On this day in 1862, the first battle between ironclad ships took place during the Battle of Hampton Roads in Virginia. The U.S.S. Monitor ran off the Confederate C.S.S. Virginia (formerly the Merrimac) after a four-hour exchange of cannon fire.
The Battle of Hampton Roads, also known as the Battle of the ironclads, occurred on March 9, 1862 between the U.S.S. Monitor and the Merrimack (C.S.S. Virginia) during the American Civil War (1861-65) and was history’s first naval battle between ironclad warships.It was part of a Confederate effort to break the Union blockade of Southern ports, including Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia, that had been imposed at the start of the war. Though the battle itself was inconclusive, it began a new era in naval warfare.
Though they had short lives, the naval battle between the two ironclads ushered in a new era in naval warfare. By the end of the Civil War, the Confederacy and Union launched over 70 ironclads, signaling the end of wooden warships.
Hackman Died of Heart Disease, Wife From Hantavirus
Forensic experts have concluded that actor Gene Hackman died of heart disease with complications from Alzheimer’s disease, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died of a rodent-borne disease at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The remains of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were discovered on Feb. 26. Authorities revealed that Arakawa likely died on Feb. 11 at home from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Hackman, in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, apparently was unaware that his wife was dead. Hackman’s pacemaker last showed signs of activity a week later, Feb. 18, the day he likely died.
The couple’s dog, Zinna, was found dead in a crate about 10 to 15 feet from Arakawa’s body. Their two other dogs—Bear and Nikki – were found alive.
Columbia University to Address Antisemitism
Columbia University Interim President Katrina Armstrong conceded that the federal government has “legitimate concerns” as it cuts hundreds of millions of dollars in funding over antisemitism at the Ivy League school.
The reaction comes one day after a federal task force convened by President Trump axed roughly $400 million in grants and contracts, citing the school’s noncompliance with anti-discrimination laws.
Armstrong wrote a letter to the Columbia community Friday, expressing her commitment to work with the federal government and take action to combat antisemitism on the campus. She acknowledged that the cancellation of funds would immediately impact students, faculty, staff, research, and patient care.
Noem Seeks Prosecution of Two Raid Leakers
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Friday that DHS has identified two “criminal leakers” within its ranks and will refer them to the Department of Justice for felony prosecutions.
Noem made the announcement in a video, saying two people “have been telling individuals about our operations and putting law enforcement lives in jeopardy.”
One leak reportedly allowed alleged members of Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua to evade capture by ICE agents in Aurora, CO last month. Another immigration operation was reportedly compromised in Southern California in late February.