The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) scrambled U.S. fighter jets Thursday to intercept and escort five Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), a standard buffer area outside U.S. and Canadian sovereign airspace.

NORAD detected and tracked two Tu-95 Bear long-range strategic bombers, two Su-35 Flanker fighter jets and one A-50 Mainstay airborne early warning and control aircraft in the Alaskan ADIZ on Feb. 19, according to a statement released late Thursday local time, which corresponds to Friday morning in some time zones. The Russian formation remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian territory.

In response, NORAD launched two F-16 Fighting Falcons, two F-35 Lightning IIs, one E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft, and four KC-135 Stratotanker refueling planes to positively identify the intruders and escort them until they departed the zone. The mission unfolded without incident, and officials emphasized that such activity is routine.

“This Russian activity in the Alaskan ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat,” NORAD stated. The command, a binational U.S.-Canadian organization headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado, maintains constant vigilance over North American skies and is prepared to employ various response options to defend the continent.

The Alaskan ADIZ extends hundreds of miles beyond territorial boundaries, requiring aircraft to identify themselves for security monitoring. Russian long-range aviation patrols in the Bering Sea region — separating Siberia from Alaska — have been common for decades, often coinciding with exercises or routine flights. Similar intercepts occurred multiple times in 2025, including in September when four Russian aircraft were tracked and escorted, and in April when six planes including Tu-95s, Tu-142s, Su-35s and an A-50 were intercepted.

Thursday’s encounter involved a mix of bombers capable of carrying nuclear payloads, agile fighters for escort and an A-50 for surveillance, reflecting a coordinated formation typical of Russian strategic aviation operations. The Tu-95, a propeller-driven turboprop bomber nicknamed “Bear” by NATO, dates to the Cold War era but remains a mainstay of Russia’s long-range strike capability. The supersonic Su-35 provides air superiority protection, while the A-50 serves as an airborne radar platform akin to the U.S. E-3.

U.S. aircraft involved represent a blend of legacy and fifth-generation platforms. The F-16, a multirole fighter, and the stealthy F-35, both operated by the Alaska Air National Guard’s 354th Fighter Wing at Eielson Air Force Base, handled the close escort duties. The E-3 provided command and control from aloft, and KC-135s ensured extended endurance for the interceptors.

No aggressive maneuvers or communications issues were reported, and the Russian planes departed the ADIZ as expected. NORAD did not disclose exact locations beyond the general Alaskan ADIZ, which covers vast expanses over the Bering Sea and Arctic approaches.

The incident drew quick media attention amid heightened global tensions, though military officials downplayed any provocative intent. Russian Defense Ministry spokespeople had not commented publicly as of Friday morning. Similar episodes rarely escalate, serving more as demonstrations of presence and capability testing than direct challenges.

This latest intercept aligns with patterns observed since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when NORAD noted increased Russian activity in the Arctic and near North American shores. In 2025 alone, multiple releases detailed intercepts of Tu-95/Su-35 pairs and larger formations, often in international airspace west of Alaska.

Experts view these flights as part of Russia’s effort to maintain operational readiness, project power in the Arctic — a region of growing strategic importance due to melting ice opening new shipping routes and resource opportunities — and signal resolve amid strained relations with the West.

NORAD’s response underscores the binational command’s effectiveness in aerospace warning and control. Established in 1957 during the Cold War, it integrates radar networks, fighter squadrons and command structures to detect and respond to aerial threats, from ballistic missiles to unauthorized aircraft.

Alaska’s strategic position makes it a frontline for such monitoring, with bases like Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Eielson hosting advanced fighters and surveillance assets. The state’s proximity to Russia — less than 55 miles separate Big Diomede Island (Russia) from Little Diomede (U.S.) in the Bering Strait — amplifies the need for vigilant patrols.
Public reaction on social platforms included a mix of concern and reassurance, with some users noting the routine nature while others highlighted geopolitical implications. NORAD’s X account posted updates emphasizing readiness without alarm.

As Arctic militarization continues — with Russia expanding bases and the U.S. bolstering presence through exercises like Arctic Edge — such encounters are likely to persist. Thursday’s event, while unremarkable in military terms, serves as a reminder of the delicate balance in polar airspace.

NORAD reiterated its commitment to sovereignty protection while characterizing the Russian activity as non-threatening and expected. No further details on flight paths or durations were released, consistent with operational security practices.

Scheme includes incubator‐style environment with reduced stall rates and access to experienced business mentors

A unique training programme at Fleetwood Market is giving aspiring entrepreneurs in Wyre the opportunity to develop real-world business skills. The programme offers priceless hands-on experience in running, marketing, and managing a market stall, key factors in helping a business thrive.

The initiative, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), forms part of wider investment allocated to Wyre Council, which, alongside other projects, has helped establish the scheme.

Julian Brent, market manager, said: “This was an idea I’ve carried for many years, and seeing it finally come to fruition is incredibly rewarding.

” With the support of UKSPF funding, we’ve been able to successfully establish and grow the scheme, something I’ve envisioned for many years creating real opportunities for people.

“To now see it operating, supporting individuals into self-employment and bringing new life into Fleetwood Market, is something I’m genuinely proud of.

“The whole market team have helped to grow this idea and turn it into a reality and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

The programme is delivered in partnership with Wyre Council and offers recipients the opportunity to run their own business within Fleetwood Market.

Participants receive support through an incubator‐style environment that includes reduced stall rates, access to experienced business mentors, and structured guidance designed to build skills and confidence.

This development initiative helps unemployed individuals gain the practical experience, knowledge, and self‐belief needed to become self‐employed market traders.

Through hands‐on training in a live retail setting, participants work toward the opportunity to take over a fully stocked market unit at Fleetwood Market.

Among the latest to join is Rebekah Morris, who was selected from multiple applicants to run the new pet-themed stall, New Leash of Life, located in the main hall at Fleetwood Market.

Animal lover Rebekah, 31, who moved to Fleetwood from Blackburn nearly four years ago, said: “This opportunity has really given me the chance to build my experience and create a career for myself. I’m excited to see how the future looks for me now.

“I’ve had loads of pets over the years, including dogs, a horse and even lizards, so it’s right up my street.”

Councillor Lynne Bowen, portfolio holder for leisure, health and community engagement, added: “Fleetwood Market has always been a vital part of our community, and this programme is a fantastic way to help local people turn their ideas into real businesses.

“By giving aspiring entrepreneurs, the support, space and confidence to grow, we’re investing not only in their future but in the future of our town centres. I’m delighted to see Rebekah take this opportunity, and I look forward to watching her business flourish.”

At the end of her probationary period Rebekah will have the opportunity to continue operating her stall on a permanent basis. The project reflects Wyre Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting local people, strengthening business skills, and revitalising town centre markets as thriving community spaces.

Three Mile Island is preparing for a return to service, underscoring how America’s fast-growing digital economy is reshaping the nation’s energy priorities.

FOX Business’ Darren Botelho joined Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria” to report on the planned restart of Three Mile Island and what it signals for America’s energy future.

Constellation Energy’s agreement with Microsoft to purchase power from the Pennsylvania facility marks a notable shift in how major technology companies are securing long-term electricity supply. As artificial intelligence and cloud computing expand, demand for always-on, carbon-free power has intensified, pushing nuclear energy back into the spotlight after years of stagnation.

TRUMP ADMIN PROVIDES $1B FEDERAL LOAN TO RESTART THREE MILE ISLAND NUCLEAR REACTOR

Constellation Energy’s senior vice president of Finance and Data Economy, Dan Eggers, pointed to federal support as a catalyst for the plant’s revival.

“Secretary Wright, Secretary Burgum, incredible supporters of nuclear — we really appreciate the relationship we’ve been able to build with them. The president has been a vocal advocate and I think that’s opened up opportunities through government support and really strong advocacy for bringing new megawatts on, which is going to help lead to the nuclear renaissance we’re all really excited about,” Eggers said.

The reopening also reflects broader concerns about grid reliability as extreme weather and surging electricity use test infrastructure nationwide. Nuclear plants, designed to operate continuously at high output, are increasingly viewed as a stabilizing force in that equation.

TRUMP ADMIN RAMPS UP EFFORT TO REVIVE COAL INDUSTRY AS POWER DEMAND SURGES

Energy Secretary Christopher Wright emphasized the stakes for grid design.

“When you design an electricity grid, there’s two major criteria.. You must keep the lights on… Heat running, or people die. Hospitals shut down, factories close. This is an enormous asset of a modern society to have an electricity grid. You must design it for peak demand,” Wright said.

Aerial view of Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Middletown, Pennsylvania (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Three Mile Island’s planned 2027 restart would restore nuclear generation capacity to Pennsylvania’s grid as electricity demand increases.

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The two new campuses in the Vale of Glamorgan are part of a £119m investment

Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) has officially marked start of construction work on two campuses in a £119m investment with a groundbreaking ceremony.

The investment will see a new waterfront campus for 900 students close to the college’s existing ageing Colcot Road building in Barry and a new Centre for Aerospace Training for 2,000 learners and more than 100 staff, at Cardiff Airport – adjacent to its international Centre for Aerospace Training.

The campuses will mainly be financed through the Welsh Government’s mutual investment model (MIM) – via the Welsh Education Partnership Company (WEPCo)- with construction costs repaid over a 25-year period.

The college’s committed financial contribution to both projects is around 19%, which will include proceeds from the sale of its existing Colcot Road campus site. It is the first time the Welsh Government has used MIM to fund a college project. Both campuses have been net zero designed.

Funding is being provided by Aviva following a competitive process. Both campuses are expected to be completed in the summer of next year ahead of start of the 2027/28 academic year.

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Education Secretary Lynne Neagle said: “We are really pleased to support Cardiff and Vale College’s twin-campus project as part of our sustainable communities for learning programme through our innovative mutual investment model. This demonstrates our commitment to further education in Wales, and I look forward to seeing learners thrive and flourish in these exciting new facilities.”

Cardiff and Vale College Group chief executive Mike James said: “We are delighted to mark this important milestone for two new campuses that will make a real difference to the communities of the Vale of Glamorgan. These developments reflect our commitment to creating high-quality learning environments for our community and employers, as well as our drive to invest in skills for the future.

“As the builds progress, we look forward to engaging with young people, families, community groups and employers, ensuring all are part of the journey as these campuses take shape. When the doors open in September 2027, these spaces will belong to the communities they serve, delivering long-term educational, social and economic benefits for the Vale.”

Christian Stanbury, WEPCo CEO said of the starting of construction work: “This moment is the result of outstanding collaboration and commitment across the partnership, including WEPCo, Cardiff and Vale College, Bouygues UK, Meridiam, the Development Bank of Wales, our funders, and the many individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes to make it possible.

“Both the Barry waterfront campus and the Advanced Technology Centre campuses will play a transformative role in their communities, creating exceptional spaces for student learning, teaching, and wider community engagement for many years to come.”

UK managing director for Wales and the south west of England for construction firm Bouygues, Mark Cesenek, said: “Breaking ground on these exciting and innovative builds marks the start of something truly special. Although today marks our official ground-breaking, we are proud to already be well under way, with significant progress achieved including site accommodation, ground remediation, concrete piling, and foundation and drainage works. In the coming weeks, the steel frames will begin to rise from the ground, bringing this development to life.”

Some New York City residents argue Mayor Zohran Mamdani is reneging on his affordable housing campaign promises by floating potentially hiking property taxes to balance the city budget. 

In rolling out a preliminary fiscal year 2027 budget, Mamdani said hiking property taxes would be a “last resort” if Albany does not cooperate by raising taxes on the wealthy.

“I don’t plan to move. It’s my home. I’m not leaving,” Vivian Campbell, who bought his two-story single-family home in Cambria Heights, Queens, in the 1990s, reportedly told WABC. 

The outlet reported that the retired man is on a fixed income and recently spent nearly $35,000 on a new front porch and roof.

“He lied,” Campbell said, referring to the mayor’s affordable housing messaging on the campaign trail. “It’s obvious.”

REAL ESTATE EXPERTS BLAST MAMDANI’S MATH-DEFYING TAX PLAN, WARN OF HIGHER RENTS AND FLIGHT

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a Bloomberg Television interview at City Hall in New York on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026.  (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Another man, identified by the outlet as homeowner James Johnson, declared, “Mayor Zohran Mamdani, you are out your god—- mind.”

“You are giving only two options. You’re saying if we don’t tax the rich then I gotta increase property taxes,” Johnson added. “We are not a pawn in Southeast Queens. We are not part of your negotiation tactics.”

“To the mayor, with the greatest respect, and every campaign speech and every debate where you engaged, we opened our ears to listen,” another homeowner, Pierry Benjamin, told WABC. “Now today, accept the words echoing from us now, do your job as mayor and leave our taxes out.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the mayor’s press office for comment.

Mamdani, a self-described Democratic socialist, has called for the Empire State to hike “taxes on the richest New Yorkers and the most profitable corporations” to address the Big Apple’s budget deficit. 

HUNDREDS OF NYC ROLES REPORTEDLY INCLUDED IN AMAZON’S JOB REDUCTION PLAN

A helicopter flies past One World Trade Center behind the Statue of Liberty as the sun sets in New York City on Aug. 7, 2025, as seen from Jersey City, N.J.  (Gary Hershorn/Getty Images / Getty Images)

But he warned that the alternative path to achieve a balanced budget, which is required, would be to hike property taxes and dip into the city’s reserves, a scenario that he characterized as a “last resort.” 

“This would effectively be a tax on working and middle class New Yorkers, who have a median income of $122,000,” he said, regarding the prospect of an increase in property taxes.

MAMDANI PROPOSES RAISING NYC PROPERTY TAXES IF STATE DOESN’T APPROVE TAX HIKE ON WEALTHY

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks at a press conference at Deno’s Wonder Wheel on Coney Island in Brooklyn on Feb. 15, 2026. ( Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images / Getty Images)

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The city council has to green-light city budgets, according to the New York Times.