Tropang Giga and Gin Kings battle for series upper hand in Game 3

March 17, 2025 | 7:22 pm

TNT TROPANG GIGA — FACEBOOK.COM/PBAOFFICIAL

AFTER FAILING to convert his last-gasp attempt at the game-winner against a wall of defenders, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (RHJ) lay down on the floor for extra seconds, absorbing the missed opportunity to steal Game 2 for TNT.

His teammates went over to RHJ’s spot and encircled him, letting their beloved import know that everything’s fine despite the 70-71 loss that enabled Ginebra to tie the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals at 1-1.

“We ‘live and die’ for RHJ,” said RR Pogoy, expressing Tropang Giga’s immense faith in the two-time Best Import that helped them to two Governors’ Cup titles.

With Ginebra erasing TNT’s three-point cushion and going up by one on a four-point cluster from Justin Brownlee, the Tropang Giga put the ball in the hands of the ever-reliable Mr. Hollis-Jefferson.

But this time, it didn’t work out the way it normally did.

Hounded by the double-team of Stephen Holt and Scottie Thompson, RHJ couldn’t launch a decent shot and beat the buzzer with 32.5 seconds left.

TNT managed to retrieve possession on a steal by Calvin Oftana on the other end, giving themselves 7.3 ticks to execute a final offensive. RHJ received the inbounds pass from Mr. Pogoy, dribbled closer to the basket as Mr. Thompson joined primary defender Mr. Holt and disturbed the TNT import’s ball control, leaving him little room and time space as he shot an off-balanced jumper.

“I’ll probably watch that shot 20 times. You know, the last two or three possessions I didn’t even get a shot on? That’s on me,” Mr. Hollis-Jefferson said.

“I mean, that’s something I want to get better at, learn from it, grow from it. I’ll watch it. I’m not afraid to see where I messed up, where I made a mistake. Hopefully (Coach) Chot (Reyes) calls me out on it. I’m good with that. So it’s all about getting better.”

The counter-adjustments and counter-counter-adjustments continue on Wednesday as TNT and Ginebra battle for control of the race-to-four finale in Game 3 at the PhilSports Arena. — Olmin Leyba

Russian teen Andreeva beats top seed Sabalenka to claim Indian Wells title

March 17, 2025 | 7:21 pm

RUSSIAN teenager Mirra Andreeva fought back to overcome world number one Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the Indian Wells final on Sunday, winning a second WTA 1000-level event in a row to keep her charmed year on track.

The 17-year-old Andreeva, the youngest women’s champion at the tournament since Serena Williams in 1999, found her form midway through the match and crumpled to the ground in celebration after closing it out with a forehand winner.

Top seed Sabalenka pulled herself out of a slump to bring some of her best tennis to the California desert this year and got off to a hot start on Sunday but her form unraveled as the match wore on and she was left to rue missed opportunities.

“I would like to thank myself for fighting until the end and for always believing in me and for never quitting,” Andreeva said at the trophy ceremony.

“I was running like a rabbit today because Aryna, she’s been sending bullets and it was really hard to just keep up.”

Andreeva had lost to Sabalenka twice this year and it looked as though the pattern would continue as the top-seeded Belarusian mixed some nifty drop shots with her usual forehand power to save four break points in the third game.

Sabalenka sent a backhand winner down the line to break in the fourth game and four games later a visibly frustrated Andreeva whacked a ball into the stands after sending a shot into the net as the Russian was broken again.

The teenager got a confidence boost in the second set, however, when she broke Sabalenka with a forehand winner in the third game and fended off two break points in the sixth.

After trading breaks to open the third set, Sabalenka’s errors began to pile up and she fired into the net on break point in the third game to give the ninth seed the advantage.

‘MORE AGGRESSIVE’
“After the first set, I just realized, that, ‘oh, well, what I do now, it doesn’t work, so I have to change something,’” Andreeva told reporters.

“In the second set, I tried to play a little bit more aggressive. I didn’t try to over hit her, because I don’t think anyone can over hit Aryna, because she’s super-powerful player.

“I tried to really, I don’t know, create something to make her uncomfortable, and, you know, point-by-point, game-by-game, I managed to do that.”

Gracious in defeat, 2023 runner-up Sabalenka brought her trademark sense of humor to the trophy ceremony, while holding onto the petite consolation prize.

“I kind of have a love-hate relationship with this place. I’ll just put this trophy on top of another one and pretend it’s the trophy for the winning,” said Sabalenka.

“It’s going to be a quite similar size, you know?”

The win on Sunday sees Andreeva continue her meteoric rise, after she partnered with coach Conchita Martinez a year ago, as she recorded her fifth straight win over a top-10 player.

Former world number two Martinez guided Andreeva into the French Open semifinals last year and helped steer her into the world’s top 10 with her triumph in Dubai last month.

Andreeva, who downed twice champion Iga Swiatek in the semifinals, heaped praise on her team in her victory speech and later told reporters they were “super protective” of her. — Reuters

Trump trade war to sap Canadian, Mexican and US growth, OECD says

March 17, 2025 | 6:19 pm

PARIS — President Donald Trump’s tariff hikes will drag down growth in Canada, Mexico and the United States while driving up inflation, the OECD forecast on Monday, cutting its global economic outlook and warning that a broader trade war would sap growth further.

In the case of a generalised trade shock, not only will US households pay a high direct price, but the likely economic slowdown will cost the United States more than the extra income the tariffs are supposed to generate, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development estimated in its interim outlook.

Global growth is on course to slow slightly from 3.2% in 2024 to 3.1% in 2025 and 3.0% in 2026, the Paris-based policy forum said, cutting its projections from 3.3% for both this year and next in its previous economic outlook, issued in December.

But the global picture masked divergences among major economies with resilience in some big emerging markets like China helping to make up for a marked slowdown in North America.

The proliferation of tariff hikes would weigh on global business investment and boost inflation, leaving central banks little choice but to keep interest rates higher for longer than previously expected, the OECD said.

The organisation updated its forecasts assuming tariffs between the United States and its neighbours are raised an extra 25 percentage points on almost all goods imports from April.

As a result, US economic growth was seen slowing this year to 2.2% before losing more steam next year to only 1.6%, the OECD said, cutting its forecasts from 2.4% and 2.1% previously.

But the Mexican economy would be hit hardest by the tariff hikes, contracting 1.3% this year and a further 0.6% next year instead of growing 1.2% and 1.6% as previously expected.

Canada’s growth rate would slow to 0.7% this year and next, well below the 2% previously forecast for both years.

TRADE WAR FALLOUT
With less direct exposure to the trade war for now, the euro area economy was seen gaining momentum this year with 1.0% growth and reaching 1.2% next year, although that was down from previous forecasts for 1.3% and 1.5% respectively.

Stronger government support for Chinese growth would help offset the impact of higher tariffs in the world’s second-biggest economy, the OECD said, forecasting 4.8% growth in 2025 – up from 4.7% – before slowing to 4.4% in 2026 – unchanged from the previous estimate.

However, the OECD said the global outlook would be much worse if Washington escalates the trade war by raising tariffs on all non-commodity imports and its trade partners do the same.

It estimated an increase in bilateral tariffs permanently by 10 percentage points would shave around 0.3 percentage points off global growth by the second and third years of the shock, while global inflation would be on average 0.4 percentage points higher over the first three years.

In such a scenario, the US economy would suffer a significant hit, with growth 0.7 percentage points lower than what it otherwise would have been by the third year. The direct cost to US households could be as much as $1,600 each.

The financial cost from the economic drag from tariffs would also offset any extra income they generate for the public coffers, which means they would be insufficient to pay for lowering other taxes as the US administration has planned. — Reuters

Skip the long lines: Pioneer Insurance shares convenient vehicle registration renewal without LTO visits

March 17, 2025 | 6:00 pm

Pioneer Insurance calls on vehicle owners to get the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-mandated Compulsory Third Party Liability (CTPL) insurance online, making it convenient for them to complete their registration renewals through the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS).

Pioneer Insurance Motor Department Head Iluminado Garcia III shared the importance of simplifying the renewal process and emphasized that CTPL insurance is available online via Pioneer InsureShop.

“In a country with one of the worst traffic in the world, time is of the essence for vehicle owners. When it is time to renew their vehicle registration, owners can skip the lines and complete the process online, allowing more time for things that matter most,” he said.

Insights on CTPL Insurance

CTPL insurance is a mandatory requirement for LTO vehicle registration. It provides coverage of up to P200,000 in the event of accidents that result in third-party bodily injury or death, which may be used to cover burial or funeral expenses, hospital treatment, or as cash assistance for permanent disablement.

Mr. Garcia further pointed out that “many are unaware of the full benefits CTPL provides, often viewing it merely as a requirement for LTO motor vehicle registration that needs to be accomplished mindlessly. Many car owners also showed minimal concern about the legitimacy of their insurance providers.”

While the Insurance Commission has a set pricing for CTPL, many sellers tend to overprice or underprice their rates. As a result, vehicle owners unknowingly end up paying more than they should or are left with unreliable claims servicing after an accident.

With this, Mr. Garcia reiterated, “Given the rise in road accidents, it’s crucial for vehicle owners, drivers, or even pedestrians, to fully understand the benefits of CTPL and how to get it at the right price. It is more than just a requirement. It’s a financial backup.”

Traditional vs online process

Traditionally, renewing a vehicle’s registration involves multiple steps, including getting a vehicle inspection, visiting the LTO in person to submit paperwork, paying renewal fees, and collecting the new Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR).

However, for vehicles already registered with the LTMS, owners can now complete the process online eliminating the need to visit an LTO office.

The online vehicle registration renewal process starts with purchasing the required CTPL insurance.

Once completed, the Certificate of Coverage (COC) is sent via email and must be uploaded to the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS).

Vehicle owners should then verify if their vehicle is listed in their LTMS account by logging into https://portal.lto.gov.ph.

Next, the vehicle must undergo inspection at a Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC) to ensure roadworthiness and emissions compliance.

If the vehicle passes, the PMVIC submits the inspection report directly to LTMS. Owners must then confirm their COC and Inspection Report Number through the LTMS portal before proceeding with the payment of any remaining fees via the system’s secure online payment platform.

Once the transaction is completed, the new Official Receipt (OR) can be downloaded and printed as proof of successful registration renewal. This document should be kept for future reference.

Pioneer’s solution

Mr. Garcia shares an innovative solution from Pioneer, “We offer CTPL that is authenticated by the LTO, ensuring it meets regulatory standards. It is available online via Pioneer InsureShop and follows the exact rates set by the Insurance Commission, making it a reliable and convenient option for vehicle owners.”

Through Pioneer InsureShop and the LTMS portal, motorists can complete their vehicle registration renewal process efficiently and find confidence that their insurance will respond in case of a claim.

“No long lines and unnecessary costs to worry about,” Mr. Garcia said.

Pioneer CTPL is available online at https://bit.ly/PioneerInsureShopCTPL.

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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[B-SIDE Podcast] Responsible pet ownership, immediate medical attention can reduce rabies fatalities

March 17, 2025 | 4:17 pm

Follow us on Spotify BusinessWorld B-Side

In this B-Side episode, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health’s Dr. Vincent C. Casimero and Dr. Niko H. Ylagan talk about Rabies Prevention Month, the causes and transmission of rabies, plus the protocol for handling animal bites and scratches.

Follow us on Spotify BusinessWorld B-Side

Interview by Patricia Mirasol
Audio editing by Jayson Mariñas

SM City Caloocan: Where every day feels like a celebration

March 17, 2025 | 4:00 pm

Step into a world where excitement meets convenience at SM City Caloocan — your ultimate lifestyle destination offering EVERYDAY FUN FOR EVERYONE! Whether you’re shopping for the latest fashion, indulging in delicious eats, or seeking thrilling entertainment, there’s something for every mood and moment.

Everyday Retail Wonderland: Where Fashion & Lifestyle Collide

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Strut into the season with confidence and flair at SM City Caloocan’s hottest fashion destinations! Whether you’re channeling effortless chic with Penshoppe and For Me, unleashing bold street-style vibes with Oxgn, or embracing athleisure perfection with New Balance and Crocs, your fashion game is about to level up. Elevate your ensemble with statement accessories from Casio or discover sleek, contemporary must-haves at Memo. From everyday essentials to show-stopping pieces, SM City Caloocan is your runway waiting to happen!

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Everyday Foodie Paradise: Savor Every Bite

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Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavors at SM City Caloocan! Indulge in the rich umami goodness of Shokudo, where every bite of sushi, ramen, and donburi transports you straight to Japan. Cozy up with a cup of artisanal coffee at Mahiwaga Café, where each sip comes with a delightful touch of mystery. Craving something vibrant and refreshing? Smashing Lemons brings a burst of citrusy zest and bold flavors that will awaken your senses. If you’re in the mood for an elevated yet relaxed dining experience, Elliot Bar & Restaurant serves up a menu that perfectly balances comfort and sophistication.

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Classic flavors never go out of style — Conti’s offers its signature savory pies and decadent cakes, while Classic Savory delivers that nostalgic, home-cooked goodness in every dish. And for the ultimate sweet ending, sink your teeth into the pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts at Krispy Kreme — a treat so irresistible, one bite is never enough!

Everyday Entertainment & Leisure Hub: Where Every Moment is an Adventure

Get ready for nonstop excitement at SM City Caloocan, where fun knows no limits! Dive into the world of cinema at SM Cinema, where larger-than-life screens and immersive sound transport you straight into the heart of the action. Whether it’s a thrilling blockbuster or a heartwarming family film, every screening is a front-row experience to remember.

For little explorers, Kidzoona is a wonderland of imagination and adventure, packed with interactive play zones that keep young minds engaged and entertained. Looking for something more spontaneous? From live performances to special events, SM City Caloocan keeps the energy alive with surprises at every corner. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a laid-back escape, there’s never a dull moment here!

Everyday Pampering: Your Oasis of Relaxation

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Step into a world of pure relaxation at SM City Caloocan, where self-care takes center stage. Let your stress melt away with a rejuvenating skincare session at Seoul Skin, where expert treatments leave you feeling fresh and radiant. Experience the ultimate in silky smoothness with Lay Bare, where every session is designed for comfort and confidence. Need a little extra pampering? Home Care Express offers soothing treatments that will leave you refreshed and recharged. Whether you’re indulging in a little me-time or preparing for a special day, SM City Caloocan is your sanctuary for relaxation and beauty.

EVERYDAY FUN FOR EVERYONE — ONLY AT SM CITY CALOOCAN!

More than just a shopping mall, SM City Caloocan is your everyday lifestyle playground — where fashion meets flavor, entertainment meets excitement, and self-care meets indulgence. Whether you’re exploring the latest trends, discovering new dining experiences, or simply unwinding in style, there’s always something to look forward to. Visit SM City Caloocan today and make every day extraordinary!

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Fast-fashion retailer Forever 21 files for bankruptcy

March 17, 2025 | 12:20 pm

Fast-fashion retailer Forever 21’s U.S. operating company on Sunday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in six years, hamstrung by dwindling mall traffic and mounting competition from online retailers.

The company said it will conduct liquidation sales at its stores while simultaneously conducting a court supervised sale and marketing process for some or all of its assets.

In the event of a successful sale, Forever 21 said it may pivot away from a full wind down of operations to facilitate a going-concern transaction.

The company said its stores and website in the United States will remain open and continue serving customers, and that its international stores remain unaffected.

Forever 21 listed its estimated assets in the range of $100 million to $500 million, according to a filing with bankruptcy court in the District of Delaware, with liabilities being in the range of $1 billion to $5 billion. The filing also showed creditors in the range of 10,001 to 25,000. – Reuters

South Korea calls to avoid impact on US cooperation after ‘sensitive’ country designation

March 17, 2025 | 11:53 am

korean-flag-2470351_1280 — STOCK PHOTO | Image by HeungSoon from Pixabay

SEOUL – South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok called on Monday to avoid any negative impact on science, technology and energy cooperation with the United States, after the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) designated South Korea as a ‘sensitive’ country.

The U.S. department has not explained why South Korea was added to the list, which can cause curbs on cooperation, though a DOE spokesperson said Seoul faced no new limits on bilateral cooperation in science and technology from the designation.

In a statement relayed by the finance ministry after a ministerial meeting, Choi called on South Korean agencies to actively foster understanding with Washington, and for the industry minister to meet with the U.S. Secretary of Energy this week.

Despite the DOE assurances over bilateral cooperation not being impacted, politicians in Seoul have traded blame over the sensitive country designation.

The main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung on Monday criticised the current South Korean government, calling the U.S. move a “perfect diplomatic failure” which is feared could limit cooperation between the countries in the high-tech field.

Ruling party lawmaker Kwon Young-se, however, criticized the Democratic Party which controls parliament, for pushing anti-U.S. sentiment and excessively impeaching government officials including President Yoon Suk Yeol, a move that Kwon said was the biggest cause of the sensitive country designation.

According to the DOE’s website, countries may appear on the sensitive country list for reasons such as national security, nuclear nonproliferation, regional instability, threats to national economic security, or terrorism support. – Reuters

China’s Jan-Feb industrial output slows, retail sales growth picks up speed

March 17, 2025 | 11:47 am

BEIJING – China’s industrial output slowed in January-February, while retail sales growth accelerated slightly in a mixed start for the economy this year as policymakers navigate mounting pressure from U.S. trade tariffs.

The data followed weaker-than-expected exports and inflation indicators earlier this month, as a burst of U.S. trade tariffs against key trading partners including China threatens to upend the global trade order and highlights the need for more policy support to foster a sustainable economic recovery.

China’s top leaders have maintained an economic growth target of “around 5%” for 2025, but analysts say that may be a tall order given pressure on exports, tepid household demand and a protracted property crisis.

“The data release suggests a decent momentum in the opening months, even if the economy remains in deflation,” said Tianchen Xu, senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit.

“Retail sales growth was decent, too, reflecting the vital role of subsidies in supporting home appliance and mobile phone sales.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has piled an additional 20% of tariffs on all Chinese goods and is threatening more action. Exports were one of the lone bright spots for China’s economy last year.

China’s industrial output grew 5.9% year-on-year in the first two months, slowing from the 6.2% expansion in December, according to the data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). However, it was ahead of expectations for a 5.3% rise in a Reuters poll of 26 analysts.

Retail sales, a gauge of consumption, rose 4.0% in the January-February period, better than a 3.7% rise in December and marking the quickest rate since November 2024. Analysts had expected retail sales to grow 4.0%.

Household consumption in the first two months were buoyed by holiday spending during the 8-day Lunar New Year holidays, when China’s box office raked in record takings with animated hit “Nezha 2”.

China publishes data for the two months in a combined release to smooth out the impact of the Lunar New Year holidays, which fall in either of the two months.

In the annual parliament meeting earlier this month, China’s leaders pledged stronger fiscal and monetary support for the economy.

Policymakers have put expanding domestic demand as the top priority this year. Among other measures, they have lined up 300 billion yuan ($41.5 billion) for a recently-expanded consumer goods trade-in scheme for electric vehicles, appliances and other goods.

On Sunday, China’s State Council unveiled a “special action plan” to boost domestic consumption, featuring measures including increasing residents’ income and establishing a childcare subsidy scheme.

Officials from the country’s top economic ministries will brief media on consumption-boosting measures later on Monday.

The urban survey-based jobless rate in February climbed to 5.4%, the highest in two years.

Fixed asset investment, which includes property and infrastructure investment, expanded 4.1% in the Jan-Feb period from the same period a year earlier, versus expectations for a 3.6% rise. It grew 3.2% in 2024. – Reuters

Russia demands ‘ironclad’ guarantees in peace treaty with Ukraine

March 17, 2025 | 11:44 am

Ukraine-Russia-flag-toy soldiers — Army soldier figurines are displayed in front of the Ukrainian and Russian flag colors background in this illustration taken, Feb. 13, 2022. — REUTERS/DADO RUVIC/ILLUSTRATION

Russia will seek “ironclad” guarantees in any peace deal on Ukraine that NATO nations will exclude Kyiv from membership and that Ukraine will remain neutral, a Russian deputy foreign minister said in remarks published on Monday.

U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to win President Vladimir Putin’s support for a 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine accepted last week and which Putin says needs to meet crucial conditions to be acceptable.

Mr. Trump is expected to speak with Mr. Putin this week on ways to end the three-year war in Ukraine, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN on Sunday after returning from what he described as a “positive” meeting with Mr. Putin in Moscow.

In a broad-ranging interview with the Russian media outlet Izvestia that made no reference to the ceasefire proposal, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said that any long-lasting peace treaty on Ukraine must meet Moscow’s demands.

“We will demand that ironclad security guarantees become part of this agreement,” Izvestia cited Mr. Grushko as saying.

“Part of these guarantees should be the neutral status of Ukraine, the refusal of NATO countries to accept it into the alliance.”

Moscow is categorically against the deployment of NATO observers to Ukraine, Mr. Grushko also reiterated the Kremlin’s position.

Britain and France both have said that they were willing to send a peacekeeping force to monitor any ceasefire in Ukraine. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his country was also open to requests.

“It does not matter under what label NATO contingents were to be deployed on Ukrainian territory: be it the European Union, NATO, or in a national capacity,” Mr. Grushko said.

“If they appear there, it means that they are deployed in the conflict zone with all the consequences for these contingents as parties to the conflict.”

Mr. Grushko said that a deployment of unarmed post-conflict observers can be discussed only once a peace agreement is worked out.

“We can talk about unarmed observers, a civilian mission that would monitor the implementation of individual aspects of this agreement, or guarantee mechanisms,” Mr. Grushko said. “In the meantime, it’s just hot air.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said in remarks published on Sunday that the stationing of peacekeeping troops in Ukraine is a question for Kyiv to decide and not Moscow.

Mr. Grushko said that European allies of Kyiv should understand that only the exclusion of Ukraine’s membership in NATO and the elimination of the possibility of deploying foreign military contingents on its territory will work for the region.

“Then the security of Ukraine and the entire region in a broader sense will be ensured, since one of the root causes of the conflict will be eliminated,” Mr. Grushko said. – Reuters

Japan PM Ishiba’s cabinet approval hits record low, Asahi reports

March 17, 2025 | 11:35 am

TOKYO – Public support for Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s government dropped to a record low after he handed out gift vouchers to some ruling party lawmakers, a poll conducted by the Asahi newspaper showed on Monday.

The approval rating slid 14 percentage points to 26% from the previous survey done in February, the worst since Mr. Ishiba took the office last October, according to the March 15-16 poll by the Asahi.

Other polls done by the Yomiuri newspaper and the Mainichi newspaper over the weekend also showed public approval for the Mr. Ishiba’s cabinet fell to a record low.

Mr. Ishiba found himself in a hot water as he handed out gift vouchers worth 100,000 yen ($673) each to 15 first-term lower house lawmakers of his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) earlier this month, drawing criticism as it could violate a political law.

Speaking in parliament, Mr. Ishiba said he used “pocket money” to hand out gift certificates to the lawmakers before having dinner with them on March 3 as a “show of appreciation” for their hard work getting elected.

The premier said the gift handout didn’t violate a political fund law but apologized for his action caused “distrust and anger among many people.”

All of the 15 lawmakers returned the gift vouchers to the Mr. Ishiba’s office, according to Japanese media.

The slide in opinion polls could be a blow to Mr. Ishiba’s leadership ahead of an upper house election slated for July, and comes at a time when Japan’s economy faces headwinds from the escalating trade war waged by U.S. President Donald Trump. – Reuters

US death toll from extreme weather over the weekend rises to 36

March 17, 2025 | 11:33 am

cyclone-2102397_1280 — STOCK PHOTO | pixabay.com

Portions of Pennsylvania, New York and Mid-Atlantic and Southeast states were still under a National Weather Service watch for damaging wind and tornadoes, as the death toll from weekend storms rose to 36 people across six states.

In a White House statement, President Donald Trump said he was monitoring the tornadoes and storms, adding “36 innocent lives have been lost, and many more devastated.”

Mr. Trump announced the National Guard had been deployed to Arkansas and pledged help to state and local officials.

The storms that hit the South and the Midwest headed east on Sunday. More than 340,000 consumers had no power in the affected areas as of late afternoon on Sunday, according to the website PowerOutage.

Missouri reported the largest number of deaths, 12 fatalities spanning five counties, the state’s highway patrol posted on X. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe said there was still one person missing in the state, which saw widespread destruction across 27 counties.

Robbie Myers, the director of emergency management in Missouri’s Butler County, told reporters that more than 500 homes, a church and a grocery store in the county were destroyed. A mobile home park had been “totally destroyed,” he said.

“Everything around it here is really bad,” Missouri resident Rick Brittingham told Reuters from Butler County. “The trailer park up the street had fatalities. So, I mean, we don’t have nothing compared to anything like that. I still have a home. They don’t.”

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves posted on X that six deaths had been reported in the state – one in Covington County, two in Jefferson Davis County and three in Walthall County.

According to preliminary assessments, 29 people were injured statewide and 21 counties sustained storm damage, Reeves said.

In Arkansas, three deaths occurred, the state’s Department of Emergency Management said, adding that there were 32 injuries.

Eight deaths were confirmed in a crash involving more than 50 cars in Sherman County in Kansas, caused by a severe dust storm, the Kansas Highway Patrol said in a statement. Many injured travelers were taken to local hospitals.

At least two people died in Alabama due to the severe weather, Governor Kay Ivey said in a post on X. “We have reports of damage in 52 of our 67 counties,” the governor said.

Crashes caused by dust storms near Amarillo, Texas, resulted in three deaths, according to the state’s Department of Public Safety.

Thirty-nine tornadoes were reported from Friday to midday on Sunday, but the number was not yet confirmed, according to the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center. – Reuters