We have tragic news to report from the world of sports:
Former NFL star Tre Johnson has passed away at the age of 54.
News of his death comes courtesy of a Facebook post from his wife, Irene Johnson.
Lineman Tre Johnson #77 of the Washington Redskins on the sidelines during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 10, 2002 at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“His four children, Chloe, EJ, EZ, and Eden, extended family, friends, and I are devastated and in shock,” Irene wrote.
“If you know Tre’, you know what a devoted and loving father he was to his children,” she continued, adding:
“We will miss him so much.”
Following a stellar collegiate career at Temple, Johnson was selected in the first round of the NFL draft in 1994.
Johnson spent most of his career in Washington, playing offensive guard for the team that is now the Commanders from 1994 to 2000.
Tre Johnson #77 of the Washington Redskins looks on the field during a game against the Seattle Seahawks at the Kingdome in Seattle, Washington. (Getty Images)
He returned to DC for his final season after spending one season in on the Cleveland Browns.
He retired in 2002 after starting 72 of the 93 regular-season games he played and both of his playoff games.
No cause of death has been given, but Johnson’s death clearly came as a shock.
He was selected for the Pro Bowl in 1999 and voted All-Pro second team by that same season.
Lineman Tre Johnson #77 of the Washington Redskins during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 10, 2002 at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“We’re heartbroken to learn of the loss of former Washington All-Pro guard Tre’ Johnson,” the Washington Commanders wrote on X today.
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
In retirement, Johnson became a history teacher and football coach at Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland.
“His recent battles with health issues forced him to take a leave of absence,” Tre’s wife wrote in her Facebook post.
Our thoughts go out to Tre Johnson’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
From left to right, Click Bishop, Dave Bronson and Adam Crum, three of the 10 candidates at the Capital City Republican governor candidate forum, are seen on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at the Baranof Hotel in Juneau. (James Brooks photo/Alaska Beacon)
By: James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
From left to right, Click Bishop, Dave Bronson and Adam Crum, three of the 10 candidates at the Capital City Republican governor candidate forum, are seen on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at the Baranof Hotel in Juneau. (James Brooks photo/Alaska Beacon)
A fast-moving forum in Juneau on Wednesday hosted 10 of Alaska’s 12 Republican candidates for governor, but the size of the field in the hourlong event meant there was more flavor than meat in the soup du jour.
All but two of the candidates effusively praised incumbent President Donald Trump, but despite that support, most said they disagree with his attempt to acquire Greenland and make it part of the United States.
As of Wednesday, 16 people have signed up to run for governor in this year’s election: 12 Republicans, 3 Democrats and an independent.
The top four candidates in the August primary election will advance to the November general election, where voters will sort their choices using ranked choice voting.
Incumbent Gov. Mike Dunleavy is term-limited and unable to run for a third term, leaving the seat open.
Current Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and author Hank Kroll were the only Republicans to not participate in Wednesday’s event, which was hosted by the Capital City Republicans on the night of their annual Lincoln Day dinner. Dahlstrom had a prior commitment and was unable to attend, organizers said. Kroll was not mentioned.
Asked to name their favorite Republican president other than Reagan and Lincoln, most of the 10 candidates said Trump, and some said they put him above Reagan and Lincoln.
“He’s the best president Alaska’s ever had,” said former attorney general Treg Taylor.
“I’d have taken a bullet for him,” said Bruce Walden, a former paratrooper.
“Trump has done more for Alaska than every president in our entire American history,” said former state Sen. Shelley Hughes.
Anchorage podiatrist and state medical board member Matt Heilala said he had to choose Trump because Heilala and his wife play golf with Trump.
Former state Sen. Click Bishop was an exception, naming Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan as his favorite presidents. James William Parkin IV of Angoon said he doesn’t choose favorites and didn’t name a pick.
Asked whether Alaska should support the American acquisition of Greenland, Bishop was quick to say “no,” and most of the other candidates followed suit.
“I think we have enough problems here, and I’d like to see the federal government give us more support to develop our resources here,” said former state revenue commissioner Adam Crum.
Taylor said that “when my friend, the governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, was tapped to be the US envoy (to Greenland), I texted him and said, ‘What the heck? You don’t even know what it’s like to be cold.’ Ultimately, it’s a question for Greenland and self determination, but I’d be happy to talk to (Trump) about how we fit into the United States and the importance that we play in our economy and our strategic location.”
Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Edna DeVries was the sole candidate who offered a different answer, saying, “Well, if I want President Trump to continue to love Alaska, I’m going to say yes.”
All but Bishop and Parkin said they intend to support the repeal of Alaska’s 2020 ballot measure, which installed open primary elections and a ranked-choice general election, as well as tougher disclosure requirements for political donations.
The candidates split when asked whether they think Alaska’s judges should be required to run for office or whether judges should be appointed, as in the existing system.
Bishop, Heilala and Hughes each said they think judges should be appointed, though Hughes called for more public members on the Alaska Judicial Council, which examines applicants and nominates candidates to the governor for appointment.
Former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson, Crum, DeVries, Parkin, Taylor, Walden and Wilson each said they think judges should be elected.
When asked which Alaska politician each candidate admires, most said either Ted Stevens or Don Young, longtime Republicans who served in the Senate and House, respectively.
“I don’t think hardly any of them,” Wilson said. “I think you have to get back to my great-uncle Wally (Hickel). … Nick Begich is also doing a hell of a job.”
Wilson served as a senior adviser to Begich’s 2024 election campaign.
Walden also chose Nick Begich.
Asked whether Alaska should regulate artificial intelligence software, the candidates gave a variety of answers.
AI is sort of like a hammer, Walden said. “You can build a house with a hammer. You can also murder somebody with a hammer. If it’s used properly, it’s probably going to be all right, but yeah, we better regulate it big time,” he said.
Wilson said that if anyone on her campaign team is using AI, “they better not be.”
While it is a powerful tool and can be harnessed, she said there are serious concerns. “We have seen AI used to manipulate photos, especially against people running for office. We’ve seen it used to create comments that were never said. I think that we really need to pay attention to the damage that can be done for AI,” she said.
DeVries, at 83, is the oldest candidate in the field.
“I can remember when TV came in and how horrible that was going to be, right? It ended up — it can either be a blessing or a curse, and that’s the way I feel about AI,” she said.
Taylor, who said he used AI to help prepare his closing speech, said “Alaska is AI’s best friend” because the state is the source for critical minerals used in high-tech electronics.
“On the other side, AI is Alaska’s best friend,” because it could be used to make government functions more efficient, Taylor said.
“We have to responsibly deploy AI in state government to create those efficiencies, to create those savings, or we’re going to get left behind.”
The Miami Dolphins have made it clear they’re turning the page and entering a new era. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill has been released by the Dolphins, the team announced Monday afternoon. The news came shortly after it was reported that the team plans to cut edge rusher Bradley Chubb. Miami is also reportedly cutting guard James Daniels and wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Following his release, Hill is now FOX Sports’ 27th-best free agent this offseason and the seventh-best wide receiver set to hit the open market. With Hill getting cut, the Dolphins will save $22.8 million in cap space. Hill, who’ll turn 32 in March, had one season remaining on his three-year, $90 million deal. Hill from a dislocated knee and an ACL tear he suffered early in the 2025 season. That injury ended Hill’s season after four games, and it also ended his streak of seasons with 800-plus receiving yards at eight. While Hill rehabs from the major injury, he vowed that he’ll return in 2026. “Every chapter in life has taught me something,” Hill wrote in an Instagram post. “This one taught me leadership, resilience, and mostly gratitude. The love I have for this game is unexplainable. And right now, this off season, for the first time ever, The Cheetah is all the way turned up and locked in. Focused. “The Cheetah don’t slow down. Ever. So to everyone wondering what’s next… just wait on it. The Cheetah will be back…Born Again.” Hill was traded to the Miami Dolphins from the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of the 2022 season. He continued to be one of the game’s top receivers while he was in Miami and was arguably the top wide receiver in the NFL for a bit. He was named first-team All-Pro twice in his four years in Miami, logging 4,733 receiving yards and 28 total touchdowns during that time. Miami’s decision to move on from Hill, Chubb and other veteran players came after it hired a new head of football operations and head coach. It hired Green Bay Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan to replace Chris Grier as its general manager and Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to replace Mike McDaniel at head coach. The Dolphins decided to make those moves following a 7-10 season, which caused them to miss the playoffs for a second consecutive year. In totality, the Dolphins cleared $66.98 million in cap space and over $56 million in 2026 cap space with the moves they made Monday.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
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NOTN- The City and Borough of Juneau survey seeking public input on how to address a projected $10 million budget gap has officially closed, but now the Assembly is preparing for a series of community workshops to further guide its decisions this tense budget season.
The survey, asked residents to weigh in on municipal services and identify what they value most as the Assembly begins work on the fiscal year 2027 budget.
Assembly Member Neil Steininger said the city faces a significant revenue shortfall following voter-approved ballot measures that eliminated sales tax on food and capped the local mill rate. The changes reduced revenue and left the Assembly with the task of determining how to maintain services with less funding.
“We got that message from the voters that, they wanted lower taxes. We need to figure out how to make that work and how to deliver city services, and we’re really looking for information from the voters to understand what their priorities are for what they see from government here in Juneau.” He said. “It is very difficult to make these decisions, which is something that we want to impress to people.”
Detailed reports from the survey are expected in the coming weeks.
“I think that’s just a really important thing for everyone to do, especially in a community like Juneau that’s so small and so closed, I think it’s important that people actively voice what they want prioritized in our city, so that the assembly can use that information to better inform their decision making.” Steininger said.
In addition to the survey, the city is hosting three in-person Community Compass workshops This month and early March. During the 60- to 90-minute sessions, participants will work through mock budgeting scenarios and discuss how to respond to unexpected financial changes.
“now it’s your turn to put yourself in an assembly member’s shoes and actively decide the city budget and then react to unforeseen circumstances that will ask you to reallocate certain pieces of the budget accordingly.” Steininger said.
Input gathered at the workshops will be shared with the Assembly as it moves deeper into the budgeting process this spring.
The workshops are scheduled for Feb. 18 at the Filipino Community Hall, Feb. 24 at Mendenhall Valley Public Library and March 3 at Douglas Public Library.
As though 2026 wasn’t weird enough already, aliens are once again making headlines.
Over the weekend, Barack Obama sat down for an interview with Brian Tyler Cohen, and when the topic of visitors from another planet came up, the former president made a surprising statement:
“They’re real,” Obama said with surprising nonchalance.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama arrives prior to the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump at the United States Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Melina Mara – Pool/Getty Images)
“But I haven’t seen them, and they’re not being kept in Area 51. There’s no underground facility unless there’s this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the president of the United States,” he continued.
Cohen followed that up by asking Obama what he wanted to know first when he was elected president back in 2008.
“Where are the aliens?” Obama jokingly — we think? — replied.
So yeah, a former president stating that matter-of-factly that aliens exist is a pretty big deal, and the clip went viral for obvious reasons.
Unfortunately, it’s not quite as big a bombshell as we initially thought.
In response to the controversy over his statement, Obama took to Instagram to clarify that he was merely voicing his own theory, and he doesn’t actually know whether aliens exist.
“I was trying to stick with the spirit of the speed round, but since it’s gotten attention, let me clarify,” Obama wrote, adding:
“Statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there’s life out there.
“But the distances between solar systems are so great that the chances we’ve been visited by aliens is low, and I saw no evidence during my presidency that extraterrestrials have made contact with us. Really!”
Former President Barack Obama addresses the Obama Foundation’s 2024 Democracy Forum on December 05, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Yeah, Barack really burst a lot of people’s bubbles with that follow-up statement.
Thus far, 2026 has been a pretty big bummer, and the confirmation that aliens are real added some much-needed excitement and optimism to the social media landscape.
After months of gossip about the Obamas’ marriage, Barack was back to making headlines for cool reasons. It was like 2008 all over again!
Alas, being the mature elder statesman that he is, he felt the need to clarify his remarks once he saw that they’d been misinterpreted.
Unless he does know that aliens are real and the shady cabal dedicated to keeping them a secret pressured him into retracting his remarks!
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Apparently, her hypnotist boyfriend may be getting her to come around to the idea. Not through hypnosis, mind you.
Jim Curtis, Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler, and Jackie Sandler attend ELLE’s 2025 Women in Hollywood Celebration on November 17, 2025. (Photo Credit: Presley Ann/Getty Images for ELLE)
“It was tough at first because Jim has always wanted another child,” an insider source alleged.
“And,” the insider acknowledged, “Jen’s spent years coming to terms with the fact that motherhood wasn’t in the cards for her.”
The source reported: “She genuinely had made peace with it.”
Once a person has gotten closure — with being childfree, with leaving an unwanted career, with a romantic breakup — even the suggestion of reconsidering can be painful.
The insider continued: “Now they have fallen so head over heels in love, they can’t help but talk about what it would be like to have a family together.”
According to the source: “Being with Jim has cracked something open, and made her come around to his suggestion of adopting.”
The insider claimed that “everyone is telling Jen she should do it.”
Allegedly, Aniston’s friends have been accurately telling her “that she’d be the most wonderful mom.”
The source continued: “And it’s not too late to experience motherhood for herself.”
Jennifer Aniston attends the Apple TV + Primetime Emmy Party at Mother Wolf on September 15, 2024. (Photo Credit: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)
Others in her life are reportedly being encouraging
“Jen has so many friends who have adopted kids,” the insider noted.
“And,” the source went on, “they’ve all told her it was the best choice they’ve ever made.”
Adoption can be controversial, with various adoptees speaking out about everything from abuse to a sense of alienation from cultural heritage to the phenomenon of white evangelicals adopting as part of a “culture war.”
It seems likely that someone growing up as Aniston’s child would be lucky enough to dodge most of those bullets.
Will she take the advice that she’s reportedly getting from loved ones?
“Jen is being cautious,” the inside source reported.
“And,” the insider went on, “says she’s not making any decisions just yet.”
According to the source: “It’s something she and Jim are openly discussing.”
The insider acknowledged that this is something “which is not a scenario anyone would have predicted a year ago.”
Well, it’s always smart to consider one’s options!
Actress Jennifer Aniston attends Elle 2025 Women in Hollywood celebration at the Four Seasons hotel in Beverly Hills, California on November 17, 2025. (Photo Credit: LISA O’CONNOR/AFP via Getty Images)
This is Aniston’s first major romance since her 2018 divorce
In case you missed our earlier reporting, Jim Curtis is Aniston’s boyfriend. They sparked romance rumors by vacationing together in July 2025.
