Day: February 23, 2026

Army Corps abruptly backs away from ‘Lake Tap’ enduring solution for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods

Post author By Gracie
Post date February 23, 2026
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By: Grace Dumas, News of the North

Juneau officials said they were “deeply frustrated” after learning that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has abruptly backed away from pursuing a preferred long-term fix for the catastrophic glacial outburst floods threatening the Mendenhall Valley.

At a Committee of the Whole meeting Monday night, City and Borough of Juneau leaders detailed new modeling that shows a worst-case glacial lake outburst flood could send an estimated 118,000 cubic feet per second of water down the Mendenhall River, far beyond anything the city has experienced.

“So in August of 2023 when we had our first majorly destructive GLOF, that impacted about 30 homes. Then the next year, in the August of 2024 we wound up with a very different type of event. It wasn’t as much of a riverbank erosion event, it was more of an inundation event. It impacted about 300 homes. So just get a sense of that.” Said Director of engineering Denise Koch, “Then in August of 2025 we had an even more severe GLOF. The HESCO barriers were largely successful in protecting the areas that they were designed to protect. We think without HESCO barriers in 2025, we would have had anywhere from 750 to 1000 homes that would have been impacted. So just to give you a sense of how much more severe each one of these GLOFs is getting.”

Maps presented at the meeting showed that a maximum event could push water beyond the Central valley, crossing Riverside Drive and Mendenhall Loop Road, affecting neighborhoods on both sides of the river.

“We’re talking about a GLOF of this magnitude, if you did not have sufficient mitigation, going beyond what people experienced in 2024 which was terrible in and of itself.” Said Koch, “We’re talking about water also having impacts on the western side of the river, having impacts all the way down, impacting the Mendenhall wastewater treatment plant, having impacts to the airport, a GLOF of this magnitude really gets beyond the Central Valley.”

Scientists from the University of Alaska Southeast, the National Weather Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and Tribal representatives from Tlingit and Haida identified a “lake tap” of Suicide Basin as the preferred enduring solution.

“The lake tap was the most attractive option. It has a very high likelihood of reducing the GLOF risk. It is designed to drain out Suicide Basin at approximately the Basin’s inflow rate.” Said Koch, “There are a lot of assumptions that went into this. A lake tap is essentially a tunnel, there’s a lot of tunnel building capacity in Alaska, It is definitely a technology that is out there and exists.”

The Lake Tap option, the least costly of the long term mitigation efforts discussed, would include construction of a roughly 2.3‑mile tunnel from Suicide Basin to an outfall between Nugget Falls and the face of the Mendenhall Glacier, according to officials.

City Manager Katie Koester said that until recently, CBJ had been told the lake tap was the selected alternative, and that the Army Corps would move quickly toward a technical report on a timeline strongly backed by Sen. Dan Sullivan.

Koester said the city had been in “multiple times a week” coordination with the Corps, but that a couple weeks ago those check ins ceased.

“We were under the impression that it was all going smoothly.” Koester said, “We began inquiring, why haven’t we had a check in a while? Then on Thursday of last week, we had a meeting with Army Corps headquarters where they rescinded all of the direction that they had previously given to pursue a lake tap as the selected alternative. They directed staff to wrap up all efforts on the lake tap as the selected alternative, which included environmental work and feasibility and preliminary engineering.”

Koester described the change as “a really disheartening pivot that left us a little bit speechless,” adding, “I imagine also leaves you speechless.”

“I’m deeply frustrated with this change of course from Army Corps of Engineers. They certainly have been a great partner, really we need them.” Koester said, “We need them to fight the flood fight, to keep this community safe and whole until we can get to an enduring solution.”

According to Koester, Alaska’s delegation, Sen. Murkowski and Sullivan are both committed to an enduring solution, with Sen. Sullivan meeting with the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works on Wednesday.

Koester urged residents to advocate specifically for the lake tap, and to speak as a unified community.

“I think that it certainly doesn’t help our position to have a divided community on what the best option is, because we are asking for so much so quickly.” Koester said, “I’m confident that we are all advocating for a solution. We need to be aligned, and it doesn’t help when we’re unaligned. But we’re not that unaligned. We all, everyone in this room, everyone who has written their delegation and talked to their delegation, wants an enduring solution and wants it quickly, and I have never heard anyone advocate for anything other than that.”

Officials did emphasize however, that HESCO barrier flood protection work is proceeding.

Koester confirmed the Corps has a signed agreement and continues to cover 100% of Phase Two HESCO costs.

Tags alaska, CBJ, emergency, flood, juneau

Music

Michael Garner Proves Age Is No Barrier With Standout Hollywood Week Performance On ‘American Idol’

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date February 23, 2026
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Sixteen-year-old American Idol contestant Michael Garner understands that he is up against some fierce competition this season, but he isn’t letting his young age get in the way of his chance at claiming the title of the next American Idol.

He first introduced himself to the judges with a performance of “I’m Still Fine” by the Red Clay Strays and won over their votes despite the hesitation surrounding his age. This time around, the Forrest City, AR, decided to stick to what worked originally, and chose to sing another song by the rising country band.

Watching his fellow contestants give their all to their performances, he says he quickly realized the high level of talent around him.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Garner

“I’m surprised by all the people my age. Honestly, I never thought people my age had those type of pipes,” Michael admitted.

However, he tuned all the noise out around him and owned the stage with his rendition of the group’s “Wanna Be Loved.” From the judging panel, Bryan’s hesitation immediately returned, but the country superstar appeared to be curious to see how he would do on a bigger stage performing in front of a full room of people.

“Let’s see how he does in the bright lights,” Bryan commented.

The camera flashed to an interview with Michael, during which he acknowledged, “Im16 years old. I understand this competition can be a stressful thing to go through, but I think I have what it takes for sure.”

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He brought that confidence to the spotlight, strumming his guitar and letting his vocals take center stage. Michael tapped into his country roots, blending grit and authenticity with smooth, controlled notes, as he embraced the energy track. Every chord showed off his range as well as his ability to connect with the audience.

Luke Bryan was the only member of the judging panel who’s feedback was shown on camera, but from the looks of Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie’s reaction throughout the delivery, it’s evident they were happy with what they had just heard on stage.

Luke Bryan; Photo by Disney/Connie Chornuk

The “Mind of a Country Boy” singer applauded the young contestant for delivering a performance that was, overall, impressive for his age.

“We’re not expecting you to be anything other than what you are, a 16-year-old kid, but you’re just doing impressive stuff. You should be very, very proud. Good job,” he commented.

Later in the episode, viewers heard Michael Garner’s name get called to step forward. A look of shock washed over his face as he heard Lionel Richie reveal that he would be heading into the Golden room to join his other contestants that made it through the night.

Michael Garner; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless

Reflecting on that moment, he shared, “Feeling great, man, for real. I’m so excited right now. Me only being 16, I really thought I was out for the count, but I guess it’s just proves it’s not just about the age. It’s about what you got inside.”

All the hopeful contestants who made it through the week will have one more chance to impress the judges next week before the Top 30 is determined.

Watch the journey continue to unfold Monday nights when American Idol airs at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and on streaming the following day on Hulu.

The post Michael Garner Proves Age Is No Barrier With Standout Hollywood Week Performance On ‘American Idol’ appeared first on Country Now.

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15-Year-Old Khloe Grace’s ‘American Idol’ Journey Ends After Sugarland Cover In Hollywood Week

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date February 23, 2026
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Khloe Grace has made it clear from the start that she has been willing to fight for a spot in the Season 24 competition of American Idol. But was her talent at just 15 years old enough to get her through Hollywood week?

The young singer left judges and the viewers on a very emotional note during her audition when she performed an original song called “Forever 13,” that she wrote after seeing another young girl lose her life too early to suicide. Khloe explained that while she didn’t know 13-year-old Aubreigh Wyatt, she felt connected to her story and wanted to help bring awareness to the consequences of bullying.

“I’d went through some of the things that Aubrey had went through, and it was really hard, so I was like, if I could write something that could just very small help someone, then it’s totally worth me writing this song.”

Photo Courtesy of Khloe Grace

The panel of judges were deeply touched by her ability as both a singer and a songwriter and sent her home with a golden ticket. Tonight, Khloe made her way to Nashville for Hollywood Week, which is taking place in Music City for the first time in the show’s history.

She then got to see the magnitude of talent she was up against this year. But even as just one of two 15-year-olds in the competition, she still managed to remain confident and without nerves as she prepared to take the stage.

“I have to step it up and show that I can hold my own, even being so young,” Khloe acknowledged. “I’ve been working for this moment my entire life.”

When a producer asked if she was feeling the nerves creep in, she calmly stated, “No.”

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“I mean, I’ve been doing this since I was so young and I remember performing in front of people on a stage since I was 10 years old.”

Taking the spotlight, the Jacksonville, FL native confidently told the audience, “Hi, my name is Kloe Grace. I’m 15 years old and I want to be the youngest competitor to ever win this show.”

She proceeded to deliver a heartfelt rendition of Sugarland’s “Stay” that found her pouring every ounce of emotion into her performance. Her steady voice carried both vulnerability and strength as she navigated the song’s highs and lows with ease. Her family was seen cheering her on with excitement and pride, right along with those in audience who gave her a standing ovation.

When it was time to hear from the judging panel, Bryan was first to share his thoughts. He called attention to the difficulty of her song choice, and insinuated that due to her age, her voice lacked a certain level of maturity. Nonetheless, the country star praised her for giving it her best effort.

He said, “In the front part it seemed like you were pretty nervous but toward the end you really started locking in and hitting your stride, you should be really proud of yourself. Good job.”

Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan; Photo by Disney/Connie Chornuk

Later, reflecting on Khloe Grace’s performance, Luke Bryan explained how he and fellow judges Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood try to approach every contestant with care, especially the younger artists, ensuring they’re guided thoughtfully through the grueling competition.

“Anytime you’re dealing with a 15, 16-year-old kid, it becomes really, really delicate. This could be a life altering moment for them, and we want it to alter them in a positive way.”

Unfortunately, Khloe Grace’s name was not called in her group, meaning her time on this season of American Idol has come to an end. She understandably expressed disappointment over this news, but revealed she is not giving up on her dreams just yet.

Khloe Grace; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless

“It’s hard to go home,” she shared. “I would’ve loved to move forward, but they felt like it was best for me to go home and work hard and maybe come back one day. This is just the beginning.”

The American Idol journey continues next Monday night on March 2 when the contestants who made it into the “Golden Room” take the stage for their final chance to perform before the Top 30 is announced.

Tune into ABC at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT or stream it the following day on Hulu.

The post 15-Year-Old Khloe Grace’s ‘American Idol’ Journey Ends After Sugarland Cover In Hollywood Week appeared first on Country Now.

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Violent aftermath of Mexico’s ‘El Mencho’ killing follows pattern of other high-profile cartel hits

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date February 23, 2026
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A soldier stands guard by a charred vehicle in Michoacán state, Mexico, on Feb. 22, 2026. AP Photo/Armando Solis

The death of a major cartel boss in Mexico has unleashed a violent backlash in which members of the criminal group have paralyzed some cities through blockades and attacks on property and security forces.

At least 73 people have died as a result of the operation to capture Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, or “El Mencho.” The head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was seriously wounded during a firefight with authorities on Feb. 22, 2026. He later died in custody.

As an expert in criminal groups and drug trafficking in Latin America who has been studying Mexico’s cartels for two decades, I see the violent aftermath of the operation as part of a pattern in which Mexican governments have opted for high-profile hits that often lead only to more violence without addressing the broader security problems that plague huge swaths of the country.

Who was ‘El Mencho’?

Like many other figures involved in Mexico’s drug trafficking, Oseguera Cervantes started at the bottom and made his way up the ranks. He spent some time in prison in the U.S., where he may have forged alliances with criminal gangs before being deported back to Mexico in 1997. There, he connected with the Milenio Cartel, an organization that first allied, and then fought with, the powerful Sinaloa Cartel.

A wanted poster for ‘El Mencho.’
United States Department of State/Wikimedia Commons

Most of the information available points to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel forming under El Mencho around 2010, following the killing of Ignacio “Nacho” Coronel Villarreal, a Sinaloa Cartel leader and main link with the Milenio Cartel.

Since 2015, Jalisco New Generation Cartel has been known for its blatant attacks against security forces in Mexico – such as gunning down a helicopter in that year. And it has expanded its presence both across Mexico and internationally.

In Mexico, it is said to have a presence in all states. In some, the cartel has a direct presence and very strong local networks. In others, it has cultivated alliances with other trafficking organizations.

Besides drug trafficking, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel is also engaged in oil theft, people smuggling and extortion. As a result, it has become one of the most powerful cartels in Mexico.

What impact will his death have on the cartel?

There are a few potential scenarios, and a lot will depend on what succession plans Jalisco New Generation had in the event of Oseguera Cervantes’ capture or killing.

In general, these types of operations – in which security forces take out a cartel leader – lead to more violence, for a variety of reasons.

Mexicans have already experienced the immediate aftermath of Oseguera Cervantes’ death: retaliation attacks, blockades and official attempts to prevent civilians from going out. This is similar to what occurred after the capture of drug lord Ovidio Guzmán López in Sinaloa in 2019 and his second capture in 2023.

Violence flares in two ways following such high-profile captures and killings of cartel leaders.

In the short term, there is retaliation. At the moment, members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel are seeking revenge against Mexico’s security forces and are also trying to assert their regional authority despite El Mencho’s death.

These retaliatory campaigns tend to be violent and flashy. They include blockades as well as attacks against security forces and civilians.

Then there is the longer-term violence associated with any succession. This can take the form of those who are below Oseguera Cervantes in rank fighting for control. But it can also result from rival groups trying to take advantage of any leadership vacuum.

The level and duration of violence depend on a few factors, such as whether there was a succession plan and what kind of alliances are in place with other cartels. But generally, operations in which a cartel boss is removed lead to more violence and fragmentation of criminal groups.

Of course, people like Oseguera Cervantes who have violated laws and engaged in violence need to be captured. But in the long run, that doesn’t do anything to dismantle networks of criminality or reduce the size of their operations.

What is the current state of security in Mexico?

The upsurge in violence after Oseguera Cervantes’ killing occurs as some indicators in Mexico’s security situation seemed to be improving.

For example, homicide rates declined in 2025 – which is an important indicator of security.

But other measures are appalling. Disappearances are still unsettlingly high. The reality that many Mexicans experience on the ground is one where criminal organizations remain powerful and embedded in the local ecosystems that connect state agents, politicians and criminals in complex networks.

Criminal organizations are engaged in what we academics call “criminal governance.” They engage in a wide range of activities and regulate life in communities – sometimes coercively, but sometimes also with some degree of legitimacy from the population.

In some states like Sinaloa, despite the operations to take out cartel’s leaders, the illicit economies are still extensive and profitable. But what’s more important is that levels of violence remain high and the population is still suffering deeply.

The day-to-day reality for people in some of these regions is still one of fear.

And in the greater scheme of things, criminal networks are still very powerful – they are embedded in the country’s economy and politics, and connect to communities in complex ways.

How does the El Mencho operation fit Mexico’s strategy on cartels?

The past two governments vowed to reduce the militarization of security forces. But the power of the military in Mexico has actually expanded.

The government of President Claudia Sheinbaum wanted a big, visible hit at a time when the U.S. is pushing for more militarized policies to counter Mexico’s trafficking organizations.

But this dynamic is not new. Most U.S. and Mexican policy regarding drug trafficking organizations has historically emphasized these high-profile captures – even if it is just for short-term gains.

Violence has flared in Mexico’s Jalisco state since the death of Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes.
Arturo Montero/AFP via Getty Images

It’s easier to say “we captured a drug lord” than address broader issues of corruption or impunity. Most of the time when these cartel leaders are captured or killed, there is generally no broader justice. It isn’t accompanied with authorities investigating disappearances, murders, corruption or even necessarily halting the flow of drugs.

Captures and killings of cartel leaders serve a strategic purpose of showing that something is being done, but the effectiveness of such policies in the long run is very limited.

Of course, taking out a drug lord is not a bad thing. But if it does not come with a broader dismantling of criminal networks and an accompanying focus on justice, then the main crimes that these groups commit – homicides, disappearances and extortion – will continue to affect the daily life of people. And the effect on illicit flows is, at best, meager.

Angélica Durán-Martínez has received funding from the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation, the Social Science Research Funding and the United States Institute of Peace.

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World Baseball Classic Preview: Team Breakdowns, Top Players, Predictions

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date February 23, 2026
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Rowdy fans, superstars, late-inning drama and a competitive vibe that feels more like October than March. The 2026 World Baseball Classic will have it all. Played across two continents and composed of 20 nations, the WBC begins on March 3 and culminates with the Championship Game on March 17 in Miami. Will we see Team USA led by Aaron Judge get revenge on Shohei Ohtani and Japan after that 2023 championship classic? Or, can a talented squad like Mexico, Dominican Republic or Venezuela make a deep run? Let’s start by getting familiar with the stacked rosters in Pool A and B and break down each side. And check back each day this week as we dive into the other pools.Pool A: Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Panama, Puerto RicoPool B: Tuesday (Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, USA)Pool C: Wednesday (Australia, Chinese Taipei, Czechia, Japan, Korea)Pool D: Thursday (Dominican Republic, Israel, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Venezuela) POOL A This pool is set to take over Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from March 6–11. The hosts are the favorites to top the group, bringing its championship pedigree into a loaded five-team clash that will feature perennial contender Cuba, rising force Canada, gritty Panama and underdog Colombia. Passion, pride and powerhouse talent are sure to collide and make for an electric atmosphere. Canada Why This Team Can Make Noise: Turning down big-league talent? Too much depth? These are good problems to have for Team Canada manager Ernie Whitt, who has led the country in every WBC tournament from its inception in 2006. He’s seen Canada struggle to roster major-leaguers (and defeat Team USA, anyway, in the group stage in ‘06). This year, he’s received an all-time high interest from players with proven MLB experience to suit up for Team Canada, resulting in limited roster space and major-league talent at nearly every position. Team Canada, feeling confident about its talent depth, is on a mission to break into the quarterfinals in Miami for the first time — and it has a path to get there. Canada is competing in a Pool that, for the first time, doesn’t include the United States or Mexico, a pair of persistent adversaries that impeded its advancement in the previous five tournaments. And Team Puerto Rico is weaker than ever this year, missing a few familiar faces due to insurance issues. If Canada is going to break past the group stage for the first time ever, this is the year to do it. The Top Player(s): Brothers Josh and Bo Naylor will team up to play first base and catcher, respectively, for Team Canada. Josh Naylor, who has slugged 51 home runs over the past two seasons, is essentially replacing Freddie Freeman, who opted out from the WBC this year. Though Bo played for his native country in the last WBC, Josh is making his return to the tournament for the first time since 2017. He’s fresh off signing a five-year, $92.5 million contract with the Seattle Mariners — and his customary edge and energy will be terrific assets for Canada. Also dangerous for Team Canada: outfielder Tyler O’Neill, top prospect Owen Caissie, and pitcher Jameson Taillon. Colombia Why This Team Can Make Noise: This year marks just the third time Colombia has qualified for the tournament, and it could finally be the year Colombia sneaks past the pool stage. Colombia enjoyed just one win in the 2023 WBC — a jaw-dropping upset — when it defeated a heavily-favored Team Mexico, 5-4, in the group round. But even that result doesn’t tell the whole story. Team Colombia came mighty close to a couple more victories last time, eventually losing a nail-biter to the USA and again to Great Britain in heartbreaking fashion. Colombia is expected to fare better this year thanks to a blend of veterans and young talent on the roster. The Top Player(s): Jose Quintana. The 37-year-old southpaw has a career ERA of 3.76 pitching for eight teams since his major-league debut for the White Sox in 2012. As he gets ready to suit up for his ninth club, the Colorado Rockies, Quintana will start by leading Colombia’s rotation. He is returning to the tournament for the first time since the country’s WBC debut in 2017, when he held the USA to just one run in 5.2 innings pitched. Behind Quintana, veteran right-hander Julio Teheran will help round out Colombia’s starting staff. Cuba Why This Team Can Make Noise: The pressure is on for Team Cuba to continue its impressive streak. Cuba has advanced out of the Pool Stage in all five previous WBC tournaments, making it one of the most successful countries in the field. In order to complete this feat for a sixth time, and try to build on last time’s successful run to the semifinals before falling to the United States, Cuba will need strong pitching from its proven arms. It has a weapon in reliever Livan Moinelo, who is the reigning MVP of Japan’s Pacific League after recording a 1.46 ERA for the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks in 2025. The Top Player(s): Alfredo Despaigne. Cuba’s 39-year-old slugger is the WBC’s all-time leader in home runs with seven. Despaigne still held onto that mark after failing to clear the fences in 2023, which was the final year of his decade-plus run playing in Japan’s Western League. He returns to the international stage looking to lead Cuba’s offense, which will be without familiar faces in Yoenis Cespedes and Luis Robert Jr. Alongside Despaigne, Angels infielder Yoan Moncada will return to Cuba’s lineup after coming off a trio of injury-riddled seasons in the major leagues. Panama Why This Team Can Make Noise: Even though Panama is a baseball country, it has surprisingly struggled to place any better than 11th in the WBC’s history, and that includes failing to qualify for the tournament in consecutive tries in 2013 and ‘17. Last time, Panama was excellent in a tough Pool, going 2-2, but it didn’t advance after coming out on the losing side of an unprecedented five-way tie that was decided by fewest runs allowed per defensive out recorded. To avoid a similar fate, Panama is looking to leave no doubt about its dominance and aiming to qualify for the quarterfinals for the first time. It will roster a slew of experienced major-leaguers, including a terrific defensive infield alignment, making for an advantage in the tournament. The Top Player(s): There’s more than one standout big leaguer bringing excitement to Panama’s roster. The rotation will be led by Cleveland Guardians southpaw Logan Allen. The 27-year-old Allen, whose mother was born and raised in Panama and still has a ton of extended family in her native country, will get the nod in a huge Game 1 against Cuba. Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero will make his return to the WBC, leading the infield alongside Edmundo Soda. Johan Camargo, veteran Ruben Tejada, and catcher Miguel Amaya. Puerto Rico Why This Team Can Make Noise: Sure, Puerto Rico is weaker this WBC than in previous years without star infielders Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa and Javy Baez. But it’s still stacked with familiar MLB talents, and Puerto Rico should not be underestimated. Led by manager Yadier Molina, Puerto Rico gained another veteran in eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado, who previously played for Team USA in the 2017 and 2023 tournaments, but switched it up this year to honor his Puerto Rican-Cuban mother. While the rest of Pool A might be feeling more confident in light of Puerto Rico’s debilitated squad, the power of Bad Bunny’s support and the high-level talent from the rest of its blonde-haired roster might just be tougher to take down than anyone thinks. The Top Player(s): The proven major-league flair on Team Puerto Rico is worth highlighting. The pitching staff features Seth Lugo, Fernando Cruz, Jorge Lopez, and of course, new Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz, who is returning to the tournament after his fluke knee injury while celebrating on the mound during the 2023 WBC. Veteran catchers Martin Maldonado and Christian Vazquez will represent half of the battery. Reds shortstop prospect Edwin Arroyo will take over for Lindor in the dirt, while Arenado holds down the hot corner. Outfielders Willi Castro, Heliot Ramos, Eddie Rosario, and MJ Melendez lengthen Puerto Rico’s lineup. What Will Be The Best Game of Pool A? Every game in this pool is expected to be intense, but due to home-field advantage in front of what will definitely be a raucous crowd, Cuba vs. Puerto Rico on March 9 looks like one of the marquee matchups. Which Pool A Teams Advance To The Quarterfinals? In a bit of an upset, Canada will win Pool A. This is Canada’s best chance at advancing to the quarterfinals, and they have the star power and talent to do it. Puerto Rico, as the host country, will come close to winning the Pool Stage, but it will ultimately place as runner-up. POOL B Three years after the USA and Mexico advanced out of their pool in Phoenix at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, the teams find themselves again in the same group as the favorites in Pool B, which will take place in Houston from March 6-11. Team Italy, led by Vinnie Pasquantino and top arm Aaron Nola, will be the biggest threat to the two powerhouses of the group. Jazz Chisholm Jr. will look to help Great Britain build on its first ever WBC victory in the last tournament, while Brazil has qualified for the competition for the first time since 2013. United States Why This Team Can Make Noise: Even with Corbin Carroll injured and Tarik Skubal only expected to make one start, this is still the best team that USA has ever assembled, and it’s a group on a mission after losing to Japan in the 2023 WBC finals. Four of the top five finishers in 2025 AL MVP voting (including MVP Aaron Judge), the 2025 AL and NL home run leaders (Cal Raleigh and Kyle Schwarber), both of the reigning Cy Young Award winners (Skubal and Paul Skenes) and All-Star closer Mason Miller are among the members of the roster. The lineup is loaded at every spot, but it’s the elite rotation (Skubal, Skenes, plus 2025 All-Stars Joe Ryan, Logan Webb, Matthew Boyd and more) that really sets this year’s group apart from previous iterations and could have Team USA back on top after winning it all in 2017. The Top Player(s): It has to be the captain, Judge, who’s preparing to play in his first WBC coming off his third MVP season in the last four years. But you can take your pick here on a roster that includes 21 former All-Stars. Raleigh just blasted 60 home runs in a record season for a catcher, while Schwarber launched 56. Bobby Witt Jr. led the majors in hits each of the last two years. Skenes followed up a Rookie of the Year campaign in 2024 with a Cy Young season in 2025. Skubal is coming off back-to-back Cy Young campaigns. Webb was an All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner who finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting last season. Two-time MVP Bryce Harper, a member of Team USA’s 16U and 18U teams who was unable to suit up in the 2023 tournament due to injury, will finally make his WBC debut. On, and on and on… Mexico Why This Team Can Make Noise: It took a Munetaka Murakami walk-off double in the ninth inning for eventual champion Japan to advance past Mexico in the 2023 WBC semifinals. Mexico’s third-place finish was its best in WBC history, and much of that group will be returning in an effort to reach its first finals. Plus, Jonathan Aranda and Jarren Duran are much more accomplished hitters now than they were at the last tournament. The rotation could be this group’s Achilles’ heel, but the top half of the lineup is stellar, and the injection of new talents — All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz, All-Star backstop Alejandro Kirk, slick-fielding shortstop Joey Ortiz and former top pitching prospect Taj Bradley among them — could be enough to get this Mexico team where it hasn’t gone before. The Top Player(s): You could certainly make the case for Duran or 2025 All-Stars Kirk, Muñoz or Aranda here, but fellow 2025 All-Star Randy Arozarena will be the heartbeat of this group. He tends to find a different gear with these kinds of events, and his swagger rubs off on everyone around him. At the 2023 WBC, Arozarena mesmerized with his glove and excelled with his bat. He was arguably the best hitter in the tournament, registering a 1.507 OPS while roping six doubles and a home run in six games. Italy Why This Team Can Make Noise: Team Italy has made it to the quarterfinals of the WBC twice, including at the 2023 tournament after beating Cuba and the Netherlands in pool play. Going 2-2 probably won’t be good enough to advance this time in a pool that includes USA and Mexico, but the additions of MLB veterans Aaron Nola and Michael Lorenzen in the rotation to go with a lineup filled with promising big-league talent and recent top prospects — a group that includes Royals teammates Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone, White Sox catcher Kyle Teel, Marlins outfielder Jakob Marsee and Mariners outfielder Dominic Canzone — gives the Italians a chance to make a run. They could be riding the momentum of wins against Brazil and Great Britain before having to face the top teams in the group, at which point an upset could be brewing. The Top Player(s): Nola’s coming off his worst year as a big-leaguer, but he’s the best starting pitcher that Italy has taken into the tournament. Pasquantino, who slugged 32 homers last year, is the most accomplished hitter in a young lineup that offers tremendous upside. Marsee (24), Teel (24) and Canzone (28) each hit better than 20% above league average last season, and Caglianone — the No. 6 overall pick in 2024 — offers prodigious power potential. He struggled in his first taste of the majors last year, but he hit 20 home runs in 66 minor-league games before the call-up. Great Britain Why This Team Can Make Noise: This was one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the last tournament, as Great Britain’s players fully leaned into the joy of the competition by celebrating every clutch hit by pretending to sip tea on the basepaths. There were many reasons to celebrate, not only because Great Britain upset Colombia to win its first ever WBC game but also because the Brits scored eight runs against Canada and took a tie game into the seventh against Mexico. The arrow is pointing up on this group, which, even beyond star Jazz Chisholm Jr., is full of players who are either in affiliated baseball now or have MLB experience. One interesting side note: Beck brothers Tristan (a Giants reliever) and Brendan (a Yankees minor leaguer starter), whose mother is from Great Britain, will be playing together for the first time since they were college teammates at Stanford in 2018. “I think we can surprise some people,” Tristan told me. The Top Player(s): Chisholm, one of multiple Bahamian talents on the Great Britain roster — a group that also includes D-backs outfield prospect Kristian Robinson, who had an .862 OPS at Triple-A Reno last year — is coming off a 30-30 season with the Yankees and is the best player that the Brits will have ever taken into the tournament. He’ll be co-captain with Nationals prospect Harry Ford, who homered twice in the 2023 tournament and has a chance to be Washington’s catcher in 2026 after making his MLB debut with the Mariners last season. Ford had an .868 OPS at Triple-A Tacoma in 2025. Brazil Why This Team Can Make Noise: Making their second trip ever to the WBC, Brazil lacks the MLB talent of other teams in this pool; however, it does not lack the MLB bloodlines. Team Brazil has three players who are the sons of accomplished MLB veterans in Dante Bichette Jr., Lucas Ramirez (Manny Ramirez’s son) and 17-year-old Joseph Contreras (Jose Contreras’ son). Of that trio, Ramirez, a 17th-round pick of the Angels in 2024, is an intriguing name to watch after going 5-for-13 in last year’s qualifier. Brazil won the qualifier in Tucson last March to make the tournament for the first time since 2013, when it went winless but nearly stunned Japan in Tokyo in a 5-3 defeat. Perhaps they have one upset in them. The Top Player(s): In that 2013 loss to Japan, Leonardo Reginatto went 3-for-4 and knocked in two runs. Fast-forward 12 years, and the Brazilian infielder hit .385 with four RBI in the Tucson Qualifier last year to help get Brazil back to the WBC. The 35-year-old, who made it to Triple-A in the Twins’ organization in 2018 and has appeared in every WBC and qualifying game that Brazil has ever played in, had an .862 OPS in the Mexican League in 2025. What Will Be The Best Game of Pool B? USA vs. Mexico. In pool play three years ago, Mexico jumped out to a 7-1 lead on the United States after four innings behind two Joey Meneses home runs and never looked back while cruising to an 11-5 win. Both teams ultimately advanced out of the pool, which is the likeliest outcome again, but that will surely be on USA’s mind this time around. Which Pool B Teams Advance To The Quarterfinals? This pool should end with a flourish, as it’s likely that the last two games on the docket — USA vs. Mexico on March 10 followed by Mexico vs. Italy on March 11 — decide which teams move forward. Team USA sweeps to win Pool A, while Mexico and Italy enter the final game of pool play in a win-or-go-home matchup. For the second straight tournament, the U.S. and Mexico move forward.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

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Marcus Samuelsson’s Favorite Fried Fish Sandwich Is Found On This Atlantic Island

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Post date February 23, 2026
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Post date February 23, 2026
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This State Led In Bourbon Production Before Kentucky Took The Reins

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Post date February 23, 2026
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Heidi Klum Details Being Told She Was “Not Sexy” While Pregnant

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Post date February 23, 2026
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