MON SIX

WORLD TOP NEWS

Hot

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Nearly blind refugee found dead in New York days after immigration agents dropped him at a coffee shop alone, officials say

February 26, 2026
Nearly blind refugee found dead in New York days after immigration agents dropped him at a coffee shop alone, officials say

The death of a nearly blind refugee in Buffalo, New York, days after Border Patrol agents dropped him off at a coffee shop alone, has prompted an investigation into the circumstances of his final days and drawn sharp criticism from the mayor, who called the incident "deeply disturbing."

CNN Nurul Amin Shah Alam. - Buffalo Police Department

Nurul Amin Shah Alam, 56, who spoke little English, had been missing since February 19, when the agents left him at the shop shortly after he was released from the Erie County jail, officials said. His body was found five days later, around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, about four miles from the coffee shop, the Buffalo Police Department said.

"Homicide detectives are investigating the circumstances and timeframe of events leading up to his death, following his release from custody," the police department said in a statement.

New YorkCongressman Tim Kennedydescribed Shah Alam's death as both "horrific" and "heartbreaking," calling for a "full and transparent investigation at the local, state, and federal levels."

"The public and Mr. Alam's family deserve answers immediately," the congressman said ina statement.

The Erie County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and determined Shah Alam's cause of death was health‑related. Exposure and homicide have been ruled out, Buffalo city spokesperson Nick Beiling said.

"A vulnerable man – nearly blind and unable to speak English – was left alone on a cold winter night with no known attempt to leave him in a safe, secure location. That decision from US Customs and Border Protection was unprofessional and inhumane," Buffalo MayorSean Ryansaid Wednesday, calling Shah Alam's death "preventable," and insisting CBP "answer for how and why this happened."

The incident highlights growing concerns over the constitutionalrights and treatmentof people who come in contact with federal agents, regardless of their immigration status in the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts.

A year behind bars waiting for trial

Shah Alam, a refugee from Myanmar, had spent much of the previous year in custody awaiting trial on criminal charges that were ultimately resolved with a misdemeanor plea deal, Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane told CNN in a statement Thursday.

Apolice reportobtained byCNN affiliate WGRZshowed Shah Alam was being held on two counts of assault with intent to cause injury to an officer, a count of possession of a weapon and trespassing, among other charges, before a plea deal was reached.

He was arrested in February 2025, following what one of his children described toReutersas a misunderstanding with police. Shah Alam had been out for a walk and was using a curtain rod as a walking stick when he got lost and wandered onto private property, his son Mohamad Faisal said. When he did not understand officers' commands to drop the rod, Shah Alam was arrested.

At Shah Alam's arraignment on the indictment in June 2025, his bail was modified to $5,000 cash or bond but he remained in custody as the case moved to its trial date, the district attorney's office said.

In early February, Shah Alam pled guilty to misdemeanor charges with prosecutors and defense attorneys agreeing that he would remain in custody on bail pending a sentencing hearing set for March 24, Keane said.

"In this matter, the reduced disposition appropriately held the defendant accountable for the crime while avoiding a penalty that would be unduly harsh and disproportionate to the offense," Keane said.

His family didn't know where he was dropped off

Shah Alam was released from jail last week after his bond was posted on February 19, Keane said. It's unclear who posted bond for him.

Advertisement

CNN has reached out to an attorney for Shah Alam.

As Shah Alam's discharge from jail was being processed, deputies notified US Border Patrol, which had earlier placed him under an immigration detainer, the Erie County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

"U.S. Border Patrol arrived at the Holding Center prior to the finalization of Mr. Shah Alam's release from Erie County Sheriff's Office custody," the statement said.

A spokesperson for CBP said the agents later determined Shah Alam had entered the United States as a refugee on December 24, 2024, and "was not amenable to removal."

"Border Patrol agents offered him a courtesy ride, which he chose to accept to a coffee shop, determined to be a warm, safe location near his last known address, rather than be released directly from the Border Patrol station," the statement said. "He showed no signs of distress, mobility issues or disabilities requiring special assistance."

Upon learning that Shah Alam was ineligible for removal, Border Patrol agents, using a translator program, attempted to communicate with him, according to a federal law enforcement official who said that Shah Alam asked to be taken to the location where he was eventually left. He was offered an opportunity to make a phone call but declined, the official said.

But neither his family nor their attorney was notified by federal authorities where Shah Alam was dropped off and he did not read, write or use electronic devices, his son told Reuters.

It's unclear whether the family was immediately notified by the county that Shah Alam was transferred to federal custody after his bond was posted.

The family are Arakan Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, Faisal said, referring to the stateless Muslim minority from Myanmar's Rakhine state. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya havefled the war-torn countrysince late 2016 following a brutal crackdown by the military junta that the US has since declared a genocide.

Shah Alam only wanted to "eat home-cooked food" and "be united with the rest of (his) family," Faisal told Reuters.

Funeral services for the father are scheduled for Thursday afternoon at a mosque in Buffalo, Faisal told CNN.

In his statement, Keane said his office first learned about Shah Alam's release from jail on Tuesday and will move to dismiss the charges against the man when they receive his death certificate.

"I am saddened to learn of the tragic death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam," Keane said. "I recognize the desire for answers sought by his family, friends and our community as his death remains under investigation."

CNN's Priscilla Alvarez and Taylor Romine contributed to this report.

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

Read More

Ford recalls 4.4 million vehicles over faulty software

February 26, 2026
Ford recalls 4.4 million vehicles over faulty software

Ford Motor is recalling nearly 4.4 million vehicles over a software problem that could cause an attached trailer's tail lights, turn signals and brakes to fail.

CBS News

The technology glitch can cause a loss of communication between the towing vehicle and the trailer, which Ford told CBS News typically happens when the vehicle is first started. As a result, the trailer's tail lights and turn signals won't turn on, and the brake function could stop working, the automaker said in a statement.

If a communication loss occurs, the driver will see a "Trailer Brake Module Fault" message and the turn signal will flash rapidly, according to Ford. A "Blind Spot Assist System fault" message may also appear, the company said.

The software issue can increase the risk of a crash, according to a recentnoticefrom the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

"Inoperable trailer lighting and trailer braking functions can reduce a driver's ability to control an attached trailer and make the attached trailer less visible to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash," the federal regulator said.

Advertisement

The recall affects  Ford trucks, vans and SUVs with model years between 2021 and 2026. Ford F-150 and F-250 pickups account for more than 3.4 million of the recalled vehicles.

Ford said it plans to issue a remote, automatic software update for the affected vehicles in May, adding that drivers will be notified once it is complete. Owners can also go to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have their vehicle fixed free of charge.

Ford vehicles part of the February 2026 recall (Table)

The Detroit auto manufacturer said it is not aware of any accidents, injuries or fires related to the software flaw. Ford said it started investigating the issue in October of 2025.

Watch: Trump's full 2026 State of the Union address

Marco Rubio addresses Cuba's statement that it killed 4 on Florida-registered boat

Rep. Al Green removed from chamber during State of the Union

Read More

Bills GM: Owner Terry Pegula acted alone in firing Sean McDermott

February 26, 2026
Bills GM: Owner Terry Pegula acted alone in firing Sean McDermott

Bills general manager Brandon Beane had no input on the coaching change in Buffalo, he said at the NFL Scouting Combine this week.

Field Level Media

Beane and head coach Sean McDermott were "equals" reporting independently to owners Terry and Kim Pegula, according to the GM. The Pegulas retained Beane and had him lead the coaching search for McDermott's replacement, which ultimately became an in-house promotion. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady was introduced as the new coach last month.

"That decision was ultimately Terry Pegula's. And his alone. The structure was Sean and I both separately report to (ownership) and we were equals in it. We had nine really good years together," Beane told CBS Sports in a sitdown interview at the network's makeshift studio in the media area of the combine.

"I think Terry, using his words, don't quote me, but something like we hit a proverbial playoff wall. I think he felt like we need something new. We need something fresh, just need to try something else. This was the decision he made and you follow along with it, 'Alright, you've made this decision.' Now we need to put our heads together and line up who are the best candidates.'"

Advertisement

Beane denied suggestions the Bills had McDermott's replacement signed, sealed and delivered before he was fired following an overtime playoff loss to the Bills.

Brady, who has never been a head coach at any level, former Chargers and Colts quarterback Philip Rivers, former Giants head coach Brian Daboll, Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn and Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo were among the candidates Beane interviewed.

Beane said Brady interviewing elsewhere for head-coaching jobs the past two seasons was a consideration when the organization defined what it was looking for in a coach. But he disputed any idea that familiarity gave Brady a boost or worked against him.

"To me, it's like, treat everyone the same. And so we started that interview and I said, 'let's treat Joe like he was with the Green Bay Packers.' Brian Daboll we interviewed and he had been there four years prior (as Bills offensive coordinator). We know him pretty well and did the same thing," Beane told Sirius/XM. "Just to make sure it was a level playing field. The thing about Joe, you feel his energy, you feel his presence. But he had a vision for our defense, for our whole team. This was a guy that had a holistic approach. Ultimately, he earned it, but it was not a foregone conclusion for sure."

--Field Level Media

Read More

NFL draft prospect Bud Clark explains trash-talking Bill Belichick with Jordon Hudson jab

February 26, 2026
NFL draft prospect Bud Clark explains trash-talking Bill Belichick with Jordon Hudson jab

INDIANAPOLIS – First,Bud Clarkpulled off an electrifying pick-six in against Bill Belichick in the legendary former New England Patriots coach's debut with the North Carolina Tar Heels.

USA TODAY Sports

Then, he got a hit in, too – albeit a different type than he's accustomed to doling out.

The TCU safetysoaked in his critical interceptionin last September's season opener, holding the ball out as he strutted into the end zone on a 25-yard return. The second-quarter turnover turned out to be a harbinger of the evening to come. The Horned Frogs rolled to a 48-14 rout, playing spoiler and seizing the sizable spotlight afforded to Belichick.

Clark chose to extend his celebration into the postgame festivities.

"Belchick gotta call for his girlfriend," Clark said on an Instagram Live session, referencingJordon Hudson, the 24-year-old girlfriend of the coach who had loomed large in Belichick's transition to Chapel Hill. "He sad."

Now on the doorstep of realizing a football dream, Clark can look back on his playful moment and still smile.

"Just having a little fun," Clark said Feb. 26 at the NFL scouting combine. "He's a great coach. I didn't mean any harm by it at all, but he's got a young girlfriend, so I figure why not?"

That type of jab comes easily to Clark. Touting himself as a "fluent" trash-talker who can effortlessly get under his opponent's skin, the roving defensive back relishes throwing foes off their game. He credits his mom for both making him a "born killer" and bringing out his antagonist side.

Advertisement

"I've had a couple times where a guy gets riled up, and it's like, you're not even worried about the ball and the ball's coming toward you," Clark said. "You're just upset."

1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana 2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State 3. Arizona Cardinals – Spencer Fano, OT Utah 4. Tennessee Titans – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.) 5. New York Giants – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State 6. Cleveland Browns – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.) <p style=7. Washington Commanders – David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=9. Kansas City Chiefs – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=11. Miami Dolphins – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=12. Dallas Cowboys – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 14. Baltimore Ravens – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State <p style=15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=16. New York Jets – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=17. Detroit Lions – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 18. Minnesota Vikings – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson <p style=19. Carolina Panthers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo 21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana <p style=22. Los Angeles Chargers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=23. Philadelphia Eagles – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 25. Chicago Bears – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida <p style=26. Buffalo Bills – T.J. Parker, DE/OLB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 27. San Francisco 49ers – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah 28. Houston Texans – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson <p style=29. Los Angeles Rams – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=30. Denver Broncos – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=31. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=32. Seattle Seahawks – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

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

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine

And if Clark can make a play on one of those passes whizzing past, all the better.

The sixth-year senior picked off 15 passes during his time in Fort Worth. That kind of playmaking range is probably to be expected of the former standout high school center fielder from Alexandria, Louisiana. It's also made him one of the more intriguing middle-round picks in this year's NFL draft.

As soon as a quarterback uncorks a throw, Clark says, "It's either my ball or nobody's ball."

Though coverage is his calling card, Clark extends his supreme confidence to other facets of his game as well. While the 6-foot-2, 190-pound safety is trying to bulk up, he's already comfortable getting physical in the run game.

"I don't care how big you are or how small you are," Clark said of his tackling mentaliy. "I'm gonna get you on the ground."

For all his bravado, though, Clark still has a hard time soaking in that he's on the verge of breaking through to the pros.

"It still didn't click in," Clark said. "I'm still here looking around and just amazed by everything."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NFL draft: Bud Clark explains trolling Bill Belichick, Jordon Hudson

Read More

Golfer Andrea Pavan hospitalized after falling down elevator shaft in South Africa

February 26, 2026
Golfer Andrea Pavan hospitalized after falling down elevator shaft in South Africa

Golfer Andrea Pavan has pulled out of this week's DP World Tour event in South Africa after he was hospitalized following a fall down an elevator shaft.

Yahoo Sports Andrea Pavan's most recent win came at the 2019 BMW International Open where he beat Matt Fitzpatrick in a playoff. (Photo by Noushad Variyattiyakkal/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

According toRyan French of Monday Q InfoandGolf Channel's Brentley Romine, the 36-year-old two-time DP World Tour winner fell multiple floors in a building where he was staying after the doors of the elevator opened, but no cab was there and Pavan stepped through.

The Rome, Italy, native reportedly needed "extensive" surgeries on Wednesday night for his injuries, which included his shoulder and back.

Advertisement

"By all accounts, he's in good spirits, thankful to be alive and FaceTiming with his kids," J.T. Higgins, Pavan's college coach at Texas A&M, told Romine.

The DP World Tour confirmed Pavan's withdrawal due to injury, but did not offer specifics.

Pavan has eight total wins in his professional career, the last coming at the 2019 BMW International Open in Germany where he beat Matt Fitzpatrick in a playoff. While at Texas A&M, he was a part of the program's 2009 NCAA championship team. He has played in three majors, including last year's U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club.

Read More

Judge lets White House ballroom project continue, but suggests path for future challenges

February 26, 2026
Judge lets White House ballroom project continue, but suggests path for future challenges

A federal judge on Thursdayrejected the nation's top historic preservation group's attempt to blockto President Donald Trump's White House ballroom project, but also suggested a possible roadmap for the group to revive the challenge.

CNN This rendering shows architectural plans for President Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom. - National Capital Planning Commission/Shalom Baranes Associates

The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued the Trump administration in December over the sprawling ballroom project and asked for a preliminary injunction, claiming the White House has been carrying out the construction unlawfully because Trump hadn't gotten approval from Congress or submitted his plans to the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts for review, which would give the public a chance to weigh in.

The president has been personally involved in ballroom details, from floor plans to marble selection. The sprawling ballroom project has an estimated size of approximately 89,000 square feet, according to lead architect Shalom Baranes. By contrast, the primary White House structure, the Executive Mansion, is just 55,000 square feet.

Trump has maintained that the project isn't subject to any oversight and that he should be able to continue with it without any serious scrutiny.

Thursday's ruling from senior US District Judge Richard Leon focuses on the Trust's choice to use the Administrative Procedure Act to challenge the project. The judge concluded the law was an an inappropriate tool for the Trust, in part because the White House office for the president's executive office and the office over his residence – which are managing the ballroom's construction – aren't agencies that a court could curtail under the law.

"Unfortunately for Plaintiff, its challenge fails because the White House office in question is not an 'agency' under the APA and because Plaintiff did not bring theultra viresclaim necessary to challenge the President's statutory authority to complete his construction project with private funds and without congressional approval!" Leon wrote.

The Trust, Leon said, raised "novel and weight issues" in the case and could potentially restructure the lawsuit to test the president's authority in a different legal approach.

Advertisement

In a Truth Social post, Trump called the ruling "Great news for America, and our wonderful White House!"

He added: "The Ballroom construction, which is anticipated to also handle future Inaugurations and large State Visits, is ahead of schedule, and under budget. It will stand long into the future as a symbol to the Greatness of America!"

The Commission of Fine Artsapproved the projectafter the lawsuit was filed.

CNN has reached out to the Trust for comment.

The lawsuit, filed last year after the East Wing had been completely demolished, hasforcedthe administration to make public details about the project that had otherwise been kept under wraps, including plans for a reimagined two-story East Colonnade revealed in December filings; information about the preservation of existing artifacts from the now-destroyed East Wing; and an expected timeline for construction.

CNN's Austin Culpepper, Devan Cole, Tierney Sneed, Katelyn Polantz and Kit Maher contributed.

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

Read More