphere. NASA estimates millions of small meteors impact daily, though few produce audible booms or daylight visibility. Larger fireballs like this one occur several times per year across the globe.

As investigations continue, officials urged calm and reminded residents that such natural phenomena, while startling, pose minimal risk. No follow-up sonic activity was reported into the afternoon.

For those who missed the spectacle, security camera owners were encouraged to review footage from around 8:55-9:05 a.m. EDT. Additional sightings could refine the meteor’s path and entry point, potentially over Lake Erie or northern Ohio farmland.

The cosmic visitor provided a rare moment of wonder amid everyday routines, reminding Northeast Ohioans of the dynamic universe just overhead.

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NEW YORK — Rocket Lab USA Inc. (NASDAQ: RKLB) shares climbed sharply in early trading Tuesday, March 17, 2026, extending recent gains as the aerospace company benefits from robust revenue growth, a swelling launch backlog and renewed investor enthusiasm for the commercial space sector.

As of mid-morning EDT, RKLB traded at approximately $76.40, up $5.09 or 7.14% from Monday’s close of $71.31, according to real-time data from Nasdaq and major financial platforms. Volume exceeded 6 million shares in the first few hours, reflecting heightened interest following a strong performance in recent sessions.

The stock has shown significant volatility but upward momentum in March 2026 after a dip in February. Closing at $71.31 on March 16 — a 4.24% increase from the prior session — RKLB has recovered from lower levels earlier in the month, with intraday highs pushing toward $76.53 in today’s session. The 52-week range spans $14.71 to $99.58, with the all-time high reached January 16, 2026, at $96.30.

Analysts point to Rocket Lab’s record 2025 performance as a key driver. The company reported substantial revenue growth — up 56.9% over the past two years — fueled by increased launch cadence and expansion in its space systems business. A backlog approaching $1.85 billion underscores demand for Electron rockets and Neutron development, positioning Rocket Lab as a leader in small-to-medium satellite launches and space infrastructure.

Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated a Buy rating earlier this month, lifting its price target after highlighting the company’s stacked backlog tilted toward higher-margin space systems work. Other analysts maintain consensus Buy ratings, with average price targets around $74.55 to $85.00, suggesting room for further upside despite the recent rally.

Rocket Lab’s advancements in technology, including new silicon solar arrays for future space-based infrastructure, have bolstered confidence. The company continues to execute on reusable rocket ambitions with Neutron, aiming to compete in the growing market for dedicated launches and constellation deployments.

Market observers note broader sector tailwinds, including increased U.S. defense spending on missile systems and space capabilities amid geopolitical tensions. Discussions around national security needs — from missile defense to satellite constellations — have spotlighted companies like Rocket Lab as potential beneficiaries.

However, the stock faces risks typical of growth-oriented aerospace firms. High valuation multiples persist, with market capitalization recently surpassing $43 billion at current levels. February’s 13.7% decline reflected broader market pressures on high-growth names, though March’s rebound indicates renewed buying interest.

Insider activity drew some attention, with reports of sales by executives at Rocket Lab and peers like Palantir and Archer Aviation. Such transactions often occur for personal reasons and do not necessarily signal waning confidence, but they warrant monitoring.

Rocket Lab set deadlines for 2026 shareholder proposals earlier this month, a routine corporate governance step ahead of its annual meeting. No major controversies emerged from the announcement.

The company’s Electron rocket has maintained a reliable launch record, supporting commercial, government and defense payloads. Upcoming missions and Neutron progress updates could provide further catalysts.

Investors continue to watch for quarterly earnings, expected to reflect ongoing backlog conversion and margin improvements. Rocket Lab’s shift toward higher-value space systems — including spacecraft components and subsystems — has improved financial visibility compared to launch-only reliance.

Broader market context includes mixed sentiment in tech and growth stocks, though space and defense sectors have shown resilience. Rocket Lab’s performance aligns with peers benefiting from government contracts and commercial satellite demand.

As trading progresses March 17, attention remains on whether RKLB can sustain gains toward recent highs or face profit-taking. The stock’s trajectory reflects optimism about the commercial space economy’s long-term potential, driven by decreasing launch costs and expanding applications from Earth observation to communications.

Rocket Lab, founded by CEO Peter Beck, has grown from a small-launch pioneer to a vertically integrated space company. Its Wallops Island, Virginia, and New Zealand facilities support frequent operations, while U.S. expansion bolsters national security ties.

With a market cap now in the mid-$40 billion range, RKLB ranks among prominent space players. Continued execution on Neutron — targeted for larger payloads and reusability — could drive further re-rating if milestones are met.

Analysts emphasize the company’s differentiated position in a market once dominated by larger incumbents. Rocket Lab’s agility in smallsat launches and rapid iteration has captured significant share.

As the trading day unfolds, RKLB’s performance underscores investor appetite for innovative aerospace plays amid evolving global priorities in space.

Mariah Carey expressed delight and surprise at her nomination for the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class, calling it “definitely an unchecked box” in her storied career during recent interviews, as the pop icon continues a high-profile year marked by international performances, philanthropy honors and hints of fresh creative projects.

The nomination, announced in late February 2026, places Carey among a competitive slate of first-time eligibles and returning contenders for induction later this year. In a statement shared March 13, Carey described the recognition as meaningful, reflecting on her journey from a young songwriter to global superstar.

“It’s definitely an unchecked box,” she told reporters. “I’ve been so focused on the music, the fans, the legacy — this feels like a beautiful acknowledgment.”

The nod arrives amid a wave of activity for the five-time Grammy winner. Earlier in the year, Carey was honored as the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year on Jan. 30 at a star-studded gala in Los Angeles. The event, which raises funds for music industry professionals facing hardship, featured tributes from artists including Foo Fighters, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Laufey, Busta Rhymes and Kesha.

Carey accepted the award with an emotional speech emphasizing ownership of her catalog and long-term value. She revealed she had never sold her publishing rights, a decision rooted in protecting her legacy and believing in the enduring worth of her work. The night included a surprise appearance by Carey during a performance of her holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” joining Jon Batiste and others for an impromptu festive finale that drew widespread acclaim.

The MusiCares honor followed Carey’s high-visibility role at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Feb. 6. The singer performed an angelic rendition of the Italian classic “Volare” at San Siro Stadium in an all-white ensemble, accented by a reported $15 million diamond necklace that sparked headlines. Described as the first major international guest announced for the ceremony, her appearance helped kick off the Games with elegance and drew praise for her poised delivery.

Some Italian media coverage sparked controversy, with reports of a brief technical blunder during introductions prompting sports journalists to threaten a strike, though the incident quickly resolved. Carey later expressed gratitude for the warm reception in Italy and Abu Dhabi, where she performed as part of the Saadiyat Nights series in early February.

Fans and analysts speculate 2026 could herald a major creative resurgence. In recent interviews, Carey confirmed she is actively working in the studio on new music. She also teased plans to commemorate the 25th anniversary of her 2001 album and film “Glitter,” which has undergone a cultural reappraisal in recent years. Discussions touched on a previously unreleased “secret grunge album” from her archives, adding intrigue to potential projects.

Online buzz suggests fans anticipate a “huge era,” fueled by studio sightings, social media clues and her consistent chart dominance — particularly with “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which continues to break streaming records annually and remains a holiday staple.

Carey’s personal life generated lighter headlines when she made another surprise appearance on son Moroccan’s Twitch livestream in mid-March, delighting viewers with her playful interruptions. The moment underscored her close bond with her twins, Moroccan and Monroe, now teenagers.

Throughout 2026, Carey has balanced high-profile commitments with advocacy. The MusiCares gala highlighted her philanthropy, including support for mental health and music education initiatives. Her decision to retain publishing rights was framed as both artistic control and financial foresight in an era of catalog sales.

Industry observers note Carey’s enduring influence spans decades, from her 1990 debut to modern hits and holiday ubiquity. With over 200 million records sold worldwide, her five-octave range and songwriting prowess have shaped pop, R&B and beyond.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination caps a period of reflection and forward momentum. Induction ceremonies typically occur in the fall, with voting by an international body of artists, historians and industry figures.

As speculation builds around new releases and possible tours, Carey remains focused on creativity and connection with fans. In a recent chat following the MusiCares event, she promised a “major” 2026 without specifics, leaving admirers eager for what’s next.

The year’s highlights — from Olympic glamour to Hall of Fame contention — reaffirm Carey’s status as a cultural force. Whether through new music, anniversary celebrations or continued live performances, 2026 positions the “Songbird Supreme” for another chapter in an already legendary career.

Operator

Good day, everyone, and welcome to comScore Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial Results. [Operator Instructions] Please note, this conference is being recorded. Now I would like to turn the call over to Mr. Kevin Burns, EVP of Business Operations. Please go ahead.

Kevin Burns

Thank you, operator. Before we begin our prepared remarks, I’d like to remind all of you the following discussion contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include comments about our plans, expectations and prospects and are based on our view as of today, March 17, 2026.

Our actual results in future periods may differ materially from those currently expected because of a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include those outlined in our 10-K, 10-Q and other filings with the SEC, which you can find on our website or at www.sec.gov. We disclaim any duty or obligation to update our forward-looking statements to reflect new information after today’s call.

We will be discussing non-GAAP measures during this call, for which we’ve provided reconciliations in today’s press release and on our website. Please note that we will be referring to slides on this call, which are also available on our website, www.comscore.com, under Investor Relations, Events and Presentations.

I’ll now turn the call over to comScore’s Chief Executive Officer, Jon Carpenter. Jon?

Jonathan Carpenter
CEO & Director

Good evening, and thank you for joining us. 2025 was a solid year with meaningful progress as we further developed our leading cross-platform capabilities, all to achieve our objective of becoming the industry standard for

Federal regulators announced a recall of nearly 50,000 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles in the U.S. over an engine fire risk caused by a loose wire after reports from several owners of melted wires and fires.

The automaker reported the issue to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last Wednesday.

At least 48,165 Jetta vehicles from the 2025–2026 model years have been recalled in the United States. Another 13,318 are affected in Canada, bringing the total to 63,318 vehicles, regulators said.

The issue was reportedly caused by “human error” during the manufacturing of the transmission ground wire.

GM TAKES $7B HIT AFTER SHIFTING EV STRATEGY DUE TO SLOWING DEMAND

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is on display during the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center Nov. 23, 2025, in Los Angeles.  (Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images / Getty Images)

“The transmission ground wire may not have been properly connected during assembly, causing an open electrical circuit,” the recall stated. 

“An open circuit may increase the risk of excessive current draw, possibly increasing the risk of a fire.” 

Volkswagen reported at least six claims across the U.S. and Canada, with three incidents involving melted wires and connectors and the other three resulting in engine compartment fires.

No crashes, injuries or deaths have been reported.   

Regulators added that less than 1% of the recalled vehicles are actually expected to have the defect. 

TOYOTA RECALLS 550,000 VEHICLES OVER SEAT DEFECT

A mechanic works on a vehicle in Canada June 13, 2019. (Amber Bracken/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Vehicle owners can take their cars to authorized dealers for a free inspection. If a disconnection is found, technicians will repair or replace the affected components at no cost, including the auxiliary hydraulic pump control module, the 4-pin module connector and any damaged wiring.

Owner notification letters are scheduled to be sent May 8, 2026, to inform affected customers of the available remedy.

Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on the NHTSA website March 13, 2026. 

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A Volkswagen factory Sept. 9, 2016 (Kacper Pempel/Reuters/File Photo)

Drivers with additional questions are advised to contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Regulators noted that dealers are legally required to repair any affected new or pre-owned Jetta vehicles in their inventory before selling them to customers.

Jeffrey Zekauskas
JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division

Hi, good afternoon. I’m Jeff Zekauskas. I analyze chemicals for JPMorgan. It’s my pleasure this afternoon to introduce the management of Lyondell.

Representing Lyondell is Agustin Izquierdo, who’s the Chief Financial Officer. And I think he’s only been Chief Financial Officer through events, whether it’s Liberation Day, the conflict, the dividend cut. It’s just — he’s had an eventful year. He worked at BASF for 10 or 12 years from 2009 to 2022. He has both an Engineering degree and a degree in Actuarial Science. And on top of that, I think he went to the [ UFC ] Business School. So he’s a pretty sharp guy.

Accompanying Agustin is Dave Kinney, who’s in the audience, who’s retiring. And Dave has done a terrific job as the Head IR contact at Lyondell for years and continuing a tradition where Doug Pike, who is the previous IR Head, did a wonderful job. And next to him is the new IR contact, David Dennison. And so we look forward to working with him.

The format will be a fireside chat. And Agustin, would you like to begin with a few slides?

Agustin Izquierdo
Executive VP & CFO

Perfect. Yes. Thank you very much, Jeff, and thank you, everybody, for joining us. I’ll go over just a handful of slides that talk about our outlook, obviously, the existing conflict in the Middle East and how we are positioned to take advantage of that situation. And then we’ll open up for Q&A.

So as always, with the legal disclaimers, we’ll be

New York’s Dismal Tax Forecast